Page:A brief discussion of some of the claims of the Hon. E. Swedenborg.pdf/11

 city, but through the instrumentality of man. Surely, then, there is no absurdity in asserting that the time anticipated by them has arrived, or in pointing out the individual whom we consider to have been chosen for the purpose. Goodness and wisdom are qualifications adapted for such selection, and necessary for the faithful execution of such a work: though it does not follow that every good and wise man will be so highly favoured; yet if a good and wise man make such a declaration, certainly his character is some guarantee for the accuracy of his assertion.

But he may have been deceived. Alas! if that were the case, Satan must have been his seducer; and thence arises the enquiry how it happened that the prince of darkness should have conducted him, without deviation in the paths of light and virtue, and induced him to write a series of extensive works, the whole tenor of which is to overthrow his kingdom. The idea that he was imposed on involves the unaccountable notion that Satan was industriously employed for thirty years in endeavouring to effect the downfal of his own horrible dominion.

But such is the naturalism into which the human mind has unhappily descended, that, in order to avoid crediting his assertions, that he had, for a long period, communication with the spiritual worlds, some have said that he must have been mad! Alas! This may be a ready objection, but it is not true. It has been more frequently urged than any other, and consequently subjected to the closest investigation; the result has been the most certain and triumphant refutation of it. His enemies, failing to substantiate the general allegation of insanity, have attempted to fix upon him some shades of that terrible disease, such as idolomania; but nothing in his case has ever been discovered answering to the symptoms which are described as attending it. The charge is the result of inconsideration, having some kindred with the malady itself. It has no foundation in any authentic circumstances or facts. Was Paul mad because Festus said so so? He spoke the words of soberness and truth, though the subject of them was "the heavenly vision" he had experienced. The Jews said of the Lord Jesus Christ that he had a devil and was mad; but this was the sentiment of ignorance and wickedness,