In the first place, though limited in means to the bare necessaries of life, he gave away enormous sums, and publicly, in several cities, restored the fortunes of great commercial houses when they were on the brink of failure.

No one ever appealed to his generosity who was not immediately satisfied.

A sceptical Englishman, determined to know the truth, followed him to Paris, and relates that there his doors stood always open.

One day a servant complained of this apparent negligence, which laid him open to suspicion of thefts that might be committed by others.

'He need feel no anxiety,' said Swedenborg, smiling.