Page:The Doctrines of the New Church Briefly Explained.djvu/251

Rh righteous "entering into his rest" (iv, 9, 10). And it is said in the Revelation that "the dead who die in the Lord," are "blessed," and that they "rest from their labors" (xiv. 13). Putting a merely sensuous interpretation upon passages like these, Christians have concluded that in heaven there will be a total cessation from every kind of work, and that the "rest" of which the Bible speaks, is the rest of inaction; consequently that the life of the saints in heaven will be an eternal Sabbath, somewhat after the Jewish or Puritan type.

Contrary to this, the writings of the New Church teach that there are innumerable employments in heaven—so many, indeed, that "those on earth are comparatively few." But they are all spiritual employments, that is, employments having regard to the spiritual protection, guidance, progress and edification of human beings, in both worlds. Every one is there engaged in the particular work which he loves, and which his special gifts qualify him to do best; and he works at it, not unwillingly nor from a selfish love of honor or gain, but from love of and delight in the use; and "when use is spoken of, the Lord also is meant, because use is good, and good is from the Lord." Swedenborg says:

"All in heaven are in the delight of their occupation, and labor from the love of use, and no one