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Doc. 10.) 115
BISHOP JESPER SWEDBERG .
prevailed "among the theologians” in Upsal, among whom
was one (Bilberg), who did not even follow God’s Word to
the extent of attributing to it authority in natural things,
defending the opinion that the Sacred Scripture is only
addressed to the vulgar. ” He presented these reasons to
the King; but when he found that neither was of any avail,
he said to him, “Well then, in the Lord’s name, as it is
useless to refuse, it shall be so. I will, with God’s help, do
my best; only I must ask your Majesty to stand by me, and
protect me from intriguing enemies." “That we will do,"
said the King. Swedberg then stretched out his hand
saying, “Your Majesty will give me your hand upon this,”
and the King did so. On the 10th of November Swedberg
entered on his new function at the University. He did so
with his heart beating between fear and hope. He was
afraid of the odium theologicum , a “not unfrequent guest"
in universities, especially with the members of that faculty,
whose principal duty it should be to repress it. His fear
was not ungrounded. A report had been circulated that, “if
this pietist came, no student would be allowed any longer to
wear either a sword or a wig.” But the hope, that by gentleness
he might be able to overcome his enemies, was not altogether
disappointed. He had other things to do than busy himselt
with the wigs of the students, and if he did interfere, this did
not prevent him from securing the affection of the young men,
who generally have a warm feeling in favour of everything
noble and honest. Swedberg relates several instances of the
young men giving him proofs of their gratitude. It was easy
enough, therefore, for the King to keep his promise, of pro
tecting him from intriguing enemies. The proofs of the royal
favour still increased. About a month after his arrival in
Upsal he was appointed Rector of the University. He ac
cordingly filled that office during the year of jubilee, which
was celebrated on Feb. 27, 1693, and following days, in
remembrance of the Council of Upsal.* In this capacity he
prepared one of the programmes for the festival. Respect
ing his share in this feast we shall say more elsewhere. Here
* At the Council of Upsal in 1593, the principles of the Reformation
were formally adopted as the religion of the country.
8 *
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