as for effects, this is the most important, as well as the most difficult point. The mind sees and feels that the existence of external objects is necessary to the perfection of the spiritual world; and it would be easy enough therefore, to believe in their existence, if only it could be seen how they exist. This difficult, and hitherto unexplained question, is clearly and beautifully solved in the writings of our author, so as to be seen in a rational light. Of course we do not suppose that the solution and illustrations there given, can be instantly understood, and without any serious or careful attention, any more than the solution of a difficult problem in mathematics could be at once understood by hastily glancing at it, and without any previous knowledge of that science. But how great is the perversity of he human mind in regard to spiritual things! A man will sit down for years to the patient investigation of the natural sciences, and will not suppose it possible to understand any one branch of those sciences without labor and diligence; and yet, will throw aside a book which treats on the most profound spiritual truths, and perhaps will even pronounce its author a crazy man, simply because he does not see through his whole meaning at the first glance. I hope the reader will not thus trifle with subjects which are of the utmost inportance, but will quietly and faithfully persevere in his search after truth, and its light will at length, most certainly dawn upon his mind.
Passages similar to the one inserted above, frequently occur in the writings of Swedenborg. I have space for only one or two more. The following is from the Ar. Cel. No. 3485.
