Louis Lambert — Honoré de Balzac, trans. Katharine Prescott Wormeley

‘‘In 1785, on the occasion of the discussion on animal magnetism started in Paris, and raised almost throughout Europe, in which most men of science took an eager part, Monsieur de Thomé defended Swedenborg’s memory in a reply to the assertions so rashly made by the Commissioners appointed by the King of France to inquire into this subject. These gentlemen stated that there was no theory accounting for the action of the loadstone, whereas Swedenborg had made it his study so early as in 1720.

p. 56

Monsieur de Thomé took the opportunity to point out the reasons for the neglect in which the most celebrated savants had left. the name of the learned Swede, so as to be free to plunder his volumes and use his treasures in their own works. ‘Some of the most illustrious,’ said Monsieur de Thomé, alluding to Buffon’s ‘Theory of the Earth,’ ‘are mean enough to dress in the peacock’s plumage without giving him the credit.’ Finally, by several convincing quotations from Swedenborg’s encyclopedic writings, he proved that this great prophet had outstripped by many centuries the slow progress of human learning; and, indeed, to read his works is enough to carry conviction on this point.

‘“‘In one passage he is the precursor of the present system of chemistry, announcing that the products of organic nature can all be decomposed and resolved into two pure elements; that water, air, and fire are not elements; in another he goes in a few words to the heart of magnetic mystery, and thus anticipates Mesmer.—In short,’ said the minister, pointing to a long shelf between the stove and the window, on which were books of various sizes, ‘“‘there are seventeen works by him; one of them, published in 1734, ‘Studies in Philosophy and Mineralogy,’ consists of three folio volumes.

‘These books, which bear witness to Swedenborg’s practical knowledge, were given to me by Baron Seraphitus, his cousin, and Seraphita’s father.

‘‘In 1740 Swedenborg sank into complete silence, never relaxing it excepting to renounce temporal studies and to think exclusively of the spiritual world.

‘He received his first commands from heaven in 1745.
This is how he relates his call:

p. 67

“One evening, in London, after he had dined, eating heartily, a thick mist filled the room. When the darkness cleared away, a being that had assumed a human form rose up in a corner of the room, and said in a terrible voice, ‘Do not eat so much.’’ He then fasted completely. Next evening the same man was visible, radiant with light, and said to him— ?

““*“Tam sent by God, who has chosen thee to set forth to men the meaning of His word and His creation. I will dictate what thou shalt write.’’’

“The vision lasted but a few minutes. The angel, he said, was clad in purple.

‘During that night the eyes of his inner man were opened and enabled to see into the heavens, into the world of spirits, and into hell, three different circles, where he met persons he had known who had perished from their human state, some long ago, and some quite recently. From that time Swedenborg always lived the spiritual life, and remained in this world as a being sent from God.

“Though his mission was disputed by the incredulous, his conduct was visibly that of a being superior to human weakness. In the first instance, though limited by his means to the strictest necessaries, he gave away immense sums, and was known to be the means of restoring, in various commercial towns, some great houses of business that had failed, or were failing. No one who appealed to his generosity went away without being helped on the spot. An incredulous Englishman, going in search of him, met him in Paris, and he has recorded that Swedenborg’s doors were always left open. One day his servant complained of this neglect, which exposed him to suspicion if his master should be robbed.

p. 58

‘*«'Tet him make his mind easy,’ said Swedenborg, smiling; ‘I forgive him want of faith; he cannot see the guardian who keeps watch before my door.’