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 determine a man's real character, are generally concealed in this world, but fully disclosed in the world of spirits; for the seer assures us that "all men without exception are let into this state [the state of their interiors] after death, because it is the genuine state of their spirits." And before they are let into this state, or so long as the hidden things of the heart remain hidden, their real character cannot be known. Their motives cannot be seen, and therefore their true quality cannot, with certainty, be determined. But "when spirits are in this second state [i. e., the state of their interiors], it appears without disguise what they really were when they were in the world; for they publish everything which they had done or said in secret, because external things no longer restrain them." (H. H. 507.) Then "the children of the kingdom" can easily be distinguished from "the children of the wicked one;" or those who are, from those who are not, of the Lord's true church.

The Scripture further teaches that it is not safe to rely upon men's professions, because these professions are never a sure index to the quality of life within. It teaches that men may "draw nigh unto God with their mouths, and honor Him with their lips, while their hearts are far from Him." It teaches that there are those who make loud professions—who cry, "Lord, Lord,"—but will never enter into the heavenly kingdom, because,