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1152 NOTES TO VOLUME II.
Count Andrew Peter Bernstorff in a conversation with General Tuxen
actually declared himself as favourably inclined to the writings of
Swedenborg, it seems more probable that he, and not his cousin,
was meant here by Swedenborg.
General Tuxen wrote on this subject to C. F. Nordensköld, on
August 28, 1787, as follows : "Three days ago I was in Copenhagen
and spoke with his Excellency Count Bernstorff, who unexpectedly
asked me, ’Whether it was true that I was a receiver of Sweden
borg’s doctrine, and that I possessed and had read his writings? ’ Where
upon I answered, ’Yes, and I thank God for them.’ ’I have them
also,’ he continued, ’and have ead much in them which is ex
cellent, but when he relates to us so many wonderful and singular
things, I do not know what to say.’ He maintained that His
Majesty, the King of Sweden [ Gustavus III], was much attached to
Swedenborg’s doctrine; upon which I observed that I was not certain
of this, although I knew him to be a prudent and tolerant ruler, and
that possibly it might be so. This gave occasion to a little discus
sion, when I asked him whether he was informed about the new
society [the Exegetic-Philanthropic Society] which had been formed
in Stockholm? To which he replied, Yes. I gave him a good deal
of information, and mentioned to him the names of those of its
members whom I thought suitable; among others I mentioned the
name of Schinmeyer in Lübeck. ’
I know him,’ he said, ’he dined
with me yesterday; he has a daughter married in town. Immediately
after dinner I went for the worthy superintendent, and talked with
him for over half an hour in the window, while there was a large
company in the room.’ The Count expressed himself very much
delighted at making my acquaintance; although I could not do much
in making the conversation really delightful to him; in fact it was
easy for him to see that my desire to do what is right, exceeds the
range of my knowledge and information. I told him that if God
granted me life and means, I intended to translate into Danish the
small tracts and papers, which would be read before the Exegetic
Society, and print them at my own expense; as the smallest use I
could do, as long as I lived ; and that perhaps some one who would
read them in the right spirit or from mere curiosity, might be
enlightened by the truths set forth in them."
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