[18] Montgéron, Tom. II. Idée de l'État, etc., p. 66.
[19] Montgéron, Tom. II. Idée de l'État, etc., p. 67. The latter part of the quotation alludes to crucifixion and other symbolical representations, to which the convulsionists were much given.
This state of ecstasy is one which has existed, probably, in occasional instances, through all past time, especially among religious enthusiasts. The writings of the ancient fathers contain constant allusions to it. St. Augustine, for example, speaks of it as a phenomenon which he has personally witnessed. Referring to persons thus impressed, he says,—"I have seen some who addressed their discourse sometimes to the persons around them, sometimes to other beings, as if they were actually present; and when they came to themselves, some could report what they had seen, others preserved no recollection of it whatever."—De Gen. ad Litter. Lib. XII. c. 13.
[20] Montgéron, Tom. II. Idée de l'État, etc., p. 77.
[21] Lettre de M. Colbert, du 8 Février, 1733, à Madame de Coetquen.
[22] Montgéron, Tom. II.
[23] Montgéron, Tom. II. Idée de l'Œuvre, etc., p. 123.
[24] Montgéron, Tom. II. Idée de l'État, etc. p. 82.
[25] Ibid. p. 17.
[26] Ibid. p. 19.