Religion was created by the inward instincts of the soul: it had afterwards to be pruned and chastened by the skeptical understanding. For its perfection, the co-operation of these two parts of man is essential. While religious persons dread critical and searching thought, and critics despise instinctive religion, each side remains imperfect and curtailed. "This is a book that will excite much attention, and will most probably occasion a good deal of comment, but which it is impossible to pass in silence...The work is remarkable for its literary qualities, and still, more as the history of a deeply religious as well as restlessly inquiring mind....The 'Phases of Faith' is a species of mental autobiography, in which the author traces the workings of his own mind, the nature of his doubts, the successive steps and range of his inquiries, till, beginning with some passing objections, partly suggested by others, he has landed at last in a sort of religious sentiment, different from all that has hitherto been classed under the common name of Christian. The manner in which this is done renders it one of the least offensive, but therefore perhaps one of the most dangerous assaults upon theological Christianity, and indeed Biblical religion, that has ever been made....There is in Mr. Newman a spirit of genial love toward all men, and an unctuous reveling in his own religious sentiment, unlike any other writer." -The Spectator "Writing of Francis William Newman - younger brother of the Cardinal - for whose character and work Dr. Moncure Conway has the highest admiration, he adds: 'His letters are of historical value, and it among my hopes to write a monograph concerning him.' Such a work would be widely welcomed by readers who know anything of the life and writings of the versatile scholar and indefatigable searcher after truth." -The Academy and Literature "In Francis Newman's 'Phases of Faith' he refers at length to the great influence exerted over him by an intensely religious character during his stay in Ireland as a young man. Has the identity of this person ever bee disclosed? The person was John Nelson Darby, practically the leader and foremost man among the Plymouth Brethren....It is an intensely interesting book." New Outlook CONTENTS. I. MY YOUTHFUL CREED II. STRIVINGS AFTER A MORE PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANITY III. CALVINISM ABANDONED IV. THE RELIGION OF THE LETTER RENOUNCED V. FAITH AT SECOND HAND FOUND TO BE VAIN VI. HISTORY DISCOVERED TO BE NO PART OF RELIGION VII. ON THE MORAL PERFECTION OF JESUS VIII. ON BIGOTRY AND PROGRESS IX. REPLY TO THE "DEFENSE OF THE ECLIPSE OF FAITH" APPENDIX I APPENDIX II