392 REVIEWS. A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF EMANUEL SWEDENBORG, WITH AN ACCOUNT OF HIS WORKS, BY ELIHU RICH. London: E. RICH, 108, HattonGarden. pp. 192. THE increasing inquiry respecting Swedenborg and his important claims, has created on the part of those who have learned to appreciate those claims, a desire to see a biography of Swedenborg such as is calculated to introduce the author and his works, both philosophical and theological, to the awakened attention of the public. To this end, all the documents respecting the life, character, and career of Swedenborg have for many years past been anxiously sought after, and carefully collected and sifted, with the view of supplying the necessary materials for a biography of this wonderful man.* Whenever we commence to study any subject, the mind, led by the laws which preside over its development and formation, first forms a general idea of the subject of its study, and then proceeds, according to the interest it feels, to fill up that general idea with the particulars necessary to give it distinctness, fulness, and intellectual reality. Thus the artist first forms his outlines, and gives a rude sketch of the subject he contemplates. He then fills up the outlines with the particulars which give fulness, life, and beauty to his work. But to give a sketch of Swedenborg's mind and labours is no easy task. Like a magnificent landscape, which, in order to be properly sketched, must be viewed from many points, so this extensive and original writer must be contemplated from a variety of positions, in order to give an idea of even the outlines of his multifarious labours. Mr. Rich has for many years been a diligent student in the school of Swe denborg. He has studied with deep interest both his philosophical and theological writings, and is therefore qualified to give the biographical sketch, together with an account of the works of the author. This he has done with a view to furnish an introduction to the inquirer disposed to commence the reading of Swedenborg. But as we are desirous that our readers should form a correct estimate of the nature and usefulness of this work, we shall quote the author's “Advertisement,” * These documents were collected and published in German, by Dr. Tafel, of Tübingen, in 1839, under the title, "Samlung von Urkunden betreffend das Laben und den Charakter Emanuel Swedenborg's." They were afterwards edited in English, with additions, by the Rev. J. H. Smithson, and recently they have been reedited, with supplementary documents, by Professor Bush, of New York. together with the contents of the three chapters into which the work is divided: "The following pages (says the author) owe their existence to the growing interest of the public in Emanuel Swedenborg; and the general demand for a speedier method of becoming acquainted with his claims than that of perusing his voluminous works. Those who read the sketch through will readily excuse its defects, in consideration of the great mass and variety of abstruse matter to which it was necessary to allude within very narrow limits, and the obvious effect of compression in such a case upon the style and complexion of the whole. A more eloquent or interesting narrative in the same compass could only be attained by the sacrifice of information, an alternative which no one would adopt who preferred the use of his work to its superficial polish. "It is trusted, however, that it will not be found altogether devoid of a living interest, and that its plan will prove to be the true one for a life of Swedenborg, if the opportunity for its expansion should ever occur. In that case it would be necessary to devote a chapter to the times when he appeared; more especially to the state of the religious world, and the gradual preparation of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries for the new era': and to give a more critical analysis of his works. But this is to imagine the rise of a city where we are erecting a little hut, or to picture a great river where we have only poured a little water on the ground. "The author is contented for the present with having supplied such a Guide to Swedenborg's Philosophical and Theological Works, but more especially to the latter, as will assist enquirers in selecting one or more for perusal; being persuaded that nothing is more necessary at the present moment than increased facilities for their examination." CONTENTS. Chapter I.-Swedenborg the forerunner of a new religious and social period-His birth and family-Practical Christianity of his father-Education and youthful talents of the son-Voyage to England-Receives an appointment from Charles XII.-Publication of various scientific works-Emerentia Polheim-Journey into Saxony-His chemical philosophy, geology, &c.-Contemplated publication of the Opera Philosophica, and journey to Austria and Hungary-His public spirit and disinterested diffusion of knowledge-The "Principia," and new discoveries--Vortical theory, and nebular hypothesis of La Place-Philosophical argument on the infinite, &c.