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502 TESTIMONY OF CONTEMPORARIES. [Doc. 259.
reasons therein suggested, (his answer to which letter I have
translated and annexed to this work,* there is the less occasion
to enlarge on what relates to his personal circumstances.
However, we cannot but take notice here of the kind and
honourable treatment he continues to meet with in his own
country, as a circumstance which does honour to the Royal
Family, the Grandees, the Senators, and the Bishops of the
Swedish nation; for every one that comes to us in the name
of a Prophet, a Messenger of the Lord, or a Seer, with
credible marks of his Mission, is certainly entitled to high
respect from such distinction of character.
5. "That Mr. Swedenborg’s life, qualifications, and high
pretensions, have passed through a strict scrutiny in his own
country, as to every part of his character, moral, civil, and
divine, is not to be doubted; and that he maintains dignity,
esteem, and friendship there with the great, the wise, the
good, I am well informed by a gentleman of that nation, now
residing in London [Christopher Springer121] ; and from whose
mouth I could relate an instance of the Author’s supernatural
knowledge, as well known in the Court of Sweden, and not
to be evaded or called in question, if the fact be as related :
but as I have not the Author’s leave for this, I think myself
not at liberty to mention it.
6. "Thus far I think that the credibility of Mr. Swedenborg,
as a witness to the truth of what he relates, stands unimpeached:
the extensive learning displayed in his writings, evinces him
to be the Scholar, and the Philosopher; and his polite behaviour
and address bespeak the Gentleman: he affects no honour,
but declines it; pursues no worldly interest, but spends his
substance in travelling and printing, in order to communicate
instruction and benefit to mankind ; and he is so far from the
ambition of heading a sect, that wherever he resides on his
* See Documents 1 and 2, Vol. I.
Swedenborg continued to meet with this kind and honourable treat
ment until his return to Sweden, after writing to Mr. Hartley the letter
to which he refers above ; but from the beginning of 1770 he no longer
led an unchequered existence, as appears from the various accounts introduced
in Document 245. See also what Mr Hartley wrote in 1778, in no. 20
of the present Document.
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