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 ciple in connexion with, and subordination to, the love and wisdom of the Lord. It is not independence, therefore, which is desired by the recipients of the truths of the New Church, but dependence; that dependence which is consistent with true freedom and rationality: and it scarcely need be said, that those who are endeavouring to come into this freedom, are constantly reminded that it is not the work of a season merely, but of a whole life, and that it is then but just begun.

It is acknowledged in the New Church, that man cannot be saved, but in the perfect exercise of freedom, which is to think and will from affection. We are accustomed to dwell much upon this fact, and are strenuous advocates for leaving every one in freedom; not because we desire to see every one thinking and acting according to his own particular views and opinions, but because we desire that every one should be protected in his endeavours to cast out the evils and falses which belong to him, and to bring forth freely, according to the measure of his own mind, the goods and truths which he has received.

Perhaps there is ground for some fear, in the present imperfect state of the New Church, that the love of the natural man for dominion, may sometimes be so strong as almost to blind the eyes to the existence of the evil itself, as well as to lose sight at times of the truths which are so plainly taught upon the subject. We esteem it right, therefore, to exercise such circumspection as will help us to afford a shield and protection against this evil in ourselves and our neighbour. In this work we are all interested: and can we with propriety withhold ourselves from the perform~