this, is, to unfold and exhibit some of the features of the Old Theology, especially as that Theology was understood and expounded prior to Swedenborg's time. For if there were really a need of this new revelation at the time it was made, the evidence of such need must be sought and found in the then reigning Theology of Christendom, as expounded by its eminent doctors, and most distinguished writers. It is, therefore, a matter of deep interest and importance, to those who are disposed to examine any point in the New Theology, to ascertain, if possible, what was the belief of Christians generally upon that point, at the time of, or prior to, this alleged new revelation. And the importance of this becomes the more apparent, when we consider that the doctrinal theology of some portions of christendom, particularly those portions with which we are most familiar, has undergone very important modifications on some points, since the time when Swedenborg wrote;—and this, too, in consequence of the new revelation made through him, and that memorable event which occurred in the World of Spirits[1] in the year 1757, witnessed and described by him. And on account of these modifications, the contrast between the New and the Old Theology, as the latter is understood and expounded by many theologians at the present day, is often much less striking than that between the New and the Old of one, two, or three centuries ago. The New Theology, we know, has not changed, for it
- ↑ For a minute description of the event here referred to, see Swedenborg's treatise on the Last Judgement.
