Page:The astral world, higher occult powers; (IA astralworldhighe00tiff).pdf/67

 *versal humanity, has not yet come to the true plane of charity, is not qualified to occupy a high position in this second sphere.

I might illustrate in a variety of ways how it is that man apologizes to himself for being selfish. Here is a constitution, and there a law, and there a public sentiment demanding that a human being should be crushed; and he turns his back to humanity and God and bows to the Constitution. Such a man has not the love of humanity in his bosom; he loves that which is respectable and strong, and which may be of service to him under particular circumstances. But the individual who can be a Judas and can sell the Lord in the shape of his brother—can betray him with a kiss and sell him for thirty pieces of silver, whatever may be his profession—belongs to the lowest grade of humanity. Here is a truth that every soul must affirm. It honors the man that honors humanity, and despises the man that despises humanity.

When a man in his lustful nature will bring his whole soul to honor that sentiment, he is prepared to leave the first and enter the second sphere, which is expressive of the finite character of man as he comes into this charitable affection. This character in man is that which determines the second sphere in the world of Spirits. Man is a universe; and if there is a hell in the universe, it is because it is in man; and if there is a heaven, it is because there is a heaven in man. Those who are developed only in the sphere of outer darkness, and who from affinity love to associate together, will be found composing what is called the Outward Sphere. Do not now, by any means, asso