Large.—Perceives and knows things independent of the senses or intellect, or as it were by spiritual intuition; experiences an internal consciousness of what is best, and that spiritual communion with God which constitutes the essence of true piety; loves to meditate; bestows a species of waking clairvoyance, and is as it were “forewarned of God;” combined with large Veneration, holds intimate communion with the Deity, for whom it experiences profound adoration; and takes a world of pleasure in that calm, happy, half-ecstatic state of mind caused by this faculty; with large Causality, perceives truth by intuition, which philosophical tests prove to be correct; with large Comparison added, has a deep and clear insight into spiritual subjects, and embodies a vast amount of the highest order of truth; with vigorous propensities, gives them a sanctified cast and spiritual direction; and clearly perceives, and fully realizes, a spiritual state of being after death: p. 142.
Very Large.—Experiences the same functions as large, only in a higher degree; unless well regulated by reason, is liable to fanciful credulity, fanaticism, and superstition, and to a thousand whims, visions, dreams, etc.: p. 143.
Full.—Has a full share of high, pure, and spiritual feeling; has many premonitions, or interior warnings and guidings, which, implicitly followed, would conduct to success and happiness through life; and has an inner test or touchstone of truth, right, etc., in a kind of inner consciousness which is independent of reason, yet, unperverted, in harmony with it; is quite spiritual-minded, and as it were “led by the spirit.” For combinations, see large: p. 143.
Average.—Has some spiritual premonitions and guidings, yet they are not always sufficiently distinct to secure their being followed; but, when followed, they lead correctly; sees this light within, and feels what is true and best, with tolerable distinctness, and should cultivate this faculty by following its light: p. 141.
Moderate.—Has some, but not very distinct perception of spiritual things; rather lacks faith; believes mainly from evidence and little from intuition; with large Causality, says “Prove it,” and takes no man’s say-so unless he gives good reasons: p. 144.
Small.—Perceives spiritual truths so indistinctly as rarely to admit them; is not guided by faith, because so weak; like disbelieving Thomas, must see the fullest PROOF before it believes; has very little credulity, and doubts things of a superhuman origin or nature; has no premonitions, and disbelieves in them: p. 145.
Very Small.—Has no spiritual guidings or superstitions: p. 146.
18. VENERATION.
Devotion; adoration of a Supreme Being; reverence for religion and things sacred; disposition to PRAY, WORSHIP, and observe religious rites. Adapted to the existence of a God, and the pleasures and benefits experienced by man in worshiping him. Perverted, it produces idolatry, bigotry, religious intolerance, etc.
