Swedenborg

Swedenborg

The inner organic structures which Swedenborg referred to as the “simple cortex” are the causes of emotional diseases. The brain absorbs this and by this means causes it to be a spiritual issue as well, thereby establishing Swedenborg’s thesis in the connection of the physical, mental and spiritual.

True health comes only from a good life. While evil men appear healthy, in fact they are inwardly diseased, as they carry inside the toxins of deceit and wickedness, which are the seeds of insanity. In fact, true love makes a man healthy and whole. And this can be attained by purging the mind of such negative emotions as pessimism, anger, self-pity, impatience, suspicion and all intemperate behaviour.

People should be moral and rational, see these positive aspects in others, and also try to understand those who have critical views and try to see things with their own eyes. A good sense of humour is healthy and may prevent the burden that comes from seeing things too seriously. Happiness within resides in a humble heart which recognises its own faults and thereby seeks the wisdom of  Divine Providence.

The one true cause of happiness is to find a fulfilling and useful role for ourselves to the betterment of society and to improve the lot of the people around us, contributing to both their bodily and spiritual wellbeing. It is far better for a person to be thus than to be the greatest scientist or thinker of his age, if the scientist and thinker does not wish to know the Kingdom of God. Finding a useful purpose will protect against disease and evil; muscles not used in such a way would only wither and die, and those who spend their energies on vain, frivolous things will only see their bodies and minds grow torpid and useless. Such is the importance of finding a useful purpose.

Love is always the source of wellbeing and happiness; even food tastes far better when eaten in a spirit of delight and thankfulness, than when gulped down anxiously. And the greatest love is that of conjugal bliss in those who are married in the sight of God and who are useful for God and to their fellow man. It is a natural instinct to have children and to protect them as an aspect of the reciprocal Love with our partners. Thus conjugal love is enjoyed by people who turn away from sin and embrace Jesus Christ as the One God.

The signs of a truly joyous conjugal life are tranquillity, innocence, confidence growing in the relationship and inner friendship with your partner, with a will to please the other in every deed of body and mind to the other’s benefit. From this comes true happiness, blessed joy and delight in all things, good pleasure and beneficence from God.

Happiness and contentment are thereby caused when a man, with his wife and children, lives by the word of God in usefulness and internal delight, with eternal joy to look forward to.