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in stating the doctrines of the New Church, the author has used his own language, and his own perception of them. If, in the opinion of the more learned and interior recipient, he has erred in either, in doing so, he hopes he may be excused. These invaluable doctrines are accommodated to, and will be received according to the different states and capacities of the recipients; and it may be well enough for every one, according to his perception, to state them thus candidly, when necessary.

"In giving publicity to this work, the author has two objects in view. The first is, to give to the less discriminating, but honest admirers of the doctrines of the New Church, a clearer view, by CONTRAST, of the real difference between the doctrines of the two churches, that they may the better separate, in their own minds, what the author believes to be genuine truth, from what is not. The second is, to show to the candid and liberal of all denominations, that the doctrines of EMANUEL SWEDENBORG are not so absurd, so visionary, or so opposed to the true spirit and meaning of the Word of God, as many, without due examination, have pronounced them."

In the present edition of this work, the "Contrast" has been somewhat extended, and some of the original articles considerably enlarged and modified. Proofs also have been added, from the Scripture, of nearly all the doctrines of the New Church. With these additions and corrections, it is now hoped that it will make a very useful Introduction to the "Catechism" of the New Church, to which it is prefixed.

With respect to the "Catechism," it is proper to inform the reader that it was originally compiled and published chiefly for the use and spiritual instruction of the author's own children, to whom it is dedicated. It has since been carefully revised, and the proofs from Scripture added,

together with an "Appendix," containing important Notes, explaining and illustrating the various doctrines contained in the Catechism, and indeed all the essential doctrines of the Church.

After having consulted with a few intelligent friends, to whom this work in its present enlarged form has been submitted, and under a hope that it will be found a useful "Manual" for the youth of the New Church, and for novitiate readers and receivers of the doctrines generally, the author has been induced to publish it, trusting that it may be made an humble medium in the hands of Divine Providence, in disseminating and nourishing those important spiritual truths, the love of which, he flatters himself, has been the governing motive of his labors. Another motive has also had some influence in making the publication at this time, i. e. a desire to counteract, in some degree, the slanders which have been recently propagated, not only in conversation and in the pulpit, but by the circulation of malicious anonymous pamphlets, against the Church of which the author is a professed member.

The Contrast:

OR, CERTAIN

DOCTRINES OF THE PROTESTANT CHURCHES,

COMPARED WITH THE DOCTRINES

OF THE

NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH;

WITH

PROOFS FROM THE WORD AND THE EPISTLES.

Despise not Prophesyings: Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. -1 Thess. v. 20, 21.

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God.

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God--1 John, iv. 1, 2.

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God.-John vii. 17.

As truth can receive no evidence from our passions and interests, (or our preconceived opinions,) so it should receive no tincture from them.-LOCKE

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