Phases of Religion, Addresses on the Form of Religion Proper to Various Periods of Life (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1884 edition. Excerpt: ... PHASES OF RELIGION. I.--Religion in Childhood. T3Y Religion I mean the engagement of the--' mind with things which are super-human and extra-temporal, and the influence exerted by such engagement on all the other habits of the mind, and on the actions of the life. In its beginning it may be simple wonder, passing over into inquiry. In its progress it may assume the quality of either fear or hope. In its consummation it may become full conviction and profoundest reverence. The development of this religion in childhood is our present subject--a subject with respect to which information is specially required by some persons, stimulus by others, and warning against sentimentalism by others. Is it correct to describe this religion as an B instinct--something born with us, and which is universal? The word may not be very happily chosen, but there are certain facts which go far to justify its use as thus applied. The newly-hatched chicken uses its beak upon any object within its reach. Supply it with food and it will appropriate it: this appropriation is commonly described as instinct. In like manner the child exercises its power of callow thought upon any subject brought under its notice. Let any subject included under the head of religion be brought, as it will be sure to be brought, under its observation, and it will not fail especially to interest and to engage the thoughts of the child. In this sense religion is instinctive. But not only so. There is a special appeal in religious subjects to those affections, --of wonder, and awe, and the like, --which play an especial part in the experience of even a little child. Interested in many a topic on which he hears discourse, he will not fail to be especially interested in such subjects as are invested...