David Hume  from Essays Moral, Political, and Literary
(1742-1754)        On the other hand, it may be observed, that
all enthusiasts have been free from the yoke of ecclesiastics,
and have expressed great independence of devotion; with a
contempt of forms, ceremonies, and traditions. The quakers [1]
are the most egregious, though, at the same time, the most
innocent enthusiasts that have yet been known; and are, perhaps,
the only sect, that have never admitted priests amongst them.
The independents [2], of all the English sectaries, approach
nearest to the quakers in fanaticism, and in their freedom from
priestly bondage. The presbyterians [3] follow after, at an
equal distance in both particulars. In short, this observation
is founded in experience; and will also appear to be founded in
reason, if we consider, that, as enthusiasm arises from a
presumptuous pride and confidence, it thinks itself sufficiently
qualified to approach the Divinity, without any human mediator.
Its rapturous devotions are so ferven