Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - Sidor ...
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
Below is the raw OCR text
from the above scanned image.
Do you see an error? Proofread the page now!
Här nedan syns maskintolkade texten från faksimilbilden ovan.
Ser du något fel? Korrekturläs sidan nu!
This page has never been proofread. / Denna sida har aldrig korrekturlästs.
4 DOCUMENTS CONCERNING SWEDENBORG.
introduced into them by education. Be this as it may,
it cannot be denied, that the advantage of having sprung
from a respectable and virtuous family, inspires a man
with confidence, when he is conscious that he does not
disgrace his descent. In every condition, it is a real
advantage to be born in a family, which has been, for a
long time, the abode of honour and virtue, and a nursery
of citizens every way useful to the country. Such was
that of Swedenborg.
In a family of credit and respectability among the
miners of Stora Kopparberg, Daniel Isaacson and his
wife Anne Ballernesia, are distinguished as the parents
.
of the first chiefs of the noble families of Shômstrôm
and of Swedenborg, as well as that of the Swedbergs.
I remember to have seen a genealogical tree, in which
were represented many of the Swedbergs incorporated and
allied with other illustrious and celebrated families. But
since our Swedenborg did not assist to extend the branches
of this tree, I will dwell upon it no longer, and will
endeavour to follow himself only.
In following him, the period of childhood and the
exercises of that age cannot detain me long ; for, in him,
everything tended to maturity. A son of Bishop Swed
berg could not fail to receive a good education according
to the custom of the times, and such as was adapted to
form his youth to virtue, to industry, to solid knowledge,
and especially to those sciences which were to constitute
his chief occupation. Times and manners change : but
I am speaking of the youth of a Swedenborg. What
need is there to expatiate further upon the well-bestowed
cares which were employed on his education ; upon his
eagerness to profit by such an advantage, which few men,
comparatively, enjoy, and which so many of those who
enjoy it neglect ; upon the acuteness of his talents,
which made the acquisition of knowledge easy to him,
and cherished his excellent inclinations ; in short, upon
his diligence and early maturity ? What more striking
* The great copper-mountain, near the town of Fahlun, in the
Province of Dale-Karlen, the principal copper-mines in Sweden.
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
