The Rural Magazine, and Literary Evening Fire-Side, Vol. 1 No. 10 (1820)

Vol. I. Philadelphia, Tenth Month , 1820. No. 10.
FOR THE RURAL MAGAZINE.
It is a fact of no infrequent occurrence, that erroneous estimates are formed of human conduct, and its immediate and remote effects on the interests of society. When this is the case, we sometimes denounce as hostile to social order and salutary improvement, those who are really their most faithful and efficient friends, and in this way become the agents and disseminators of error and injustice. There is nothing perhaps, more unfashionable, not to say mischievous, in the eyes of the present generation, than what they denominate Enthusiasm; a temper of mind, which they are disposed to treat with the greatest contempt, as altogether unworthy the enlightened period in which we live. If the legitimate import of the word were always observed in its application, there would be little controversy on the subject; as no one would become the advocate of vain imaginations or violent passions. But it is believed that much that is truly valuable in its character and tendency, is improperly ascribed to this source; by which hostile prejudices are excited, in opposition to that which is entitled to the countenance and support of the public.
In Charles J. Fox's history of James II. there is this passage:— We are accused of enthusiasm! are we then fanaticks? Are we enthusiasts because we do not rob—abstain from murder? If by enthusiasm be meant zeal and warmth , I freely acknowledge it; I glory in it. Enthusiasm, when it arises out of a just cause , is that which makes men act in it with energy; it is that, without which nothing was ever done great, since the creation of the world . Enthusiasm of this sort, I hope, therefore, I shall always possess. The historian referred to, will not be classed among credulous, weak-minded men; for he was one of the most eminent statesmen of his day; and his opinion is therefore justly considered as authoritative. The position taken, is corroborated by all experience, that great actions and great achievements are never the result of lukewarmness and indifference; but of zeal and warmth, directed to a good cause, without which honourable and permanent distinction can never be obtained. What is too frequently mistaken for enthusiasm, is in reality produced by a profound conviction of the truth, in connection with some particular object, of the greatest importance to mankind.