ABSTRACT
Chapter 7 draws together the different strands of Joseph Glanvill’s thought. It shows how Glanvill’s beliefs about experimental philosophy, linguistic style, reason, witchcraft, mental health and religious practice are manifest in his preaching and pastoral care. An analysis of Glanvill’s later collections of essays (Essays on Several Important Subjects in Philosophy and Religion, 1676) and practical theological works demonstrates how his philosophical activities related to his everyday working life. This includes his Logou Theskeia (1670), Philosophia pia (1671), the very popular An Earnest Invitation to the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (1673) and Way of Happiness (1677) as well as An Essay concerning Preaching (1678) and his dialogue, A Seasonable Defence of Preaching and the Plain Way of It (1678). This chapter links Glanvill’s relationship with Mary Somerset, third Marchioness of Worcester, first Duchess of Beaufort and botanist, to his theories of melancholy, religious enthusiasm and witchcraft. It also explores Glanvill’s beliefs about the relationship of reason and religion giving insight into his popularity as a preaching minister. It maintains that Glanvill’s attempts to disseminate philosophical concepts and methods, as well as religious toleration, were highly effective and motivated by a genuine desire to promote wellbeing among his spiritual wards.
