Page:The Swedenborg Library Vol 1.djvu/227

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they conceal it from the people, that the saints may still be worshiped as tutelar gods, but that the primates themselves who rule over the people, may be worshiped as the lords of heaven. In like manner, moreover, they multiply churches and monasteries as they did in the world; they scrape together riches, and accumulate costly things which they hide in cellars; for costly things exist in the spiritual as well as in the natural world, and far more abundantly. In like manner they send forth monks to allure the Gentiles to their religion, in order that they may subject them to their rule. They commonly have towers of espial erected in the middle of their assemblies, from which they are enabled to enjoy an extended vision into all the surrounding region: and moreover, by various means and arts they establish for themselves communications with persons far and near, joining in league with them, and drawing them over to their own party.


ROMISH PRELATES.

Such is their state in general. But as to particulars, many prelates of that religion take away all power from the Lord, and claim it for themselves; and doing this, they acknowledge no Divine. They still counterfeit a devoutness in externals; yet this devoutness in itself is profane, because in their internals there is no acknowledgment of the Divine.