MANNER OF LIFE IN LATER PERIOD
properly places the worship of God in uses. Second, it causes least fear of death, as this religion regards death merely as a transition from one state to another, from a worse to a better situation; nay, upon his principles I look upon death as being of hardly any greater moment than drinking a glass of water. I have been convinced of the truth of Swedenborg's doctrine from these arguments in particular, namely, that One is the author of everything, and that a separate person is not the Creator, and another the Author of religion; that there are degrees in everything and these subsisting to eternity; the history of creation is unaccountable unless explained in the spiritual sense. We may say of the religion which Swedenborg has developed in his writings from the Word of God, with Gamaliel: 'If it be of God, it cannot be overthrown; but if it be of man, it will come to nought.'"
That Swedenborg on his part held Höpken in high esteem is shown by the memorials to the Diet in his favor, to which we have already alluded. We will take our leave of the Count in copying his statement of the "Truthful account made by the late Queen Dowager":—
223
