MANNER OF LIFE IN LATER PERIOD
him and becoming better acquainted with him. He therefore called upon him, and found a very venerable-looking, friendly old man, who received him politely and requested him to be seated, whereupon the following conversation began:—
"Merchant, 'Having been called hither by business, I could not deny myself the honor, Sir, of paying my respects to you: your writings have caused me to regard you as a very remarkable man.'
"Swedenborg. 'May I ask you where you are from?'
" M. 'I am from Elberfeld, in the Duchy of Berg. Your writings contain so much that is beautiful and edifying, that they have made a deep impression on me; but the source from which you derive them is so extraordinary, so strange and uncommon, that you will perhaps not take it amiss of a sincere friend of truth if he desire incontestable proofs that you really have intercourse with the spiritual world.'
"S. 'It would be very unreasonable if I took it amiss; but I think I have given sufficient proofs, which cannot be contradicted.'
"M. 'Are these the well-known ones, respect-
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