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 them, to the end that thus the mind may be brought into a state of heavenly order, and so be fitted for heaven, that is, for the society of angels, after death. The truth, that the commandments are laws of Divine and heavenly order, is evident from the fact, that they are laws of love,—either directing what is in agreement with love, or forbidding what is opposed to love. For instance, the two great commandments, which it is declared are a summary of them all, are, "to love the Lord above all things, and to love our neighbor as ourselves;" thus, they are simply laws of love. The reason why this is so, is because God Himself, from whom they are derived, is essential Love; and heaven, also, which is formed from and by Him, is essentially a state of love: and we are required to keep these laws or commandments, that so our minds may be brought into a state of love, and thus be fitted for heaven.

In this view, we may see how impossible it is for one, who has not lived according to the Divine commandments, to be received into heaven after death. We will suppose a case. A man, for instance, is avaricious, a lover of money, constantly seeking how he may get rich, and not caring what becomes of others, so that he gains his end; secretly defrauding when he can, dishonest in his dealings, taking advantage of his neighbor at every opportunity,—in a word, what is called a "sharp" and "pushing" man of business, who always looks out for himself and for "the main chance." We will suppose him respectable in the world's eyes, successful in business, well to do in the world. He also attends church regularly, for respectability's and appearance' sake. He gets on, grows rich, is flattered and honored, and looked up to, as a