From the Monthly Review.

The Animal Kingdom considered Anatomically, Physically, and Philosophically, by Emanuel Swedenborg, late Member of the House of Nobles in the Royal Diet of Sweden, &c., &c., &c. Translated from the Latin by JAMES JOHN GARTH WILKINSON, Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of London. 1 vol. Newberry, and Ballière. London: 1844.

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criticizing some psychological or metaphysical work. In this short sketch we shall avail ourself principally of a work by the Rev. J. H. Smithson, and the Life of Swedenborg, by Mr. Wilkinson, in the Penny Cyclopædia, together with such facts and illustrations as our reading may supply, and our habits of generalization may enable us to bring forward.

The original name of the family was Swedborg; MEN of slender pretensions, and even those but when the subject of our sketch was ennobled taking high rank among the peritissimi of the day, in 1719, as is the custom in Sweden, he changed have been accustomed to dismiss with a sneer, his name, together with his sisters', to Swedenor condemn with a scowl, all mention of, or refer- borg. Under his father as a divine, a man of ence to, Emanuel Swedenborg. The enthusiast, learning, of exemplary piety and prudence, "he visionary, monomane-the man who affected to could not fail to receive a good education accordconverse with beings of another world-the cabal-ing to the custom of the times, and such as was istic, mystic qui naviget Anticyram dignus-in adapted to form his youth to virtue, to industry, to short, the madman dreamy." "A person," ,"solid knowledge, and especially to those sciences say they, "who pretended to enjoy intercourse which were to constitute his chief occupation."with invisible beings, who affected to be able to (M. Sandel's Eulogium.) How he past his youth converse with the spirits of the departed, and who does not appear from M. Sandel, whose eulogy we indulged in the delusive fancies of a heated if not have taken as a text, but at twenty-eight, he was distempered brain, can surely lay no claim to the appointed, without any solicitation on his part, by title of a man of science, or pretend to be expositor Charles XII., assessor extraordinary of the board of the all but hidden laws of nature. It is not con- of mines, and this was while he was yet a student sonant with the views which we entertain of the of the university. If we reflect that Sweden is a sanity of men's minds, to admit Swedenborg country, the chief riches of which arise from a among the penates of our literary mythology. We proper working of her mines, it will redound much can have no feeling in common with a man who to the honor of Swedenborg that he was appointed assumes the possession of such superior gifts, that to so important an office; and the appointment were he indeed possessed of them, or did we admit presupposes that the fame of his talents and his pretensions, we must immediately abandon all, acquirements must have been widely diffused and or nearly all, the principles which have hitherto generally acknowledged, since it reached the king's guided us in the contemplation and study of nature, ear-a rare occurrence, and seldom happening for such a man would be only not a god because even to those who live in a country like England, he is (or was) a creature." which may emphatically be called a land of news This, or something like this, is the opinion and newspapers, for there is nothing done, said, either expressed or implied of most persons with whispered, thought almost, but what finds its way whom we have conversed respecting Swedenborg either into the diurnal or hebdomadal journals of and his works, and it is not derogatory to us to the metropolis, to be thence circulated not only say, that until we perused some of his works-among the highest and the lowest in the land, but such is the influence of early academic prejudice-disseminated over the four quarters of the globe. that we were just as much inclined to unite in the | And the appointment was conferred moreover in a general censure, as are those to whom we have manner that could not but have been grateful to just now alluded. That Swedenborg was really a learned, scientific, studious, and highly-gifted man few seem to know and fewer stop to inquire. That he was of a highly respectable family, his father being the Bishop of Skara, and his mother, Sarah Behm, the daughter of Albert Behm, assessor of the board of mines, and that he filled some of the most honorable offices in his own country, and retired only to London to devote himself to his theological pursuits, are facts little known even to those whose business is literature, In 1710, when 22 years of age, he published a and who live not only metaphorically but literally collection of Latin poems, which displayed great by the sweat of their brains. Let it therefore be versatility of talent and raised his character for our duty on this occasion to put these facts fully learning among his countrymen. But even at this before our readers, and in the light in which we early period poetry did not engross all his time, as think they ought to be placed, with a view to it too frequently does youth at that period of life, attract that attention to the work, the title of for he printed essays, and remarks on questions of which is placed at the head of this article, which mathematics at Stockholm, in the Swedish lanwe think its importance demands, and its merits guage, in six parts, the fifth being also published will secure. And to further this end, we shall give a very brief sketch of the life of Swedenborg, Emanuel Swedenborg, &c., &c., collected by J. F. I. * Documents concerning the life and character of interspersed with occasional anecdotes of demon-Tafel, of Tubingen, and edited in English by the Rev. J. stration of possession of those supernatural powers, H. Smithson. Hayward, Manchester, 1841. for which his followers give him credit; but upon the truth or untruth of which we shall not at present delay to inquire, whatever our opinion may be, seeing that is a separate subject, of which possibly we may treat at no distant date, when

