The Morals of Swedenborg.
By Howard Crosby
MANY are captivated by Swedenborg's doctrine of correspondences, and are thus led into praise of his system. Beyond this, they know very little either of him or his system. They are not aware that Swedenborg rejected nearly half the Bible, and that he declares that David and Paul are in the other world associated with the worst devils. But above all they are not aware of Swedenborg's licentious teachings. Swedenborg, in his work on "Scortatory Love," teaches that sensual indulgence is necessary in some (sec. 450), that parents should take care that in their sons it should not be immoderate and inordinate (sec. 456), that a mistress is proper for some (sec. 459), and that concubinage is lawful under certain circumstances (sec. 468). In this way he undermines the family relation, and gives an excuse to every licentious spirit. It is not strange that such religious teaching should be welcomed by those who wish to live in sin. There are many in otherwise refined circles who would enjoy the sanctity of religion but for the vices which are hidden from all but conscience and God. A Christianity which dispenses with morality is just the thing for them. Swedenborg presents himself as the teacher to their liking. But we are persuaded that many excellent and moral persons give an adhesion to Swedenborgianism who have no idea of his wide departure from purity. That a refined and pure-minded woman could read Swedenborg's defense of sensual vice, and be a Swedenborgian, seems an impossibility. In this age of nude art, French novels, and lewd plays, Swedenborg's loose morality is eminently appropriate, and we should expect to see the same persons enjoying the entire group. But can we not extricate the ignorant ones—those who are Swedenborgians because they know so little of Swedenborg's doctrines? Surely they do not wish to help a system which covers lust with the cloak of piety. Let the Swedenborg preachers come out boldly and preach Swedenborg's doctrines on Scortatory Love, that all their people may know the moral character of Swedenborgianism. Why conceal that portion of Swedenborg's teaching which stamps him as an imposter?—Rev. Howard Crosby, D. D.