-His celebrity in the learned world-Love of free institutions-Travels in France and Italy -Swedenborg in Rome-Economy of the animal kingdom-Discovery of leading principles in vital physiology-Schism between science and religion-Worship and love of God-Works to 1745: p. 1. Chapter II.-Swedenborg's peculiar state of respiration from the period of childhood-Psychological explanation-Preternatural sleep-Representative vision-Perfect wakefulness in the spirit-Announcement in the Arcana Cœlestia-Connexion between his psychological experience and the nature of his expositions-Man created to be in communication with spirits and angels-Their life perfectly sensational-Their communications acknowledged in all ages-Unbelief in the church-Instruction in the economy of the spiritual world-The law of influx-Theophanic appearances; and manifestation of the Lord to Swedenborg-His mission considered: p. 65. Chapter III.-Biblical literature-Principles of interpretation-Dawn of a new era -William Law-Swedenborg the interpreter-The Adversaria and the Arcana ColesN. S. NO. 118.--VOL. X. 2 G tia-General programme of the latter-The last judgment-The New Jerusalem and its heavenly doctrine-The inhabitants of other earths-Account of heaven and hell, from things heard and seen-The four leading doctrines-Angelic wisdom concerning divine love and wisdom, and concerning divine providence-Treatise on conjugial love-The Apocalypse revealed-The true Christian religion-Summary of Swedenborg's personal history from 1745 to his death in 1772-Catalogue of his theological and biblical works-The New Church: p. 99. From the nature of these contents, we doubt not that our readers will be strongly disposed to procure the work. All the points discussed are full of interest. The book is well calculated for its mission; and, considering the great quantity of matter it contains, it is sold at an exceedingly low cost. We must not be mistaken;—we do not exhibit this work as a complete biography of Swedenborg-this is still to come. But we recommend it as well adapted for its purpose,—that of a biographical sketch of the author, with a brief account of his works. AN INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF SCRIPTURAL ANALOGIES, designed for the Use of Schools and Simple-minded Christians. Second Edition. London: SIMPKIN and MARSHALL. Ipswich: BURTON. pp. 72. THE subject of correspondences, as applied to the interpretation of Scripture, is awakening more attention in all thinking and devout minds. That a fixed system is wanted to enable us to interpret the Holy Word, apart from the fancies and guesses of the human mind, is generally felt; and that this system is the Science of Correspondences between things natural and things spiritual and divine, is admitted by all who, with any degree of spiritual discernment, have examined the question. A genuine system of Scriptural interpretation is the great desideratum of the age; no improvement in theology, and no advance in the knowledge of spiritual and divine things can be made without it. Every successful attempt, therefore, to bring this system forward, should be hailed with pleasure; and as the little work before us is well calculated to perform its mission in schools and families, and to be eminently useful in this respect, we sincerely recommend it to our readers. Nor must the literature of the New Church be considered defective in this department; it is scarcely necessary that we should remind our readers of the very able work on the "Plenary Inspiration of the Scriptures," &c., by the Rev. S. Noble; and also of the eminently useful publication on "The Science of Correspondences Elucidated," &c., by the Rev. E. Madeley.* * See a Review of this work in our number for November last. We mention what has been done in order that the inquirer desirous of investigating the Science of Correspondences, as the means of interpreting Scripture, may know, that besides what Swedenborg has so clearly and so abundantly said on the subject, there are other works highly adapted for this purpose. The table of contents will best shew what subjects the author has treated. Chap. I.-Correspondence defined. Chap. II.-What constitutes the divinity of Scripture. Chap. III.-Rules to be observed in studying correspondence. Chap. IV.-On Opposites. Chap. V.-Rules for reconciling apparently contradictory passages. Chap. VI.-Application of the rule of illustrating the spiritual sense-The clouds. Chap. VII.-Application continued-The sun and moon. Chap. VIII.-Application continued-Correspondence of the horse. Chap. IX.-Application continued-Illustration of 2 Kings iv. 38—2 Kings iv. 29-33 Revelations x. 2. Chap. X.-Application continued-Fables of the Greeks and Asiatics. Chap. XI.-Application continued-Distinction between the various degrees of good and truth-The Holy Word compared with a cabinet. Chap. XII.-XIII.-Illustrations from the three kingdoms in nature-Definition of continuous and discrete degrees. Chap. XIV.-Illustrations continued-The sun-Moon-Stars-Light-Dew-Rain -Snow. Chap. XV.-Illustrations continued- Metals -Gold-Silver-Brass-Iron-RockSalt-Stones-Precious stones. Chap. XVI.