Knox, Henry (1750-1806) [An impulse of the moment]
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03641 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph document Date: 21 August 1787 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 32.3 x 20.6 cm. Order a Copy
Title taken from docket. Knox's beliefs concerning spirituality. Writes "[t]he mind of an intelligent man is overpowered with the extent magnitude and effulgence of inanimate nature Infinitely diversified indeed but every part having an essential connection with & dependance [sic] on each other, from an atom up to a world a system, an association of systems untill [sic] stretching into creation the immensity of the scale becomes too [large?] to be embraced by the imagination ..." and that "Analogy Philosophy and Religion teach us that there is also a glorious system of intellectual beings - and although in this stage of our existence we cannot have and define the mode or connection of our spiritual with our corporeal being yet we know enough to induce us to reverence and adore the infinite power by whom we live more and have our being - " Second docket in another hand.
[draft]
The [struck: judge] [inserted: mind] of an intelligent man is overpowered with the extent magnitude and effulgence of [struck: creation] [inserted: inanimate nature] Infinitely deversified indeed but every part having an esential [inserted: connection with &] dependance on each other, from an atom up to a world a [strikeout] system, an association of systems untill stretching into [inserted: the immensity of] creation The scale becomes too [lagre] [sic] [strikeout] to be embraced by the imagination of an [inhabitant] of this globe.
Analogy Philosophy and Religion teach us that there is also a glorious system of intellectual beings - and although in this stage of our existence we cannot have and define the mode or connection of or spiritual with our corporeal being yet we know enough to induce us to reverence and adore the infinite power by whom we [2] we live more and have our being -
The impulse of the moment 21 Augt 1787
The inclosed expressing his [views] of infinite power & wisdom - has been thought worthy of preserving - The language in which they are express[ed] partakes of the sublimity of the subject - Like any thing he utterd - Comprehensive & original - The [Multism] in [Power] seems to be a characteristic of vigorous intellect.
[docket]
an impulse
21 August 1787
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.