the feelings of Swedenborg, since it was left to his choice whether he would accept the office of professor in the Royal University of Upsal or that of assessor of the mines; and M. Sandel very justly remarks, that it is not upon an effeminate young man, destitute of talents, that an enlightened monarch confers such employments: Swedenborg was already known, both within the kingdom and abroad, for his learning and his great qualities.

+ Entitled "Ludus Heliconius, sire carmina miscellanea, que variis in locis cecinit Em. Swedberg ;" and the preceding year he had published "Annai Seneca et Publii Sri Mimi, forsan et aliorum, Selecta Sententio cuma annotationibus Erasmi, et Græca versione Scalegeri, notis illustrate." This work is dedicated to his father.

in Latin, under the title of Dedalus Hyperboreus. | knowledge requisite for filling them. He had obThese were the fruits of his acquirements at the tained his office without soliciting it. He was University of Upsal. Subsequently, for four suc- already well skilled in certain sciences, which cessive years, he visited England, Holland, France, alone would render him very useful in his situaand Germany, acquiring the languages and making tion. It was even very easy for him to acquire himself acquainted with the knowledge of these the knowledge in which, for this office, he might countries. M. Sandel represents him, at this be deficient, since mathematics and physics, which period of his life, as a young man of strong he had hitherto made his principal studies, are the memory, quick conception, and sound judgment, basis of the science of mines. But he could not deeply imbued with the desire of acquiring the be satisfied with theory alone without practice; most profound truths, in philosophy, in all the nor was he any better satisfied with the experience branches of mathematics, in natural history, me- which may be acquired in a chemical laboratory, chanics, anatomy, and even theology. He was nor with an acquaintance with the mines of Swealso skilled in the Oriental languages, and had, at den only, and with the buildings, machines, and this early age, acquired the habit of arranging his processes used in working them. He therefore, thoughts in a methodical and orderly form, as in 1721, undertook a second journey to foreign numerous notes in several of his note-books amply countries, to examine their mines and smelting prove. On his return from his first travels, he works, particularly those of Saxony and Hartz. occupied himself with mathematics and mechanics But we ought not to say that he went to ex-in the latter science he attained such eminence amine their mines only for of all that could fix that he attracted the attention and subsequently the attention of a traveller, there was nothing that secured the friendship of Christopher Polhammer, escaped him." who was afterwards known as Polheim, and the "Archimedes of Sweden." Among a number of extraordinary works projected and carried into effect by these two able men, the famous dyke of Lyckeby, the locks of Trolhatta, and the bason of Carlscrona are still the admiration of travellers; but one that was planned and executed by Swedenborg, attests without any cavil a knowledge of mechanical principles and their application to objects of utility that must surprise every one who reflects upon the nature of the undertaking.

During his sojourn at Brunswick, the reigning duke gave him full power to travel in his dominions, and at his departure, presented him with his medallion in gold and another in silver. It was during this journey that he acquired those stores of knowledge which enabled him to enrich science and advance the arts by the publication of seven original works, the translations to the titles of which we append in a note.* In 1722, he returned to Sweden, and divided his time between his duties at the Royal Board of Mines, and his In 1718, he contrived to transport over valleys favorite studies, the fruits of which was his great and mountains, by the help of machines of his own work, entitled Opera Philosophica et Mineralia, invention, two galleys, five large boats, and a sloop which was published at Dresden and Leipsic-and from Stromstadt to Iderfjol, which divides Sweden during the printing of which he actually visited from Norway towards the south; that is to say, the mines of Austria and Hungary—a journey the distance of two miles and a half. By this which lasted a year. This elaborate performance operation, the king found himself in a situation to is in three volumes folio. The first volume is carry on his plans; for, under cover of these gal-entitled, Principia Rerum Naturalium; sive Noleys and boats, he transported on pontoons his vorum Tentaminum Phenomena Mundi Elementaris heavy artillery, which it would have been impossi- Philosophice Explicandi; 2nd. Regnum Subterrable to have conveyed by land, under the very walls neum, sive Minerale de Ferro; 3rd. Regnum Subof Frederickshall. (M. Sandel.) terraneum, sive Minerale de Cupro et Orichalco.t The merits of these works were immediately acknowledged and admitted by the learned, and the Consistory of the University and the Academy of Sciences at Upsal were the first to do him honor in token of the opinion they entertained of his

