On Physical Affections in Connection with Religion, as illustrated by “Ulster Revivalism”

Extract

In a former paper contributed to this Journal, containing retrospect of “Ulster Revivalism,” the writer took occasion to remark that the physical features of that extraordinary movement were to be considered not merely as an accompaniment or accident, but in reality as an essential and integral portion of it. This assertion will bear to be submitted to the most stringent test of fact, so far as its truth is concerned; and if borne out affords a most important and suggestive view of the entire subject; so much so indeed that its legitimate inferences will be found to throw an instructive reflex light on all past movements of the sort under consideration, as well as to afford some useful and practical considerations as regards the future. The intention of the present paper is to take a brief historical glance at the physical development of certain religious movements of this class, accompanied by an endeavour to trace these into that one which has just transpired, mainly for the purposes above indicated.