Page:The Life and Mission of Emanuel Swedenborg.djvu/37

 during these ten years I did not hear ten brawls or disturbances in the streets. When both my buildings were burned down, in the great conflagration after Ascension-day, the students manifested towards me so much kindness, carrying out and saving everything except the fixtures, that, thank God! I suffered little harm; and such pure affection they constantly exhibited towards me during the whole of my stay amongst them. I can also assert that during the whole of this time his Majesty never received an unfavorable report from the university, although previously these reports had been very unfavorable indeed."

Of the building of one of the dwellings here mentioned, a large stone house in the square, Swedberg tells a pleasant story: "I know, and I can testify, for I was always present, that not the least work was done, that not a single stone was raised, with sighs or a troubled mind; but all was done cheerfully and gladly. No complaint, no hard or disagreeable word was heard, no scoldings and no oaths were uttered." When the house was finished, he opened it by inviting and entertaining all the poor of the town,—himself, wife, and children waiting upon them,—and concluding the feast with singing, prayer, thanksgiving, and mutual blessing.

The conflagration "after Ascension-day" was sad to Swedberg, on account of the loss to his people, especially that of their cathedral. In their behalf he sends a touching petition to the young King, Charles XII., through his sister, the Princess Ulrica Eleonora. "If only the Lord's own beautiful house had been preserved! Our losses, although they are very great, can be repaired."

The answer to his petition was an appointment as bishop. "I had never expected this. It was the fourth royal decree I had received. And with a clear conscience I can declare before my God, who knows everything, that I never coveted this, never opened my mouth, and never stirred a step, still less gave a farthing, to obtain it. For I had always been an enemy of all importuning and bribery." But Charles XII. had