HIS PIETY 
311 
often adverted to this in his lectures and writings, such 
as the preface to the later editions of his “ Systema 
Naturae.” Though these accounts were not published 
in his lifetime, they have been printed twice in recent 
years. 
This sincere piety of Linne did not impel him to a 
slavish assertion of everything which the orthodox 
divines of his time regarded as indisputable articles of 
faith. It is true that he, like most naturalists of the 
day, looked upon the Bible as the main source of 
information, even in natural science questions, but he 
sometimes allowed himself to interpret passages in his 
own way, although they were not in accordance with 
the church’s doctrine. Thus, he doubted the existence 
of a universal flood, or that only six thousand years 
have passed since the creation of the world, also that 
the elements existed before the Mosaic account 
narrated their creation. Though he did not print 
these views, they could not remain unknown, and 
many priests and laymen thought him a secret atheist, 
or at least heretical in some degree. 
Before closing this account of Linne’s personality, 
his political interests and views may be mentioned. 
Of the two political parties, he sympathized most with 
the “ Hats,” but regretted the persecution which pre¬ 
vailed. Only once did he awake from his political 
apathy, and that was when the revolution under 
Gustaf III. caused high hopes for the prosperity of 
the country. He called his pupils together, and after 
delivering an oration, all sang “Jubilaeum” on the 
occasion, Linne joining in most lustily. 
In 1743, Linne removed to the dwelling-house 
erected in the botanic garden, and he felt himself then 
more than happy. In one of his autobiographies he 
wrote: “ Now had Linne honour, the office he was born 
for, sufficient money, partly from his marriage, a dear 
wife, pretty children, and an honoured name, he lived 
in a palace built by him close to the University, and 
he completed the garden. What more can a man 
