"Of Superstition and Enthusiasm" - читать интересную книгу автора (Hume David)

have been free from the yoke of ecclesiastics, and have
expressed great independence in their devotion; with a
contempt of forms, ceremonies, and traditions. The quakers are
the most egregious, though, at the same time, the most
innocent enthusiasts that have yet been known; and are,
perhaps, the only sect, that have never admitted priests
amongst them. The independents, of all the English sectaries,
approach nearest to the quakers in fanaticism, and in their
freedom from priestly bondage. The presbyterians follow after,
at an equal distance in both particulars. In short this
observation is founded in experience; and will also appear to
be founded in reason, if we consider, that, as enthusiasm
arises from a presumptuous pride and confidence, it thinks
itself sufficiently qualified to approach the Divinity,
without any human mediator. Its rapturous devotions are so
fervent, that it even imagines itself actually to approach him
by the way of contemplation and inward converse; which makes
it neglect all those outward ceremonies and observances, to
which the assistance of the priests appears so requisite in
the eyes of their superstitious votaries. The fanatic
consecrates himself, and bestows on his own person a sacred
character, much superior to what forms and ceremonious
institutions can confer on any other.

My second reflection with regard to these species of false
religion is, that religions, which partake of enthusiasm are,
on their first rise, more furious and violent than those which
partake of superstition; but in a little time become more
gentle and moderate. The violence of this species of religion,
when excited by novelty, and animated by opposition, appears
from numberless instances; of the anabaptists in Germany, the
camisars in France, the levellers and other fanatics in
England and the covenanters in Scotland. Enthusiasm being
founded on strong spirits, and a presumptuous boldness of
character, it naturally begets the most extreme resolutions;
especially after it rises to that height as to inspire the
deluded fanatic with the opinion of divine illuminations, and
with a contempt for the common rules of reason, morality, and
prudence.

It is thus enthusiasm produces the most cruel disorders in
human society; but its fury is like that of thunder and
tempest, which exhaust themselves in a little time, and leave
the air more calm and pure than before. When the first fire of
enthusiasm is spent, men naturally, in all fanatical sects,
sink into the greatest remissness and coolness in sacred
matters; there being no body of men among them, endowed with
sufficient authority, whose interest is concerned to support
the religious spirit: No rites, no ceremonies, no holy
observances, which may enter into the common train of life,