*

"A Prodromus (or

Mechanics, however, did not alone occupy his attention; for in 1717 and 1718 he published a continuation of Daedalus Hyperboreus-an Introduction to Algebra, under the title of " RegelKonsten;" in 1719, a "Proposal for fixing the value of coin, and determining the measures of Sweden, so as to suppress fractions and facilitate *Prodromus Principiorum, &c. calculations;" in the same year, a treatise "On sketch and specimen) of a Work on the Principles of the Position of the Earth and the Planets ;" and an-Natural Things, or New Attempts at explaining the Phenomena of Chemistry and Physics on Geometrical Prinother" On the Height of the Tides and the greater ciples." 2. Nova Observata, &c. "New Observations flux and reflux of the Sea in former ages; with and Discoveries respecting Iron and Fire, especially reproofs furnished by various appearances in Swe- specting the Elementary Nature of Fire. With a new den;" so that it will readily be acknowledged that mode of constructing Chimneys." 3. Methodus nova, &c. "A New Method of finding the Longitude of Places a mind which could grasp a theory of planetary either on Land or at Sea, by Lunar Observations." 4. position, and the minutia of pecuniary values at Modus Construendi, &c. "A Plan for constructing Dry one and the same time, could not have been cast in Docks for Shipping, in Harbors where there are no 66 A New mode of any ordinary mould. Besides these works, we Tides." 5. Nova Constructio, &c. are told, that he had begun others, while he ap of Rivers." 6." Modus Mechanice, &c. constructing Dykes to exclude Inundations of the Sea or "A Mode of plied himself with determined perseverance and ascertaining by Mechanical Means, the qualities of Vesindomitable industry to a thorough and comprehen- sels of different Constructions." 7. Miscellanea Obsersive knowledge of mining, as vata, &c. "Miscellaneous Observations on Natural Things, particularly on Minerals, Fire and the Strata of

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He was unwilling to exercise the functions of assessor of the royal board of mines, before he had acquired a perfect knowledge of metallurgy. Thus," continues M. Sandel, "he is by no means to be ranked in the number of those, who, without capacity, solicit places, and have not the * Equal to 14 English miles.

Mountains."

The entire work is entitled, "Philosophical and Mineralogical Works," and the 1st vol. "The Principles of Natural Things; or New Attempts at a Philosophical Explanation of the Phenomena of the Elementary World." 2nd. "The Subterraneous Kingdom in regard to Iron;" 3rd. "The Subterraneous or Mineral Kingdom in regard to Copper and Brass."

talents and acquirements. The Consistory pre- " System of Philosophy," and "Thoughts on viously, in 1724, had offered him the professorship God, the World, and the Human Soul," had of the Pure Mathematics; and the Academy of raised him to the highest rank in literature, sought Sciences had elected him a member in 1729. It for and established a friendly correspondence with cannot, therefore, be supposed that either of these him, consulting him, as M. Sandel says, on many learned bodies had been taken by surprise, or that intricate subjects. The editors also of the "Acta Swedenborg owed the honors which at this time Eruditorum" of Leipsic helped themselves largely were heaped upon him to any sudden freak which to the treasures which were every where throughhad seized the learned, or any new fashion in out his works scattered with no sparing hand. literature which had attacked the people. They|They did not, however, appropriate his labors were the fruit of a long and intimate acquaintance without acknowledgment. M. Sandel also remarks with the character and works of a man who they that time had not deprived the "Opera Philosoforesaw was to be not only an honor to his own phica et Mineralia" of any of their value since, the country but to his species, and they wisely gave authors of the magnificent work, "Description des him that suffrage which foreign nations are only Arts et des Métiers," then publishing in Paris now (if we take Mr. Wilkinson's translation as a (1772) had appreciated that part which treats of proof) beginning to award him. Foreigners, how-iron and steel so highly, that they had translated ever, were not altogether blind to the merits of and inserted it entirely in their collection, while the Swedenborg, for the Academy of Sciences of St. editors of the "Documents" inform us that the Petersburg elected him a corresponding member work did not fail also to obtain notice in England. by diploma in 1734, and Christian Wolffe, whose In the translation of Cramer's "Elements of the Art of Assaying Metals," by Dr. Cromwell Mor* Christian Wolffe, or Wolfe, or Wolfius was born at Breslau in 1679. After prosecuting his studies at the timer, Secretary to the Royal Society, we find the Universities of Jena, Hamburg, and Leipsic, he acquired following very eulogistic passage: so much renown, that at 26 he was appointed professor "For the sake of such as understand Latin, we of Mathematics, and soon after of General Philosophy, in must not pass by that magnificent and laborious the University of Halle. Having read Leibnitz's Theodi-work of Emanuel Swedenborgius, entitled Princea, (or a "Dissertation on the Goodness of God, the Lib

