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Doc. 292. ] SWEDENBORG’S GARDENER-FOLKS. 733
long as earthly happiness is the goal which we endeavour to
reach, so long the world is not Christian. But when men at
all times and everywhere recognize that they are in God’s
presence and under His eyes ; when each of their actions is
the reflection of His eternal love and of His example ; when
their goal is placed beyond the reach of time, and not here
in the dust, then only are men Christians. Do you know,
my friends, what I have done? Nothing else than what was
formerly done in Palestine. When the Christians were on the
point of giving way, then the standard was thrown beyond, as
a goal for them to follow, and thither they pressed over to
the other side, and as they rushed they conquered . So also
have I set up the goal for mankind, not only for their thoughts
but also for their deeds, in another world, so as to let them
know that it is not enough for them to gather themselves
together, but also to struggle. Such, then, is my faith. If I
believe more than others , I certainly do not believe less.
And now, my friends, look back upon those thirty years during
which you have followed me almost daily with your eyes, and
then judge whether it is I or others who are Christian. Judge
for yourselves. I submit myself to your judgment, and then do
what you deem to be right."
He beckoned with his hand and they went away; and
then quietly, as if nothing had happened, he continued his
reading.
The next day they stood again, in their week-day clothes,
in the presence of their master, who asked them with a friendly
smile, "Well, how did the examination turn out ?"
"Oh, master Assessor," said both of them, "we looked for
a single word, for a single action, which was not in agreement
with what the Lord has commanded us, yet we could not find
a single one."
"Very well," said Swedenborg ; "but it is not quite so ;
many thoughts have been, and many an action has been, not
perfectly straight; yet I have tried to do as well as I could.
And as a child, who in the beginning spells out his words,
and stumbles often before he can read, provided he goes to
work lovingly and cheerfully and strives hard to do better,
is loved by his father, so also it may have been with me ; at
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