Isaac Taylor of Ongar and Stanford Rivers

Isaac Taylor (1787-1865) of Ongar was trained to be an engraver by his father, Isaac Taylor, Sr. (1759-1829), who was also an Independent minister. The younger Taylor, due to his poor health, gave up the engraving profession in 1812 and became a professional writer.  In his youth he published some poetry in conjunction with his two talented sisters, Ann and Jane Taylor, but he did not become known as a writer until he became a regular contributor to the Eclectic Review in 1818. He also published several historical and philosophical works on various forms of Christianity, as well as classical translations, a novel, educational and devotional treatises. Among his titles are Natural History of Enthusiasm (1830), Essay on the Application of Abstract Reasoning to the Christian Doctrines (1832), Physical Theory of Another Life (1836), Four Lectures on Spiritual Christianity (1841).