erty of Man, and the Origin of Evil," vid. Ed. Gottschedii cipia Rerum Naturalium, &c. Dresdæ et Lipsia, cum Annot. et Gall. Elit. Amstelod. 1734, cum vita aucto- 1734, in three tomes, in folio; in the second and ris a L. de Neufrille; also Clarke-" On the Being and third tomes of which he has given the best acAttributes of a God." Lond. 1717, 8vo.) he was seized

M. Sandel, who, it must be kept in mind, entertained opinions diametrically opposed to those theological dicta which Swedenborg promulgated in his latter years, wishing to avoid any discussion upon their merits, expresses himself in the following manner :—

"I have hitherto only spoken of one part of the works of Swedenborg; and as those which follow are quite of a different nature, it becomes neces

with the desire of adding to that primary work, and accounts, not only of the methods and newest imcordingly, upon Leibnitz's doctrine of monads he erected provements in metallic works in all places beyond a new system of Cosmology and Pneumatology reduced the seas, but also of those in England and our coland brought down to a mathematical level. This work onies in America, with draughts of the furnaces is the one on the human soul we have named in the text. and instruments employed. It is to be wished He added afterwards to his system, " Ethics and Policy," that we had extracts in English. (p. 13, 2nd ed. and by this time he began to be considered one of the most learned men of Europe, but the opinions which he London, 1764.") entertained on the doctrine of necessity, gave offence to his colleagues, whose learning was not equal to their jealousy, and having delivered an oration in praise of the morality of the Chinese, their jealousy broke forth into a flame, and an accusation of heresy was preferred against him publicly at the University of Halle and thence was transferred to the court at Berlin. He endeavored to defend himself from this accusation by writing a treatise on Fatality, but unsuccessfully; for a royal mandate decreed his banishment from the Prussian dominions. This was in 1723. The landgrave of Hesse Cassel having formerly invited him to fill a professorship in the University of Cassel, he now went there, and was not only profited by the correspondence, of Swedenborg; and we kindly received, but was appointed to a professorship by have been thus careful in drawing an outline of his life, the prince. In the mean while, the question as to the to show that that man whose works attracted the attencensure of Wolffe excited the organ of literary combative-tion of such a person must have been of no common ness in all the Universities of Germany, and Wolfians mind, and is at least entitled to a fair and legitimate trial and Anti-Wolfians argued, talked, wrote, scolded, quar- on his merits at the bar of the court of English criticisin. relled, and even fought with all the fury and bitterness We are too fond of restricting our praises and approbaof the Constantinopolitan factions-liberty and necessity tion to those who row with us in the same boat, and fanbeing the sign and counter-sign; but in process of time, cying that there are no other ferrymen to truth but those in the course of nine years, the current of public opinion on whom our election has fallen. As we proceed, we ceased to run against Wolffe, the King of Prussia revers- shall have other opportunities of proving the estimation ing his sentence of exile, and he returned as Vice-Chan-in which Swedenborg was held by his brethren on the cellor of the University of Halle, where (such is the muta- continent, but in case it should slip our memory, we bility of human affairs!) he was received with every would ask a question here of those who have studied all demonstration of triumph and respect. From this time of Swedenborg's works, for we confess to the reading but forth he employed himself on his Institutes of Philoso- of a portion of them, how far his doctrine of degrees and phy, which he lived to accomplish in every part with the Series and Concordance of Systems (vide prol. to Anim. exception of "Policy." He was created a baron by the Kingd. n. 14, p. 10. of Wilkinson's` trans.) agrees with Elector of Bavaria, and after the death of Ludowig suc- that of Leibnitz on the nature and communication of subcee led to the Chancellorship of the University. He died stances and of the union between body and mind, and the in 1754. Wolffe possessed a methodical understanding, preëstablished harmony between the body and soul of says Enfield, which by long exercise in mathematical man, the prolegomena of which was first published in investigations was particularly fitted for the employment the Parisian Journal, 1695? We think, if a careful and of digesting the several branches of knowledge into reg- elaborate comparison were established between that porular systems; and his fertile powers of invention enabled tion of Swedenborg's works, especially the tract entitled, him to enrich almost every field of science in which he labored with some valuable additions. The lucid order which appears in all his writings enables his readers to follow his conceptions with ease and certainty, through the longest trains of reasoning. Such then was the man who now sought the acquaintance, and probably

