Natural History Of Enthusiasm

by Isaac Taylor

Overview

Isaac Taylor "Natural History of Enthusiasm" is a thought-scary exploration of the phenomenon of enthusiasm within the context of spiritual and philosophical reports. The book delves into the numerous manifestations of enthusiasm, searching for to apprehend the mental, social, and religious dimensions of this extreme and frequently fervent emotional country. Taylor analyzes historic times of enthusiasm, drawing on examples from non-secular moves and charismatic leaders. He examines the effect of enthusiasm on individuals and groups, considering both its high-quality and potentially disruptive elements. The writer employs a mix of historical studies and philosophical mirrored image to resolve the complexities of this passionate phenomenon. The paintings contribute to the broader discourse on religious psychology and the dynamics of belief structures. Taylor's "Natural History of Enthusiasm" stays applicable for those interested by the intersection of emotion, faith, and the human experience, providing treasured insights into the nature of fervor and zeal as they occur in extraordinary cultural and religious contexts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789361157141
Publisher:	Double 9 Books
Publication date:	02/01/2024
Pages:	170
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.39(d)

About the Author

Isaac Taylor was an English philosopher, historian, artist, and inventor. He was Isaac Taylor's eldest surviving son. He was born on August 17, 1787, in Lavenham, Suffolk, and went to Colchester with his family before settling in Ongar at the end of 1810. He received training as a draughtsman and engraver in accordance with family tradition. After working for a few years as a book illustration designer, he decided to pursue a career in literature. From 1812 to 1816, he wintered in the west of England, spending most of his time in Ilfracombe and Marazion with his sister Jane. He began collecting patristic literature in 1815, inspired by Sulpicius Severus' works. In 1825, he moved to Stanford Rivers, about two miles from Ongar, and lived in a rambling old-fashioned farmhouse. On August 17, 1825, he married Elizabeth, the second daughter of James Medland of Newington, a friend and correspondent of his sister Jane. Taylor faced out against Sir William Hamilton for the chair of logic at Edinburgh University in 1836, but was narrowly defeated. In March 1841, he gave four lectures on 'Spiritual Christianity' in Hanover Square. Taylor joined the Anglican communion early in his career, yet he remained friendly with dissenters.

Read an Excerpt

SECTION III. ENTHUSIASTIC PERVERSIONS OF THE DOCTRINE OF DIVINE INFLUENCE. A Sentiment natural to the human mind, leads it to entertain and to dwell with pleasure upon the belief of the stability and permanence of the material world. Whether we view the multiform ranks of organized and animated beings which cover the earth, or examine the occult processes of nature, or look upwards, and contemplate distant worlds, the regularity with which the great machine of the visible creation effects its revolutions, inspires a deep emotion of delight. This feeling brings with it involuntarily the supposition of extended duration; nor is it without extreme difficulty that we can separate the idea of so vast a combination of causes and effects moving forwards with unfailing precision from the thought if not of eternity yet of unnumbered ages gone by, and yet to come. While these natural impressions occupy the mind, a strange revulsion of feeling takes place, if suddenly it is recollected that the massy pillars of creation, with its towering superstructure, and its high-wrought embellishments, and its innumerable tenants, are absolutely destitute of intrinsic permanency, andthat the stupendous frame, with its nice and mighty movements is incessantly issued anew from the fount of being. Apart from the Divine volition, perpetually active, there can be no title to existence; and in the moment which should succeed to the cessa- ; tion of the efficient will of the First Cause, all creatures must fall back to utter dissolution. Reason as well as faith justifies this doctrine, and demands that we deny independency to whatever is created, and devoutly confess that God is " all in all.'' In Him, by whomthey were formed, " all things consist ;" in Him all " live and move and have their being."...