Page:Swedenborg, Harbinger of the New Age of the Christian Church.djvu/112

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EMANUEL SWEDENBORG

ever that finite perceptions or expressions are similar or adequate to Him, but only that those made use of are not repugnant."

Returning to what has been granted, that the Infinite exists as the cause of the finite world, Swedenborg next questions whether or no there must be a nexus, or means of influence, between the Infinite and the finite. Showing by argument that a nexus is indispensable, he then shows that the nexus itself must be infinite, not finite. Assuming this to be within our knowledge by proof of reason, he asks whether if any one can tell us more about this nexus that shall agree with what we already know, we shall not listen to it. And then he alleges, what he says has been taught by Revelation, that this nexus is the Son of God, begotten from eternity,[1] to be the means of communication from the Infinite with the finite. But, from what he has already shown, he declares this nexus itself to be infinite; and as there cannot be two infinites, the nexus, or the Son of God, is none other than the Infinite, God Himself.

  1. This current theological expression was firmly repudiated in his later works, in which he recognized the Son as the Divine Presence in humanity, thus in time.