Intercourse between the Soul and Body," and the specimen of Leibnitz, just alluded to, some correspondence of ideas might be detected; and if so, it would go far to put Swedenborg in that position which we think he has not hitherto held in this country, because his works have been sealed volumes even to the learned.

sary that we should yet dwell a little longer on Sandel. We may briefly state, however, that these first. They are so many incontestable proofs though the subjects of them are different, they are of a universal erudition, which attached itself in all nevertheless founded on anatomy, physics, phipreference to objects which require deep reflection losophy, the Holy Scriptures, and certain visions and profound knowledge. None can reproach and revelations which conduct us, according to the him with having wished to shine in borrowed manner of treating them, to serious meditations plumes, passing off as his own the labors of others, respecting the Supreme Being, the soul, things dressed out in a new form and decorated with visible and invisible, and the life hereafter. "We some new turns of expression. It must be ac- thus," says M. Sandel, "now find soaring above knowledged, on the contrary, that without even the clouds, the same man whom we have just been taking up the ideas of others, he always followed following in the mines, in furnaces, and workhis own, and often makes remarks and applications shops; and we find him everywhere equally diliwhich are not to be found in any preceding author. gent, zealous, and fertile in emblematical illustraNor was he at all of the same class as the general- tions." Having filled the office of Assessor to the ity of universal geniuses, who, for the most part, Mines for thirty-one years, he applied for, and are content with merely skimming over the sur- obtained permission to resign his post, at the same faces of things. He applied the whole force of his time craving that no new rank should be conferred mind to penetrate into the most hidden things, to upon him, and only half his usual salary. This connect together the scattered links of the great of course was granted him, (1747.) The editors, chain of universal being, and to trace up every-in a note to the "Documents," state, that in the thing, in an order agreeable to its nature, to the English version of M. Sandel's Eulogium previfirst Great Cause. Neither did he proceed in ously published, Swedenborg is made to desire the manner of certain natural philosophers and that this favor should be granted to him without mathematicans, who, dazzled by the light which derogation of rank or title, whereas, the expresthey have been in search of and have found, would, sion is, sans AMELIORATION de rang ni de titre. were it possible, eclipse and extinguish, to the They further add, that it was no doubt customary eves of the world, the Only True and Great Light. in Sweden, as in this country, "to reward a faithHe, in the course of his meditations on the uni- ful public servant, on his retirement, with a penverse and on creation, continually found new occasion proportioned to the length and value of his sersions for rising in love and adoration towards the Author of nature."

vices, and to raise him to a higher degree of rank or title. It is elsewhere stated that such an offer was actually made to Swedenborg on this occasion; it was proposed to raise him from the first rank of nobility to the second; and thus to confer on him the title of Baron; and most probably, this would have been accompanied with an addition to his former income, to enable him to support his new dignity in a suitable manner; but he, as a man for whom neither wealth nor power had any attractions, declined the title altogether, and requested that only one half of his former incomejust as much as was sufficient to keep him from want, and to enable him to publish his works on which he was engaged-might be continued to him. ("Documents," p. 18.)

