The truths he teaches are, like those of geometry, to be seen in their own light and in the relations they bear to each other. We do not believe geometrical theorems on the authority of Euclid, nor the laws and phenomena of the spiritual world on the authority of Swedenborg. They are true in the nature of things; and when once comprehended by the rational faculty, they can never be dislodged from the understanding.
Swedenborg's spiritual sight was not opened merely to gratify our curiosity about the future life, or even to unfold a new spiritual philosophy. Charming and instructive as are his communications upon these points, they are only incidental to a nobler purpose. His mission was to reveal the spiritual sense of the Word of God. That sense pre-existed in heaven before the Word was written upon earth. It has been for ages concealed in the clouds of the letter, and is utterly undiscoverable by the unaided intelligence of man. It is supreme folly to suppose that Swedenborg invented it.
Swedenborg proves not only the inspiration but the divinity of the Scriptures. He reveals to us the full meaning of that strange declaration, "and the Word was God." From his new and spiritual standpoint only can we understand the heavenly
