New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1845-07-03
sSwcdcut0rgiuuikm

To he Editor Of The Tribune
Permit me to notice few things which find on
the first page OF The Tribune for last "Wednesday,
in an article entitled S~edeaboygianism reviewing
some new church books and signed X
First, let me express to you and the reviewer my
sincere thanks for that article and especially for the
hgh and meriied praise therein bestowed on Swe-
denborg. Most heartily do thank the writer for
his bold and manly independence, and for the true
courage that he has displayed in daring to speak
be has OF one Of the greatest and best of men, who
is yet but little known TO the people of Chrstendom
and who is commonly regarded dreamer or a
mailman. Well, indeed would it be for
try and for the world. had we many such writers as
this reviewer, and many such papers as the New
York Tribune to receive their contributions The
truth respecting Swcdenborg, To which the reviewer
in the article before me has given utcrance is such
as 10 re ndcr the in other respects almost nuga
tory. and scarcely worthy of notice. let with
your permission will say a word
The writer speaks of SwedenbOrg himself as a
man of great and exceling mnd'-as a seer
of truths'--as "a great, learned wise, good
man as a." one instructed by direct influx from
higher sphere" and whom those sufficiently &C
Quanted with his mind must regard in an
taordinary degree above the chance of self delu-
sion" He speaks of his life as one of steady
growth" whose ii" soft majesty, and exhibition of n
faith never fierce and sparkling. never dim, was
"a happy omen for the age and he says that his
life was in correspondence with his system which
was one OF graduation and harmony He speaks OF
the works OF Swcdcnborg well worthy careful
perusal. and SAYS, "you will find in them a great
hfe far sight and celestial spirit You will be
he'd 10 think, and great and tender sympathies viii
be gratifed in you He says that these works
contain limitations of system whose iuli de
yelopmcnl must be coincdcnt with The perfection
Of all things This is all very well-very true
very good indeed and cannot fail 10 do good and
al Swcdenborgians. and all who may be be led by
these remarks to examine the works OF sweden
borg must feel very grateful TO the wrter-not the
less grateful on account of the disparaging remarks
concerning themselves
In the same article this writer speaks OF the dis
cples" OF Swedcnborg. if they were people OF
small and narrow minds. illibcra and scc,arian in
their views aud feelings apt TO be, or nclning TO be
"bisots,' though OF a somewhat mildcr stamp than
usual. bound down by persuasive faith.
blind and scrve adherence to the dic,a OF Swc
dcnborc, attaching an exaggerated importance to
the teachings of their master, and shutting them
selves out in a great measure from the benefit OF
other teachings" He speaks of them as singularly
deficient in udg mcnt. and laying the chief stress
On wha, is least important in his ISwedenhors'sl
Instructions :; and SAYS 4" If YOU do not know the
master before knowing them, his true face will be
hidden from YOU for ever; and as TO their writings
1T YOU begin with them. II IL, even more than usu-
a. the blind leading the blind
have no wish 10 speak of the modesy Of all this
no OF the logic Of the inference that those who study
mos, diligently. and make themselves most familiar
with the writings OF 80 good large, generous, high
y iumincd and noble mind was that Of Swe'
denborg according TO this writer's admission |
would he likely themselves 10 be unusually narrow.
liberal and bigoicd. such as the followers of |
swedelbore are characterized in the article before
Us think the writer If he will reflect a moment |
may himself see that. II Swedenborg really was the
great. learned gifted and extraordinary that he /
Processes to regard him. then possibly he NAV be |
mistaken or NAV have drawn wrong conclusion n |
70 The character of Swedenborgs followers Is |
Intercourse with such an enlightened, large and LTD
era mind, likely TO blind men, or TO make them |
narrow bgo,s Why then advise people To read
Swedehbors as this writer doesl
But Swedcnborg ans attach an exaggerated I'm
pofiance To the teachings OF their MASTER winch shuts
oen 10 great measure from the bcneht OF other
eAchnss This sounds strange when taken IN
eohneciion with some OF this writer's own admis.
sohs Tor be says that Swedenborg was +" seer OF
au,hs Yes, and OF the very highest truths-'ru'ns
-"cn lie deep, even at the very centre OF things
a We attach an exaggerated importance To such
sa'hs He says that Swedcnborgs works contain |
;ysiem, or limitations Of system. whose full
'eopmen, must be coincdcnt ruth the perfection |
2 az A'ngs = Can we attach an exaggerated |
~po'ahce 10 such a system And il Swedcnborg |
- instructed by direct influx from a higher |
80 IL he enjoyed open intercourse with the |
Le,,s ior many years this writer seems not TO
Ssos 'ncn TO what other man we look with |
~ nope OF being instructed in the highest truths
therefore, Swedenborgians seem 70 shut them