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Doc. 206.] 89
SWEDENBORG’S TRAVELS IN 1736.
of iron inlaid with gold, which was of most beautiful workman
ship; there was also another where the figures were damascened,
and of great value ; at last we admired the emperor’s sword.
I do not mention the stables and other objects which we saw.
On our way to Brussels two Franciscan monks were on the
canal-boat ; one of these stood on deck for four hours in one
position, and during the whole of this time said his prayers
devoutly; they probably were for those travelling in the boat.
Such prayers must certainly be agreeable to God, so far as
they proceed from an honest and pure heart, and are offered
with genuine devotion, and not in the spirit of the Pharisees ;
for prayer avails much, as in the case of Moses, when the
people were slain, and in other cases. Paul desired that others
should pray for him.
August 26. On the left side of the choir in the cathedral
I saw an altar and an altar-piece of silver ; likewise many
larger and smaller chandeliers and lamps of silver, together
with other splendid ornaments. Mass was celebrated there.
The only thing that needs to be noted in connection therewith
to serve as a subject for reflection, is this : that everything is
so arranged as to captivate and occupy the senses, and to lead
them above by an external way, or to exalt one’s thoughts
about religion and direct them to the Highest; for all is in
stituted with so much devotion ; the body inclines and bows ;
the knees bend ; the eyes are engaged by everything magnifi
cent and sublime that can be imagined ; the ears are filled
with beautiful music, instrumental as well as vocal ; the nose
enjoys aromatic fragrance. Besides this, many holy objects
are exhibited, so that the senses are charmed, and by external
means men are led to devotion ; which with them seems to be
the means of elevating their minds, since the external senses
furnish them generally with subjects for meditation.
August 28. At 8 o’clock in the morning I left Brussels for
Tubise, whence I journeyed to Braine [ le Comte] and Casteau, all
of which are villages rivaling towns in elegance. About evening
I reached Mons, which is a well-built town, and uncommonly
well fortified ; it is provided with many out-works, and almost
impregnable. It is well garrisoned, contains many inhabitants,
has many churches and a large market-place, and is about
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