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488 SWEDENBORG IN THE HOUSE OF NOBLES. [Doc. 172.
If Sweden remain neutral, the harm that has been already
done may be replaced by wise economy, by encouraging mines
and commerce, and by the profit which Swedish merchants
would derive from other powers being involved in war. It is
most certain that under existing circumstances the country
will gain by these means much more than Livonia could bring
in for many years ; and that by employing a constant time of
peace for setting her economy and commerce in order, she
will be compensated for all she has lost in her provinces : for
the wealth of a country does not depend upon the largeness
of its extent, and the number of its provinces, but upon the
flourishing state of its commerce. And as there is no fear
now of our being attacked offensively, we can increase our
commerce and traffic, and can cultivate our land ; and there
by render ourselves formidable, and in this particular we should
act on the same principles as they do in Holland.
7. In declaring war now, or in involving ourselves in
such a manner that it may be looked upon indirectly as a
declaration of war or an offensive movement, we should do so
without the appearance of our having a sufficient cause for it.
A pretended cause can always be found; yet if we should
flatter ourselves with the justice of our cause, many would
see that this was really nothing else than a breach of peace
with Russia under a pretext.
It is an unusual thing also for Sweden to break alliances or a
treaty ofpeace, or to begin an offensive war; and but few examples
will be found in Sweden’s history of her having commenced a
war offensively, although several where she took part defensively.
8. With respect of its being a point of honour that we should
maintain the Polish election, this is a matter where we ought
to take no part whatever; as Sweden is not the guarantee of
the elections in Poland : besides, we are not obliged by any
treaty to sustain them in their election. The greatest honour
seems to consist in our acquiring a position of respect by wise
economy, and in endeavouring to enrich our land, when we
shall be as much respected as Holland and England, who
maintain their honour among the great powers of Europe
entirely by such means; yea, their essential honour seems to
be founded upon this.
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