A fascinating work by George Lavington attempting to diminish the validity of the Methodist and revivalist movements of the late 18th and early 19th centuries by comparing their miraculous happenings with those of the Catholic church. What we end up getting is a really fascinating two-part work. In the extensive introduction, over 300 pages, we get a history of "enthusiasm;" from Welsh jumpers to French child prophets to divine healing through the ages. He has done a great service. In the second part, first-hand and primary resource material from Whitefield, the Wesleys, etc,. is compared to "mystical" Roman Catholic works. Again, we end up feeling grateful to Lavington for culling out [and sourcing, with page numbers, etc.] all these fascinating accounts.
Lavington, George. The Enthusiasm of Methodists and Papists Considered, with Notes, Introduction, and Appendix. London. A. J. Valpy. 1820. First Edition. Cccxii + 493pp.
Very attractive quarter leather, front hinge. Just starting, but solid and very attractive. Minor ex library marks and lacks original full title page. Else very solid and clean.
