Page:The New View of Hell.djvu/189

 up the dead to eternal life, and afterwards, if their souls be of such a character as to render it possible, to introduce them into heaven. In the performance of these offices they experience an unspeakable delight. Thus they are images of the Lord, for they love their neighbor more than themselves; and where this feeling exists, there is heaven. Angelic happiness, therefore, is in use, from use, and according to use; or in other words, it is according to the goods of love and charity. . ..

"Some of the best educated [who were met with in the other world], declared heavenly joy to consist in a life separated from the good offices of charity and in merely praising and worshiping the Lord,—calling this an active life. They were told, however, that praising and worshiping the Lord, is not such an active life, but the effect of such life; for the Lord has no need of men's praises, but desires that they perform the good works of charity. According as they do these, they receive happiness from the Lord. Yet these most learned spirits could have no idea of delight, but of servitude, in these good works of charity; but the angels testified that such good offices are compatible with the most perfect freedom, and attended with inexpressible felicity."—Arcana Cœlestia 454, 456.

Again he says:

"Charity is nothing unless it manifests itself in works of charity. It exists only in exercise, or in the performance of uses. He who loves his neighbor as himself,