This book dealt with man, not as a product of brute creation, but as an
evolutionary creature, having at least a possibility of divine origin. It
is, however, his "Arcana Coelestia" upon which "The Church of the New
Jerusalem" is founded; and it is this work which caused Swedenborg's
friends and colleagues to determine that he had become insane. It is, in
fact, only within very recent years, that the so-called scientific world
has deigned to regard Swedenborg's revelations with any degree of serious
and respectful attention.
Swedenborg's Illumination was not, like that of so many others, who have
founded a new religion, a sudden influx of spiritual consciousness, but
rather a gradual leading up to the inevitable goal, by virtue of serious
thought, deep study, and a high order of mentality.
But that the Swedish seer received, in full measure, the blessing of cosmic
consciousness, is beyond doubt.
Swedenborg's extremely simple habits of life; his freedom from any desire
for display, or for those social advantages into which he was born; his
gentleness and unassuming manner, of which much is written by his
followers, all point to him as one upon whom the blessing might readily
descend.
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