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U n c e r t a i n t y

Swedenborg’s Expressions of. U n c e r t a i n t y. In The Word Explained. Word Explained. Approximate dates: November 1745 – February 1747 2000 pages in Latin (7 volumes in English) 5 pages per day. Opening statement. “But let us examine the Scriptures, especially with the purpose of

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U n c e r t a i n t y

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  1. Swedenborg’s Expressions of U n c e r t a i n t y In The Word Explained

  2. Word Explained • Approximate dates: November 1745 – February 1747 2000 pages in Latin (7 volumes in English) 5 pages per day

  3. Opening statement “But let us examine the Scriptures, especially with the purpose of searching the kingdom of God.” (my highlights)

  4. Lines of Inquiry • Why is it of interest to look at this? • What was going on with SW during this year? • Are there different types of uncertainty in WE?

  5. Acton: Introduction to WE,page 137 and 138 Types of uncertainty: • Obscurity induced by evil spirits • Unable to see any internal sense • WE is a study, an exercise

  6. Types of Uncertainty • Cannot see internal sense • Something is wrong (evil spirits) • Something is lacking (permission) • SW is in hurry, no time to ponder stuff • SW not enough understanding or experience yet

  7. Cannot see internal sense (1) WE 4852. [And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold…]. As yet I cannot well comprehend these words … WE 7428. Therefore it is said in the text, that they had not sanctified Jehovah in the eyes of the people... (But these matters are as yet obscure to me…)

  8. Cannot see internal sense (2) WE 3445. What is meant [by]… the son who would be killed … This cannot be put forth now by reason of causes, in that I am still obscured as to the things contained in these words. WE 5652. "the words of the covenant." What these words signify I do not yet know. God Messiah granting, it will be granted me to know them from mercy…

  9. Cannot see internal sense (3) WE 4812. Explaining Exod. 28:8. As to what "bands" symbolize in general, many things could be said, but it is not yet clear. WE 6152, explaining I Sam. 26:19 About what else is involved in David's taking away the spear of Saul in the midst of the people, it has not yet been granted me to learn much.

  10. Something is wrong (1) WE 6657. These things are as yet most obscure to me, and I can by no means understand them. Therefore I pass them by for I have never been so disturbed, and disturbed in so perplexing a way. WE 5454. Of Aaron's character after death… I can indeed know nothing for certain; yet, from the murmurings of certain spirits... Those [representations] of evil spirits being the contrary, and unspeakably wicked. But perhaps the above should be omitted this may be looked into at the time [of printing], for I cannot know but that these words are insinuated among good spirits.

  11. Something is wrong (2) WE 1649. "Hamor came, and Shechem his son, to the gate of their city, and spoke to the men of their city" [Gen 34:20]. These things are so wicked that for now they are passed by, and perhaps even until the time for printing, if that seems good. They cannot yet be inserted here.

  12. Permission is lacking (1) SE-WE n. 5 …some He leads by permission, through other spirits who are not heavenly, all depending on each person's life. (See whether it will be allowed to insert the above when the time comes for printing.) SE-WE 141 As to what the tables are, consult, if it is allowed at that time, what is hidden away, and not yet permitted for me to draw on.

  13. Permission is lacking (2) SE-WE 274 …can be illustrated by many instances, but it is not yet the time. SE-WE 280 But these matters must not yet be disclosed; perhaps. SE-WE 3 Those words … must be amended at some other time, if God sees fit, so that I am really satisfied that the words I am speaking are entirely true.

  14. Hurry WE 3212. At present I am not quite sure as to whether they are as stated, having cited them here from memory, as for instance the passage about the sea [from Luke 21]. WE 7435. Whether the sacrifices of the new moons had been instituted prior to this, I do not know.

  15. SW’s understanding (1) WE 5652. Here it is very difficult to know whether it was Jehovah who … WE 4482. But as yet I do not well know these matters. God Messiah granting, it may be permitted to weigh them in better fashion. WE 5094. As to how the case is in this life in those who are to be regenerated, this I do not yet know.

  16. SW’s understanding (2) WE 5106. …this it is not yet granted me to know… Whether there is a drawing near in the kingdom of God Messiah when order has been instituted and all are created anew, I do not yet know. SE-WE 341. But the fact that He spoke in a way that by-standers also heard, as He did from Mount Sinai, I cannot yet explain from experience.

  17. SW’s understanding (3) WE 41. From the above it can be seen, though still only through a screen as it were, how the perfect order instituted by God is… WE 8242. But I cannot well describe any specimen of this temptation… I do not yet know.

  18. THE END Stephen Muires, April 28, 2009 Course: Theo 686, Church History Teacher: Grant Odhner Subject: Swedenborg’s expressions of uncertainty Presentation

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