blameworthy.

Then it is evident that in creation and nature evil does not exist at all;
but when the natural qualities of man are used in an unlawful way, they
are blameworthy. So if a rich and generous person gives a sum of money to
a poor man for his own necessities, and if the poor man spends that sum of
money on unlawful things, that will be blameworthy. It is the same with
all the natural qualities of man, which constitute the capital of life; if
they be used and displayed in an unlawful way, they become blameworthy.
Therefore, it is clear that creation is purely good. Consider that the
worst of qualities and most odious of attributes, which is the foundation
of all evil, is lying. No worse or more blameworthy quality than this can
be imagined to exist; it is the destroyer of all human perfections and the
cause of innumerable vices. There is no worse characteristic than this; it
is the foundation of all evils. Notwithstanding all this, if a doctor
consoles a sick man by saying, "Thank God you are better, and there is
hope of your recovery," though these words are contrary to the truth, yet
they may become the consolation of the patient and the turning point of
the illness. This is not blameworthy.

This question is now clearly elucidated. Salutations!

58: THE DEGREE OF KNOWLEDGE POSSESSED BY MAN AND THE DIVINE MANIFESTATIONS

Question.--Of what degree is the perception of the human world, and what
are its limitations?

Answer.--Know that perception varies. The lowest degree of perception is
that of the animals--that is to say, the natural feeling which appears
through the powers of the senses, and which is called sensation. In this,
men and animals are sharers; moreover, some animals with regard to the
senses are more powerful than man. But in humanity, perception differs and
varies in accordance with the different conditions of man.

The first condition of perception in the world of nature is the perception
of the rational soul. In this perception and in this power all men are
sharers, whether they be neglectful or vigilant, believers or deniers.
This human rational soul is God's creation; it encompasses and excels
other creatures; as it is more noble and distinguished, it encompasses
things. The power of the rational soul can discover the realities of
things, comprehend the peculiarities of beings, and penetrate the
mysteries of existence. All sciences, knowledge, arts, wonders,
institutions, disco