Emanuel Swedenborg PDF
Preview Emanuel Swedenborg
(JJesreRn CsoccRic OasreRs SeRies CCDANUei. SOieDeNBORG EDITED BY MICHAEL STANLEY CUesreRn CsoreRic CDasrcRs SeRies ecDANuei sujeoeNBORq Other Books in the Series PARACCLSUS Selected and Translated by Nicholas Goodrick-Clark, Series Editor ] A CO ft ft O CM GDC Edited by Robin Waterheld ROftCRT FLGDL) Edited by William Huffman ]OHN DCC Selected and Introduced by Gerald Suster RUDOLF STC1NCR Selected and Edited by Richard Seddon (JJcsrcRn CsorcRic COasrcRs ScRics eCDANUGL SCUCDCNbORq ESSENTIAL READINGS Edited by M S ichael tanley North Atlantic Books Berkeley, California Copyright © 2003 by Michael W. Stanley. All rights reserved. NJo portion of this hook, except for brief review, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher. For information contact North Atlantic Books. Published by: North Atlantic Books P.O. Box 12327 Berkeley, California 94712 Cover Design by Jan Camp Printed in the United States of America Emanuel Swedenborg is sponsored by the Society for the Study of Native Arts and Sciences, a nonprofit educational corporation whose goals are to develop an edu cational and crosscultural perspective linking various scientific, social, and artistic fields; to nurture a holistic view of the arts, sciences, humanities, and healing; and to publish and distribute literature on die relationship of mind, body, and nature. North Atlantic Books’ publications are available through most book stores. For further information, call 800-337-2663 or visit our website at www.north a 11 an t ic books, com. Substantial discounts on bulk quantities are available to corporations, professional associations, and other organizations. For details and dis count information, contact our special sales department. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Swedenborg, Emanuel, 1688-1772. (Selections. English. 20031 Emanuel Swedenborg: Essential Readings / selected and edited by Michael Stanley. p. cm. — (Western Esoteric Masters Series) Originally published: Wellingborough : Crucible, 1988. ISBN 1-55643-467-7 (pbk.) I. New Jemsalem Church—Doctrines. I. Title: Essential Readings. II. Stanley, Michael, 1936- III. Title. IV. Series. BX8711.A7S72 2003 2 30' .94—dc21 2003045898 CIP 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 MALLOY 0 7 0 6 0 5 0 4 0 3 FOREWORD Many books have been written about the life and times of Emanuel Swedenborg, and have described his studies, his prolific output as an author, and his amazing spiritual experiences. In Essential Readings Dr Michael Stanley has carefully brought together many of the key ideas and teachings of Swedenborg and has arranged them under headings which should instantly appeal to any thoughtful person. This arrangement not only demonstrates the consistency of Swedenborg’s presentation of spiritual truths, but their juxtaposition enables the reader to more readily grasp and appreciate those truths. Essential Readings provides a delightful approach to spiritual treasures which may answer questions in the reader's mind, presents practical indications regarding the improvement of personal life, and points the way to conjunction with the Lord God. A considerable amount of valuable material is collated in this useful book. It is a helpful guide to those who are encountering Swedenborg's theological writings for the first time and takes them directly to core ideas without having to consult extensive indexes and read through scores of pages of scholarly material. The selection of materials included in this volume is itself the outcome of inspiration, and rests upon a deep understanding of Swedenborg's copious writings. An important feature of Essential Readings is the inclusion of explanatory comments by Dr. Stanley. These serve to highlight important principles in particular quotations, and to clarify and extend the ideas contained in others. The reader will find these comments to be most helpful in procuring a better understanding of Swedenborg’s message. Dr. Stanley’s chapter entitled Structure of Swedenborg's Spiritual Thought is to be read most carefully, because it provides a Divine and cosmic background to man’s existence and clearly shows how man shapes his eternal destiny by the way he relates himself to the Lord, how he chinks and feels, and how he manifests himself by the performance of uses. This is powerful psychospiritual material which can prepare the reader to respond to the impact of the New Age which is now upon us. Essential Readings condenses into a convenient form a wide range of spiritual principles uncovered by Swedenborg, and helps the reader to catch a glimpse of the inner drift of creation. The user of this book will be delighted with its serviceability, and will appreciate the care and love which has gone into its preparation. Philip William Groves. Sydney, Australia April 1993. THE SWEDENBORG LENDING LIBRARY AND ENQUIRY' CENTRE A non profit organisation which promotes an awareness and appreciation Swedenborg Libraries and book distribution centres operate around Australia from which books may be obtained on a free loan basis or bv purchase. For a complimentary catalogue of material available, for information on services provided and details of the various locations please write or telephone the main Centre in Sydney which is located at: I Avon Road, NORTH RY'DE, N.S.W. 2113 Telephone (02) 888 1066 o O o O o O o o o INFORMATION CENTRES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD CANADA: Information Swedenborg Inc. 279 Burnhamthorpe Road Etobicoke Ontario M9B 1Z6 UNITED KINGDOM: The Swedenborg Society New Church House 20/21 Bloomsbury Way 34 John Dalton Street London WCIA 2TH Manchester M2 6LE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Swedenborg Foundation Inc. J. Appleseed & Co. 320 North Church Street 3200 Washington Street West Chester San Francisco Pennsylvania 19380 California 94 1 1 3 » CONTENTS Acknowledgements Page 11 Preface Page 13 Introduction Page 15 ________________ 1 ___________ Structure of Swedenborg’s Spiritual Thought Page 26 2 _____________ ______________ Divine Nature Page 32 _______3_______ Man’s Nature Page 44 ____________4____________ The Divine in Man Page 58 ____________ 5____________ Nature of Divine Manifestation Page 63 6 _______________________ _______________________ Divine Providence Page 78 _________ 7__________ Rebirth (Regeneration) Page 85 8 __________________ ___________________ Angelic Nature Page 104 _______ 9_ Spiritual World Page 116
The list of books you might like
