Page:Swedenborg, Harbinger of the New Age of the Christian Church.djvu/68

 his hand upon the Book, and then took the seat belonging to him."

With this simple, solemn induction into his office, Swedenborg entered upon his labors to which he gave strict attention, unremitted save on leave of his sovereign in the pursuit of his studies, for thirty years; with what satisfaction to the College and to the Government we shall learn when we find him asking permission to retire. The office was a favorable one, demanding his best talent and energy, yet not so engrossing as to prevent his pursuing private studies. Except in the summer months, when the members of the College usually visited the mines, daily meetings were held in Stockholm, at which Swedenborg was punctual in attendance, when not in service elsewhere. For a while, however, by the command of Charles he was kept away in assisting Polhem—as Polheimer was called on being ennobled. Nor by the King's wish did he fail to continue his Dædalus. On the 23d of February, 1717, he writes to Benzelius—

"Enclosed I send Dædalus, part v, and I most humbly solicit you to extend to it the kindness that you have shown toward the former