Are those sensations or emotions of the mind produced by the views we have of religion. While some enthusiasts boast of, depend on, and talk much of their feelings, there are others who are led to discard the term, and almost to abandon the idea of religious feeling; but it is evident, that however many have been misguided and deceived by their feelings, yet there is no such thing as religion without this. For instance; religion consists in contrition, repentance, and devotion: now, what is contrition but a feeling of sorrow for sin? what is devotion but a feeling of love to God and his ways? Who can separate the idea of feeling from any of these acts? The fact is this; religious feelings, like every thing else, have run into the opposite evil of lukewarmness, and been content with a system without feeling its energy.
See AFFECTION, ENTHUSIASM, EXPERIENCE.
Despite a stated reliance on the plain meaning of the Bible and the dictates of common sense, Buck's Theological Dictionary, first published in London in 1802, seeks to provide a textual basis for the evangelical community. By combining brief essays on orthodox belief and practice with historical entries on various denominations, Buck provided an interpretive lens that allowed antebellum Protestants to see Christianity's almost two millennia as their own history.Wikipedia
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