effects take place in our outer self. Therefore goodwill, because it belongs
to our inner self, is intending benevolence to others, and good works,
because they belong to our outer self, are good actions that result from
that intention.
[ 2 ] Nevertheless there is an infinite difference between one person’s
benevolence and another’s. Anything that someone does to please another
is believed, or appears, to come from benevolence. It is hard to know,
however, whether those good actions come from goodwill at all, let alone
whether the goodwill they come from is genuine or illegitimate.
The infinite difference between one person’s benevolence and another’s
originates in the individual’s purpose, goal, and consequent plan. These lie
hidden within the intention to do good things. They determine the quality
of the individual’s will.
In the intellect the will seeks ways and means of achieving its desired
outcomes, which are results. In the intellect the will finds a light that
enables it to see not only various options but also specifically when and
how it must take action and thereby bring about its desired results,
which are works. In the intellect the will also equips itself with the power
to act. Therefore the works that result are in respect to their essence the
result of the will, in respect to their form the result of the intellect, and in
respect to their ultimate action the result of the body. This is how good-
will comes down into good works.
[ 3 ] This process can be illustrated by comparison with a tree. In
many ways trees are like us. Hidden in their seeds lies a kind of purpose,
goal, and plan of producing fruit. In these aspects the seeds correspond
to the will in us, where our purpose, goal, and plan reside, as I said.
Drawing on what is inside them, the seeds grow up out of the ground
and clothe themselves with branches, boughs, and leaves. This is how
they prepare the means of achieving their purpose, which is fruit. In
these aspects the tree corresponds to our intellect. Finally, when the
time is right and the opportunity for results exists, the tree blossoms and
produces fruit. In these aspects the tree corresponds to our good works.
It should be clear, then, that the pieces of fruit in respect to their essence
are the result of the seed, in respect to their form are the result of the
boughs and leaves, and in respect to their ultimate action are the result
of the wood of the tree.
[ 4 ] This process can also be illustrated by comparing ourselves to a
temple. According to Paul we are temples of God ( 1 Corinthians 3 : 16 , 17 ;
2 Corinthians 6 : 16 ; Ephesians 2 : 21 , 22 ). The purpose, goal, and plan for
singke
(singke)
#1