PREFACE.
This Commentary is drawn entirely from the Theological Works of Emanuel Swedenborg. For every passage of the Gospel according to Matthew which is quoted or referred to in the said works, all that he has written is given. In exceptional cases abridgments have been necessary, in order not to make the Commentary too bulky for ready reference, or for topical reading. Reiterations of the same statements have generally been avoided by a reference to preceding chapters and verses.
The Commentary is based upon the General Indexes of Le Boys des Guays and Searle. These however only indicate by title and number where Scripture citations can be found, which involves a continual consultation of the Writings. Several volumes have often to be examined before the explanation which is wanted can be found, for Swedenborg sometimes directs attention to only one word, at other times to an entire verse or a complete narrative. It has therefore been felt that a grouping of extracts, such as this Commentary provides, would be advantageous. Verses not mentioned are not explained by Swedenborg. The work from which each extract is taken is indicated by title and number, so that the original can easily be consulted. Where pages are given they refer to the first Latin editions. An Index to the abbreviated titles will be found on pages viii and ix.
As different translations had to be used absolute uniformity has not been aimed at, but attention has been paid to a clear and faithful rendering of Swedenborg's Latin. The words "Esse" and "Existere" are sometimes used with their respective meaning of "Being" and "Coming forth."
