e. But most of
these things are not the proper activities of charity, but extraneous
to it. A distinction is to be made between the duties of charity, and
its benefactions. By the duties of charity those exercises of it are
meant, which proceed directly from charity itself. These have to do
primarily with one's occupation. By the benefactions those aids are
meant which are given outside of, and over and above the duties.

--_True Christian Religion, n._ 425

THE ACTIVITY OF CHARITY

Charity is an inward affection, moving man to do what is good, and
this without recompense. So to act is his life's delight.

The life of charity is to will well and to do well by the neighbor; in
all work, and in every employment, acting out of regard to what is
just and equitable, good and true. In a word, the life of charity
consists in the performance of uses.

--_Heavenly Doctrine, nn._ 106, 124

FAITH THE PARTNER OF CHARITY

Neither charity alone nor faith alone can produce good works, any more
than a husband alone or a wife alone can have offspring. The truths of
faith not only illuminate charity, but qualify it, too; and, moreover,
they nourish it. A man, then, who has charity and not truths of faith,
is like one walking in a garden in the night-time, snatching fruit
from the trees without knowing whether it is of a good or evil use.

--_True Christian Religion, n. 377_

THE PATRIOTISM OF CHARITY

One's country is the neighbor more than a society, for it consists of
many societies, and consequently the love of it is a more extended and
a higher love. Besides, to love one's country is to love the public
welfare. A man's country is the neighbor because it is like a parent;
for there he was born; it has nourished and still nourishes him; it
has protected him from harm, and still protects him. From love for it
he ought to do good to his country according to its needs, some of
which are natural, and others spiritual. The country ought to be
loved, not as a man loves himself, but more than himself. This is a
law inscribed on the human heart. And from the law has issued the
proposition, which has the assent of every true man, that if ruin
threatens the country from an enemy or other source, it is illustrious
to die for it, and glorious for a soldier to shed his blood for it.
This is a common saying, because so much should one's country be
loved. Those who love their country, and from good will do good to it,
after death l