Page:The Swedenborg Library Vol 3.djvu/75

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ERROR TO BE INTELLIGENTLY REJECTED.
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RENUNCIATION OF ERROR.

Whatever has become an article of any one's faith, although not true, ought not to be rejected until clearly seen to be erroneous. If it be rejected sooner, the first principle [or foundation] of his spiritual life is extirpated. Therefore the Lord in no case breaks such truth appertaining to man, but as far as possible bends it.

Let an example serve for illustration: He who believes that the glory of heaven and the joy thence derived consist in dominion over many, and from this conceived principle explains the Lord's words concerning the servants who gained ten pounds and five, that they should have power over ten and over five cities (Luke xix. 11); and also the Lord's words to the disciples that they should sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Luke xxii. 30); if he extinguishes his faith, which is the faith of truth grounded in the literal sense of the Word, before he has a full view [of the error involved in it], he occasions the loss of his spiritual life. But if after a full view, he interprets these words of the Lord from His other words, that he who would be greatest must be the least, and he who would be first must be the servant of all, then, if he extinguishes his faith concerning heavenly glory and joy as arising from dominion over many, he does not occasion the loss of his spiritual life. (A. C. 9039.)

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