It were easy to multiply quotations of a character similar to the foregoing. And the opinions here expressed are the more deserving of consideration, from the fact that they are impartial and independent—none of them coming from pronounced "Swedenborgians," or persons identified in any way with that body of people known as "the New Church."
But Swedenborg's theological writings are voluminous, making altogether about 15,000 octavo pages; and costing from forty to eighty dollars, according to the style and finish of the edition. Now, but a small proportion of our active American population, have the means and inclination to purchase, or the time to read, so large an amount of theological literature, however elevated or precious in its character. And it will be long before we can reasonably expect to see all the works of Swedeuborg in the libraries of persons of wealth and leisure, or even on the shelves of any considerable portion of our professedly religious teachers. Besides, there is much repetition in his works; and much that would not interest the general reader, however it might be prized by the critical scholar or theological student.
In view of these facts and considerations, it is proposed to issue, under the supervision of the "Swedenborg Publishing Association," a series of small volumes in the style of the present one, under the general title of The Swedenborg Library; to consist of extracts from the theological writings of the Swedish sage, so arranged as to make each volume complete in itself, and to give the reader a clear idea of the author's teachings on the
