by John F. Potts
In the present number of THE NEW PHILOSOPHY we devote the entire space to two papers by the Rev. John F. Potts, who treats oi the primary thought in the first and second chapters of the Principia. We bespeak for them a careful consideration on account of the importance of the principles involved. We expect to follow up the subject by papers treating of the subject from other points of-view, and we would therefore ask our readers not to regard the present presentation as conclusive before reading what others have to say on the subject. We expect to publish next month a paper by Rev. L. P. Mercer, who will take issue with Mr. Potts. The subject is interestingand important, because it brings up the limitations of the merely natural mind, unaided by revelation, to arrive at a true conception of the nature of creation and the origin of matter. It also calls up for consideration the peculiar nature and status of Swedenborg's Scientific Works. Do these stand in exactly the same category as those of the ordinary scientist ? When Swedenborg says that he was prepared for his mission through the study of natural science, are we to understand that he thereby teaches that his scientific and philosophical works are true in every respect? When he makes statements in his theological works that certain things cannot be rightly understood without knowledge gained by revelation, does this apply to his own Scientific Writings ? If so, then how are the teachings of his Scientific Writings to be regarded, and what degree of authority should they hold in the mind of a New Churchman ? These are questions which should be thoroughly discussed and settled in the present stage of interest in the re-publication of the Scientific Writings of Swedenborg.
