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.
490 SWEDENBORG IN THE HOUSE OF NOBLES. [Doc. 172.
>
she can save it in a much better way by thrift, and an im
provement throughout the country: for putting oneself into
training and commencing a war, simply for the purpose of
showing that one is not afraid , even when this is feasible, is
no proof or argument in the case of a nation that need not
fear in any case to be attacked by its neighbours, and which
is well known to be able to defend itself against those by whom
it may be attacked.
To attack any one, simply to show that one possesses strength
and courage, is false glory; but to defend oneself bravely when
attacked is true glory. If that should be made a cause of war,
and if reverses should happen, there is scarcely any one who
would not explain this to his disadvantage; it is different if
you act on the defensive.
If a balance is drawn between the great advantage that
might possibly arise from a war, and that which results from
neutrality, I, for my own humble part, can see an immensely
greater advantage on the side of the latter; if you are but
willing to stretch your thought beyond the immediate present.
Neighbouring nations will always be afraid of us, when they
witness our thrift and prosperity at home ; when they see that
we are out of debt, that our army is in good condition, that
the arsenals and the regimental strong-boxes are well-filled, and,
finally, when they see the various Houses of our Diet in unity,
and our country fortified in this wise, which is better than in
any other manner. All this cannot be hidden, and the effect of it
will be that no one will think that we are not in condition, or that
we are afraid to have anything to do with one or two powers,
if there be necessity.
12. That at the present conjuncture, when Russia allies
herself with the Emperor, and France and Spain ally themselves
against them, it would seem as if Sweden’s interest demanded
a closer approximation to France, we admit, and also that it
seems required that we should assist France; inasmuch as Russia
by this arrangement renders herself more formidable to Sweden
and will be still more so, should a different one from him, who
would we hope hold the balance against Russia, ascend the
Polish throne. With respect to Russia, she is indeed rendered
more powerful thereby in regard to Sweden, both on the side of
a
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