This beautiful passage coming from one who like ourself admired Swedenborg for his depth of erudition and comprehensiveness of mind, irrespective of those sentiments and feelings with which the members of the church of the New Jerusalem contemplate him, is to be considered as a fair exposition of the opinion which all learned men who have taken the trouble to read and patiently examine his works, entertain of Swedenborg, and in which, after a perusal of some of them, we entirely concur. As M. Sandel has remarked, he constructed a system for himself, the arrangement of which is so solid, and the component parts of which are so skilfully put together, that it never fails to claim the approbation of any The editors then take the opportunity of denyman who will take the trouble to make himself ing the general report that Swedenborg became master of the principles by which he was guided deranged some time before his death. This dein the formation of it. According to this system, rangement is said to have occurred after he had a he explains all that the most certain facts, and the fever in London: but as it is positively stated, and soundest reasoning can offer to our meditations we see no reason to question the statement, that and in short, as we shall presently show, antici- Swedenborg never had a fever, we cannot any pated the discoveries of many of his successors. longer subscribe to the general opinion that this If we dare not adopt the whole, says M. Sandel, illustrious man was in any way ever deranged prethere are at least many excellent things in it vious to his death. It must be recollected that the which we may apply to our use. He wished to same opinion has gone abroad, that Newton was combine his system with religion, and to this ob- insane for many years before his demise-but we ject he more especially devoted his time, his ener- refer to the subject with pain, and dismiss it with gies, his talents, his fortune, and his life, after the haste. It is somewhat difficult, even at the present completion of the Opera Philosophica. He passed day, to determine what is, and what is not insanthe greater part of his latter years in foreign coun-ity. Mr. Dyce Sombre was declared insane by tries, making no less than eight different voyages for the London Inquisition of Lunacy, yet the Paris that purpose. The countries that he visited were physicians declare him sane. Neither do the England, Holland, France, and Italy. His principal object in travelling was the printing and dissemination of his works, and it is impossible not to feel surprise at the amazing fertility of his pen. The bare enumeration of the titles would require more space than we can spare, and consequently we must request those who are desirous of knowing more of his writings to refer to the "Documents,' or the article to which we have already alluded in the Penny Cyclopedia, and the Eulogium of M.

rules which Mr. Taylort has recently laid down in his Medical Jurisprudence, afford us any sure guides in the investigation. Is it not possible to believe that at certain periods entire nations have gone mad, and continued mad for ages? Were the crusades indications of mania? The tulipo*Swedenborg, as we shall see presently, says the

whole.

A Manual of Medical Jurisprudence. By Alfred Taylor, &c., 1844.

mania? The balance of power in Europe? The panionship of all persons who were either eminent sinking fund, or the late cry of the church in dan- for talent or distinguished for knowledge. As a ger? Was the reform agitation a symptom only, public functionary, he was upright and just, and or a real attack? We must not question too while he discharged the duties of his station with closely the actions even of ourselves at all times great exactness, he neglected nothing but his own and on all occasions, otherwise who would escape advancement. the imputation of insanity! However, we are not prepared to argue the question at present, for it would lead us into investigations and inquiries, and entangle us in intricacies and sophistries, from which, possibly, no after-wit could extricate

us.

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"How inconsistent is this with the story which has been invented, and propagated in this country, that he was once attacked with a most violent fever, attended with delirium, from the effects of which he never recovered? In Sweden, where his personal history must have been best known, nothing, it seems, of the kind was ever heard of."

So far, therefore, as human testimony is valid, and human evidence entitled to credit, we must conclude, that Swedenborg was never attacked by fever, and, consequently, that he never was, and never could have been at any period of his life, afflicted with lunacy. All that M. Sandel says of his illness, is,

