Heaven and hell : also, the intermediate state, or world of spirits : a relation of things heard and seen / by Emanuel Swedenborg.

  • Swedenborg, Emanuel, 1688-1772.
Date:
1893
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Heaven and hell : also, the intermediate state, or world of spirits : a relation of things heard and seen / by Emanuel Swedenborg. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    17/422 (page 11)
    THE TRANSI.AT011 S niEFACE credibility and evidence are tlie points in question. Many of tl - Roman CathoHc witers stand confessedly chargeable with an^'over credulity; and it is to be wished that many of the Pro- testant writers were less censurable than they are for incredulity; and the mechum between both these extremes will be found the proper ground from whence to take the clearest view of these matters Sure it is, that we are at this time very dangerously infected with doubting and unbeUef, as to things supernatural; and that the general idea of reformation amongst us means rather a departui-e from certain popish eri'ors and superstitions, than any advances in true faith and godliness. Secondly, As to what is alleged for the sufiaciency of the ordinary means of grace under a legal estabhshment of religion for faith and salvation, may we not ask such bold pronouncers, by what commission they take upon them to determine con- cerning sufficiency in this matter, and who gave authority to teach, that the Lord is become more sparing of his benefits and gifts to his church than in former times, nay, than He has pro- mised to be towards it; or do they suppose, that what is called an estabhshment of religion by the civil powers, is equivalent to the extraordinary gifts bestowed on the primitive Christians? Wherefore should they go about to limit the loving kindness of the Lord by their own scanty measure of sufficiency, since it is his usual way to give not only for mere necessity, but also for delectation; his gracious attribute, not only to be good, but abundant in goodness in all his works both of nature and grace, where men render not themselves unqualified for the same ; and He that giveth one talent, is as ready to bestow ten talents on a due improvement of the former; for so He giveth grace for grace. Thirdly, The inference they draw against the usefulness of mii-aculous gifts, and other extraordinary dispensations, from those ATords of Abraham, in the parable of Dives and Lazarus, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one should rise from the dead, is not at all con- clusive in this case; as that saying appears to respect such only as have hardened themselves in unljehef, by departing from faith in the written Word, under the ordinary means of salva tion ; and not such as are weak in the faith, but not obdurate, as was the case with the disciples, who, though under our Lord's own teachings, yet, through the dulness of their appre- hension, seemed to need some mighty work to make an impres- sion on their feeble minds; and accordingly, when Jesus was on the way with them to raise Lazarus from the dead, He speaks of the ensuing miracle as useful for them among others, and takes satisfaction on their account, that He was not pre- sent vrith Lazarus in his sickness to heal him ; I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent that ye