-Illustrations continued-The vegetable kingdom-The olive-The vine -The fig. Chap. XVII.-Illustrations continued-The animal kingdom-A map of the mindConclusion. Whilst, however, we are recommending this little work to the attention of our readers, we beg to point out an inaccuracy. The laurel at page 13 is classed amongst plants which correspond to the "affections of error." But the laurel, according to Swedenborg in T. C. R., 570 and 815, has a good signification. We object to the term analogy as a substitute for correspondence. The term analogy is employed to denote the relation by correspondence between one thing and another in nature; but the term correspondence is used to denote the relation between a natural effect and a spiritual cause, or between an object in the natural world and the reality which answers to it in the spiritual, and also in the world of mind. 396 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. OPENING OF A NEW CHURCH PLACE OF WORSHIP AT EDINBURGH. ני On Sunday, September 9th, the Edinburgh New Church society removed to a new place of worship. Their former place was obscurely situated, and of difficult access. It presented at the same time outwardly so little to distinguish it from a private dwelling, that strangers frequently could not find it out. This is remedied in the new place. It is situated in Infirmary-street, South Bridge, near the University, and is seated for 150 persons. Both internally and externally it has a comfortable and pleasing appearance. Separated from it by a partition, there is a small room intended for a vestry or Sunday school-room. In the event of the hall, however, being at any time overcrowded, thirty or forty individuals could be placed in it, so as to join in the services, and even see the minister preaching, three large windows being in the partition. It was arranged that the Rev. T. O. Prescott should officiate morning and evening, and the Rev. W. Bruce in the afternoon. Mr. Bruce, however, became suddenly ill. This arrangement was therefore altered, Mr. Prescott kindly consenting to supply the place of Mr. Bruce. The subjects selected were extremely appropriate, and were very ably treated. They were listened to with deep attention, and appeared to give general satisfaction. The attendance of strangers was scarcely so numerous as was anticipated. This was probably owing to the inclemency of the weather, rain falling at intervals during the whole day. In the morning there might be 120 or 130 persons present; in the afternoon scarcely so many; and rather more in the evening. On the Monday following a soirée was held in the same place, when 36 persons sat down to tea. The subject brought under the notice of the meeting was "Charity," especially as exhibited in our efforts to sow the seeds of Divine Truth into the minds of the young. Several speakers having presented their views on the subject, Mr. Tuting, the president of the society, drew a sketch of the New Church generally, and particularly in Edinburgh, and concluded by congratulating the friends on entering on possession of a church of their own. The meeting was one of considerable interest, SIR,-In the report of this society, which was laid on the table at Conference, I find that a new edition of Mr. Clowes's Memoir, with additional letters, has just been published. On procuring a copy of this edition, I was much gratified to find, that as to the type and the manner in which it is got up, especially when we consider the handsomely executed portrait of the venerable author, and the etchings of the two beautiful works of art by Flaxman and Westmacott, it is a remarkably neat and cheap volume. I have often considered that the simple narrative of the author, shewing in what manner he became acquainted with the doctrines of the New Church, is unique in its kind; and when we further consider the rich and edifying matter contained in his invaluable letters, where so many subjects of a profound nature are discussed in so clear and simple a style, I think we must conclude that no New Churchman's library is complete without this volume. I do hope and trust that the public have responded to your efforts, and by a ready purchase have reimbursed your expenses in bringing out the eminently useful volume of "Important Lectures," &c., by Mr. Noble; I shall be happy to learn that a new edition of this work is also, or will soon be, required by the public. In the new edition of the Gospel of Luke, which I hear from my bookseller is about to be printed, I would recommend that more copious notes on the literal sense be inserted, since a proper idea of the literal sense is the true basis of the spiritual. I would also suggest that additional extracts from the works of Swedenborg may, I think, be discovered, which would more fully illustrate the spiritual sense. I often find, that although the enlightened author may not have directly quoted and explained a passage, yet he has in the explanation of other passages shed, as it were, a collateral light upon it, although not quoted by himself; and I have found that this |