We are thankful indeed for these details, trifling though they are. They evince the quiet practical character of Swedenborg, and the strong common sense which guarded him from all extravagance and eccentricity. From the gardener’s wife, Robsahm received the following statement:—“Entering one day, after dinner, into Swedenborg’s chamber, I saw his eyes like unto a most bright flame. I drew back, saying, ‘In the name of goodness, Sir, what has happened extraordinary to you? for you have a very peculiar appearance.’ ‘What kind of look have I?’ answered he. I then told him what struck me. ‘Well, well,’ replied he, which was his favorite expression, ‘don’t be frightened, the Lord has so disposed my eyes, that by them spirits may see what is in our world.’” In a short time this appearance passed away, as he said it would. “I know,” said she to Robsahm, “when he has conversed with heavenly spirits, for there is a pleasure and calm satisfaction in his countenance, which charm those who see it; but after he has conversed with evil spirits, he has a sorrowful look.” Concerning his temptations, they said that their master, in the night, often spoke aloud, when evil spirits were with him, which they could easily hear, their room being adjoining. When asked what caused his disturbance in the night, he answered that it had been permitted the evil spirits to blaspheme, and that he had spoken against them zealously. It happened often that, weeping bitterly, he cried with a loud voice, and prayed to the Lord that he might not be forsaken in his temptation, when they assailed him. His words were, ‘Lord help me! Lord, my God, do not forsake me!’ Those who saw him in these states, supposed he was sick; but when delivered from them, he returned thanks to God, and said to those who were troubled for him, ‘God be eternally praised! Comfort yourselves, my friends, all has passed away; and be assured that nothing happens to me but what the Lord permits, who never lays a burden on us more weighty than we are able to bear.’ Once it was remarkable that after such a state he went to bed, and did not rise for several days and nights. This gave his domestics much uneasiness, and they consulted together, and supposed he was dead. They intended to break open the door, or to call their neighbors. At last the gardener went to the window, and discovered, to his great joy, that his master was alive, and turning in his bed. The next day he rang the bell. The woman went in, and related her own and her husband’s uneasiness for him. He told her with a cheerful countenance, that he had been very well, and had wanted nothing.