written merely in compliance with profound respect and ardent attachment, but with fervent solicitude that inspection of their details might be rendered tributary to the interests of vital religion and the praise of its divine Author. Pentonville, July 21, 1837. PREFACE CONTENTS. Introductory remarks-His birth-His conversion-His pro- Seeks admission into a theological institution-He unites with His plan of study-The death of his pastor- The funeral The origin of the Stepney Institution-Mr. Newman elected diploma-Rev. R. Hall's letter in relation to it—Additional Domestic affliction-Publishes "Manual for Church Members" MEMOIR. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS-HIS BIRTH-HIS CONVERSION -HIS PROGRESS IN LEARNING AND PIETY-HIS DESIRE TO BECOME A MINISTER CONFESSION OF FAITH. HIS EARLIEST CHRISTIANITY requires the subjection of all our efforts to the guidance of its sacred principles, and the approval of its divine Author. That, in accomplishing its most elevated purposes, it consents to the introduction of an instrumentality obviously deficient in its own resources, and, unless accompanied by supernatural influence, uniformly unsuccessful in effectively fulfilling its appointment, should be admitted without hesitation, and acknowledged without reluctance. Such, however, is the ineffable wisdom with which this administration is constructed, that, while it renders supreme honour to Him only to whom it is due, it secures, with infallible certainty, the final completion of all his infinite designs. By this arrangement, too, error, in the B selection of adapted agency, for the performance of every required service, becomes impossible. But, in reference to the erection of the spiritual temple, in nothing, perhaps, has the imperfection of the human intellect been more palpably apparent than in its cherished theories, and confident decisions, as to the principal instruments to be employedtheir preparatory acquirements—and the appropriate sphere of their individual exertion. The province assigned by infinite wisdom to intelligent creatures is," Remember that thou magnify his works which men behold." Devout compliance with this ancient precept is greatly to be preferred to the indulgence of visionary projects, or the repetition of unproductive experiments, and will introduce the contemplative to a range of observation not less exalted than extensive, in pursuing which, to the attainment of a desirable proficiency, the chief prerequisites are, continued attention, and profound humility. One of the most distinctive characteristics of the works of God is, harmonious diversity. Were our inconsiderate partialities permitted to interfere with the divine economy, they would either induce, in the various departments of physical and intellectual structure, an order of existences perpetually conflicting with each other, or a monotony so pervading and extensive that the melodies arising from the ever varying combinations of pursuit and attainment, would never be heard on the earth; and, even |