Page:The New Church - What, How, Why .djvu/33

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THE • NEW • CHURCH—HOW
29

Emanuel Swedenborg was chosen for this purpose.

Let us not think this exceptional. For also when the Lord desired to establish the Israelitish Church, He chose Moses and instructed him, that he might teach and lead the people. Again, when He desired to establish the Apostolic Church, He chose the Apostles, instructed them and sent them out to teach and preach. When He desired any book of the Word to be written, He chose a man to write it. It is perfectly in accord with His known way that He should choose a man to pen the new revelation of truth for His last Church.

Swedenborg lived from 1688 to 1772. About 1745 his spiritual sight was opened, as were the eyes of Elisha's servant when he was given to see the mountain round about Elisha full of horses and chariots; and as John's were, when, in the Isle of Patmos, he saw the heavenly things of Revelation. But Swedenborg's vision was open longer and more fully. Though living in