The fundamental question to be first considered, is, whether the distinction of sex is preserved in the other world. Does a man remain a man and a woman remain a woman in the Hereafter? Or do they exchange genders, or all become of the neuter gender? The verdict of enlightened reason on this, as on other subjects, is clearly in agreement with Swedenborg's teaching. To suppose people to be of a different gender in the other world from what they were in this, were preposterous in the extreme. The preservation of one's sex is essential to the maintenance of his identity. If it were possible to change one's sex, the moment the change was effected he would cease to be the same person.
It is man's soul or spirit that is immortal. This, as we have repeatedly said, is the real man. And when the spirit leaves the body, it remains unchanged. It takes with it all its God-given instincts—all its innate affections, tendencies, wants and appetencies. The difference between man and woman in their physical structure, is apparent to all. The latter is usually smaller, weaker, of more delicate features, softer skin, and fairer complexion than the former. They differ, too, in their manners, gestures and tones of voice. Yet even as to their bodies it is plain they were made for each other,—that they belong together, and are parts of one and the same whole. So that, physically regarded, neither is complete without the other, because incapable of fulfilling all the ends of his earthly existence. The Creator's design is plainly written upon their physical organism, which is, that each is for the other—each but a part of a perfect whole.
