life far removed from that of heaven; and unless they change their course, and try to be of some use in the world, they will never reach the abodes of the blessed. And on the other hand it shows us that all who devote themselves to some useful occupation, and endeavor to discharge its duties with religious fidelity, are laying up for themselves treasures in heaven. They are offering to God the most acceptable worship; for how can we more truly glorify our Father in the heavens, than by diligently occupying ourselves about our Father's business?—employing the powers bestowed by Him, in serving and blessing our fellow men?—working under the promptings of his unselfish love, and the guiding light of his revealed wisdom? "hervein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit." This—the faithful performance of uses from the love of use—is regarded in heaven as the truest worship.
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"The real worship of the Lord," says Swedenborg, "consists in performing uses; and uses consist, during a man's life in the world, in every one discharging aright his function in his respective station; thus in serving his country, society, and his neighbor, from the heart, and in acting with sincerity in all his associations, and in performing duties prudently according to the quality of each. These uses are principally the exercises of charity, and those whereby the Lord is principally worshiped. Frequenting the temple, hearing sermons, and saying prayers are also necessary things: but without the above uses they avail nothing, for they are not of the life, but teach what the quality of the life should be. The angels in heaven have all happiness from uses and according to uses, insomuch that uses are to them heaven."'—A. C. n. 7038.
