Chapter 27: Fanaticism

When the affections, or mere sensibilities of the heart are excited, and the understanding and conscience are but little employed, there is a sad preparation for false hope—for some wild delusion or fanatical faith. The judgment and conscience should take the lead of the affections; but when the affections take the lead, they will be very apt to monopolize the whole soul—judgment and conscience will be overpowered, or flung into the background; and then, the deluded mortal will have a religion of mere impressions—more feeling than truth—more sensitiveness than faith—more fancy and fanaticism than holiness.