Heavenly Doctrine (Tafel) n. 317

Previous Number Next Number Next Translation See Latin 

317. Dignity and honour ought to be accorded to priests on account of the holy things which they administer; but those who are wise give the honour to the Lord, from whom are the holy things, and they do not attribute it to themselves. Those, on the other hand, who are not wise, attribute the honor to themselves, and take it away from the Lord. Those who claim honour to themselves on account of the holy things which they administer, prefer honour and gain to the salvation of souls, which they ought to care for. But those who attribute the honour to the Lord, and not to themselves, prefer the salvation of souls to honour and gain. No honour of any function is in the person, but is adjoined to the person according to the dignity of the office which he administers; and what is thus adjoined does not belong to the person himself, and is also separated with the office. The honour inherent in a person is the honour of wisdom, and of the fear of the Lord.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church