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44 [Doc. 5.
GENERAL BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
society. He was accordingly, even in his old age, cheerful,
sprightly, and agreeable in company; yet, at the same time,
his countenance presented those uncommon features, which are
only seen in men of great genius.
39. I know not how he was regarded abroad ; but I hope
it may not be uninteresting to know how he was regarded in
Stockholm, especially by those who could not read his writ
ings, and who met him only by chance in society, or heard
others speak of him .
40. Those who were able to read his books judged of him
then, as they do now, quite differently from those who were
unable to read them ; and what is remarkable, most of those
who do read his books become in a greater or less degree his
adherents; although “ for fear of the Jews", and on account
of many and perhaps just causes, they do not openly profess
their sentiments. Their judgment generally is, that, with
the exception of his memorable relations, and the conver
sations and visions which he quotes, there is much that is
good in his writings ; because he insists upon leading a life
in conformity with the will of God and His commandments ;
which manifests itself by the shunning of sin, and a new
life from the heart, and also by love to the Lord and the
neighbour.
41. One day a prisoner was led out to be beheaded
at the place of execution. I was with Swedenborg in the
evening, and I asked him, how a person, who leaves the
world in this manner, feels at the moment he is executed.
He replied, “ When such a one lies down upon the block he
is already so much out of himself, that after decapitation,
when the spirit enters into the world of spirits, and the pris
oner finds himself alive, he tries to make his escape, is in
expectation of death, and is very much terrified ; for at the last
moment no one thinks of anything but the happiness of heaven,
and the misery of hell. Afterwards such a one is associated
with good spirits who reveal to men that they are really
dead ; and then he is left to follow his own inclinations,
by which he is led to that place where he is to remain to
eternity.” In Swedenborg’s work on " Heaven and Hell” this
change is treated of more at large.
66
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