M. I see that they are blind to their own condition; they are blind to a more exalted principle of holiness. They have done nothing to reform themselves, because they have expended all their strength in words. They have sought to establish their own righteousness, and thou seest that their righteousness is words; and, when they have worked to convert others, they have made only a convert like unto themselves; they have made a convert with words, and with words they will convert others.
T. When they were in the body, how were the needy neglected?
M. As they would be here, were no other help to be found.
T. Thou hast well said, Mary, that they worship only with words. They worship only words. God is not worshiped. They ask in words, but words never work, without deeds, the reform of mind. They desire with words, that God would reform minds; but they never reflect, that reforms are works. Alas! they will not reform themselves, and do works meet for repentance, because they are blind in the conceit of words. Thou seest their great mistake. Not till they shall see that God is not pleased with their words, and words only, will they look for a change in themselves. So long as they seek to establish a religion of words, they will neglect a religion of works. When they shall learn that God is just, and that they have their portion in company with hypocrites and unbelievers, they will not rest in words alone.
M. But thou seest they will not reform, because they are blind. When their blindness shall be removed, they will see something.
T. Truly: They will see themselves, not as they now see, but as God sees them. They will see that repentance must begin with them. They will see that words will not save. They will see that hypocrites will not be cut off because they have no words; neither will unbelievers fail of a recompense on that account. Thou knowest words entice sinners, and sinners use enticing words; but the mind without this castle relies on works of wisdom.
The deacon concluded his invocation, and I said, “What art thou praying for?”
He replied, “I want the wicked to be saved.”
T. From what dost thou desire their salvation?
D. From the wrath of God, and the damnation of hell.