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Doc. 10.] 141
BISHOP JESPER SWEDBERG .
able to judge of his talents,” said Swedberg. This was ac
cordingly done. The decree of appointment followed at once,
with the promise of a better pastorate as soon as there should
be a vacancy. The least
The least savour of simony or nepotism
was an abomination to Swedberg. On this subject he said,
“My greatest difficulty consisted in filling the pastorates with
able and conscientious men. For, first, the injurious practice
has crept in here, as well as in other places, of thinking that
if any one has finished his course in the university, though
even with mediocrity, he is at once fit to fill some ministerial
office; and the bishop dare not refuse it to him, especially if
he be asked by some priest who has a marriageable daughter.
So also I have suffered greatly for not promoting clergy
men at the command of some high lord, or at the wish
and desire of their ladies ; so that I scarcely ever make
an appointment without creating some hostility. As soon as
there is a vacancy, at once his lordship or her ladyship,
the count or countess, the general, colonel, councillor of war,
or governor, and I know not who else, desire to have their
pets promoted.” From such a cause he incurred the dis
pleasure of Governor Sparfelt. Where there were two or more
able and worthy applicants, Swedberg proposed the plan of
casting lots according to the usage of the Apostolic Church .
He himself was so far from being possessed with the desire
of acquisition and avarice, that even after he was made bi
shop, he had not yet read the regulations about tithes and
other emoluments. Whatever people gave voluntarily he
accepted thankfully, but he never demanded anything. And
much less did he appeal to the help of the magistrate to
levy his dues ; nor did he report delinquents. He did not
break his bishop’s crook over those who refused to give
what he did not seek after ; yet he took occasion to re
mind himself and others of the proverb in general currency,
“There is no end to the mercy of God, and the covetousness
of priests.” In the other relations of his office he observed
the greatest exactness. We quote his own words, “I have
never refused or denied any one his right. I have willingly
undertaken and helped forward, and carried out, the cause of
the poor and the oppressed. I have loved, honoured and
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