Having concluded all we have to offer, or rather all that we can make room for, on the life of Swedenborg, we shall, before we enter upon an ex*The following extract from a letter of Swedenborg to his friend the Rev. Mr. Thomas Hartley, M.A., Rector of Winwick in Northamptonshire, who, having read some On the subject of the fever with which Sweden- of his works, sought and obtained his friendship, will borg is said to have been attacked, M. Sandel seems written in reply to one Mr. Hartley had addressed to It was throw some additional light on his character. to give it the most unqualified denial. "He al-him, requesting that he would leave in his hands some ways enjoyed the most excellent health, having account of himself, his family, and connexions. It is scarcely ever experienced the slightest indisposi- dated London, 1769. "I was born at Stockholm in the tion; and the editors remark in a note to the year 1639 (3) Jan. 29th. My father's name was Jesper Swedberg, who was bishop of West-Gothland, and a Documents:"-(p. 23.) man of celebrity in his time. He was also elected a member of the (English) Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, for he had been appointed by King Charles XII., as bishop over the Swedish Churches in Pennsylvania and London. In the year 1710 I began my travels; first going to England, then to Holland, France, and Germany; whence I returned in 1714. In the year 1716, and afterwards, I had many conversations with Charles XII., King of Sweden, who was pleased to bestow on me a large share of his favor, and in that year appointed me Assessor of the Metallic College; in which I continued till the year 1747, when I resigned it; but still retain the salary annexed to it, as an appointment for life. My sole view in this resignation was, that I might be more at liberty to devote myself to that new function to which the Lord hath called me. On my resigning my office, a higher degree of rank was offered me but this I utterly declined, lest it should be the occasion of inspiring me with pride. In 1719 I was ennobled by Queen Ulrica Eleonora, and named Swedenborg; from which time I have taken my seat with the nobles of the equestrian order in the Triennial Asseminvitation, of the Royal Academy of Sciences at Stockblages of the States of the Realm. I am a fellow, by holm; but I have never sought admission into any other literary society, as I belong to an Angelic Society, wherein things relating to heaven and the soul are the With the following extract from the Eulogium the things which occupy the attention of our literary only subjects of discourse and entertainment; whereas we must close this very brief notice of the biogra-socities are such as relate to the world and the body. In phy of this really great man, whose merits seem the year 1734, I published, at Leipsic, the Regnum Minnow, for the first time, likely to be generally erale, in three vols. folio; and in 1738, I took a journey recognized in England. into Italy, and stayed a year at Venice and Rome. With "Suffice it then to say, that his merit and ex- respect to my family connexions, I had four sisters. One of thein was married to Eric Benzelius, afterwards promoted cellent qualities shine with brilliancy, even where to the Archbishoprick of Upsal: and thus I became rewe are endeavoring to discover in him the weak-lated to the two succeeding Archbishops of that see, both ness inseparable from human nature. I do not come here to defend errors or unintelligible principles: but I will venture to assert-and I reckon, gentlemen, on meeting your approbation in the assertion-that where others would have discovered a deficiency of intelligence and a confusion of ideas, Swedenborg has discovered an astonishing assemblage of knowledge, which he has arranged according to his system, in such order, that the elements themselves would have striven in vain to turn him out of his course. If his desire of knowledge went too far, it at least evinces in him an ardent desire to obtain information himself, and to convey it to others: for you never find in him any mark of pride or conceit, of rashness or of intention to deceive. If, nevertheless, he is not to be numbered among the doctors of the church, he at least holds an honorable rank among sublime moralists, and deserves to be instanced as a pattern of virtue and of respect for his Creator."

"During his last residence in London, on the 24th December, last year, (1771,) he had an attack of apoplexy and nature demanding her rights, he died on 29th March in the present year, (1772,) in the eighty-fifth year of his age; satisfied with his sojourn on earth, and delighted with the prospect of his heavenly metamorphosis."

named Benzelius, and younger brothers of the former. My second sister was married to Lars Benzelstierna, these are dead; however, two bishops who are related who was promoted to a provincial government. But all to me are still living; one of them, named Filenus, is Bishop of East-Gothland, and now officiates as President of the Ecclesiastical Order in the Diet at Stockholm, in the room of the Archbishop, who is infirm; he married Bishop of Westermania and Dalecarlia; he is the son of my sister's daughter; the other named Benzelstierna, is my second sister. Not to mention others of my relations who enjoy stations of dignity. I live, besides, on terms of familiarity and friendship with all the bishops of my country, [the Italics are ours] who are ten in number; as also with the sixteen senators, and the rest of the nobility; for they know I am in fellowship with angels. The king and queen also, and the three princes their sons, show me much favor. I was once invited by the king and queen to dine at their table--an honor which is: in general granted only to the nobility of the highest. They all wished for my return home; so far am 1 from rank; and, likewise, since, with the hereditary prince.. being in danger of persecution in my own country, as you seem to apprehend, and so kindly wish to provide In truth, from all we have read of this truly against; and should anything of the kind befall me elseBut I regard all I have mengreat man, he was indeed a pattern of truth, chas-where it cannot hurt me. tioned as matters of respectively little moment; for, tity, honor, virtue, and learning. He was cheer- what far exceeds them, I have been called to a holy ful in society, and sought and obtained the com- office by the Lord himself, who most graciously mani