Page:Swedenborg, Harbinger of the New Age of the Christian Church.djvu/227

 Another matter that gave him concern about this time was the controversy between the Court and the Diet on behalf of the people. The latter party under the lead of Count Höpken and other senators had sustained the alliance of Sweden with France, against the wishes of the Royal family, which was allied to that of Prussia. The war that ensued was unfortunate, and Höpken and two colleagues were obliged to resign. In 1761 Swedenborg memorialized the Diet in strong terms, urging the necessity of maintaining intact the government, at once free and conservative, which they had hitherto enjoyed, resisting the encroachments of the Court, backed by that of Prussia, itself under the influence of intriguing Papacy, and maintaining sacred their alliance with France. In this view he strongly advised the restoration of Höpken and his colleagues, as tried and faithful servants of Sweden—advice that was afterward followed.

As stated by a Swedish authority—

"Up to the time of his extreme old age Swedenborg interested himself in the administrative, financial, and political affairs of his country. As a member of the House of Nobles, he was an