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364 [Doc. 245.
TRIAL AT GOTTENBURG.
on the one hand our Confession does not admit of artificially
constructed by-ways, nor of any private reservations, and on
the other hand, respect for the fundamental law scarcely
permitted any one to express himself with all frankness.
Under such critical circumstances I ventured in all humility,
as before God, to express myself in full freedom without
having respect to any other language than that which is
certain, and is able to teach; and which is an everlasting
foundation, in accordance with which the King and the Houses
will be judged hereafter, and, if they are wise, will themselves
likewise judge. If, however, I be held responsible for thoughts
which, compelled by Christian charity, I uttered in the right
place and at the right time, I shall comfort myself among
other things with Romans ix, 33; x, 9; x, 11.
"This, but no more, have I ventured, with all due sub
mission to human authority, to bring forward, as long as the
Swedenborgian controversy, placed before the highest tribunal,
remains as yet unsettled ; and I have been commanded to
express myself, supported by arguments, and not blindly, nor
with extreme arbitrariness, which is no less convenient than
it is damnable. God forbid that by my word or thought I
should have forfeited the Royal grace, and my privileges as
a subject. After having served without reproach for many
years, a prospect which is more than sad and an abyss of
misfortunes open before me on account of this affair.
"Your Excellency will no doubt find means for my rescue.
"I hope I may be included for all time in your usual
grace. But, gracious Sir, a confession at the expense of
truth, and by which the cause of truth is injured, I deprecate
more than all sufferings.
"With profound deference, gracious Sir, I remain
"Your Excellency’s humble servant,
"Gottenburg, April 14, 1770."
"Rosén.
The deliberations of the Privy Council or Senate, to which
the whole subject of the so-called " Swedenborgianism," embrac
ing the declarations of Drs. Beyer, Rosén, and Ekebom had been
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