Heavenly Doctrine (Chadwick) n. 87

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87. Since the good in each individual is different, it follows that the quality of that good determines on what level and how anyone is the neighbour. This fact is obvious from the Lord's parable about the man who fell into the hands of robbers, and a priest, as well as a Levite, went past him as he lay half-dead. But the Samaritan, after binding up his wounds and pouring oil and wine into them, lifted him on to his own animal and took him to an inn, and gave orders that he should be looked after. This man is called the neighbour, because he exercised the good of charity (Luke 10:29-37). This shows that the neighbour means those in a state of good. The oil and wine, which the Samaritan poured into his wounds, also stand for good and the truth from it.


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