theology out of the stores which already lay cut
and hewn upon the ground, the past toil of great divines. To do this
could not be the work of one man; much less, could it be at once
received into Anglican theology, however well it was done. I fully
trusted that my statements of doctrine would turn out true and
important; yet I wrote, to use the common phrase, "under correction."

There was another motive for my publishing, of a personal nature,
which I think I should mention. I felt then, and all along felt, that
there was an intellectual cowardice in not having a basis in reason
for my belief, and a moral cowardice in not avowing that basis. I
should have felt myself less than a man, if I did not bring it out,
whatever it was. This is one principal reason why I wrote and
published the "Prophetical Office." It was on the same feeling, that
in the spring of 1836, at a meeting of residents on the subject of
the struggle then proceeding some one wanted us all merely to act on
college and conservative grounds (as I understood him), with as few
published statements as possible: I answered, that the person whom we
were resisting had committed himself in writing, and that we ought
to commit ourselves too. This again was a main reason for the
publication of Tract 90. Alas! it was my portion for whole years to
remain without any satisfactory basis for my religious profession, in
a state of moral sickness, neither able to acquiesce in Anglicanism,
nor able to go to Rome. But I bore it, till in course of time my way
was made clear to me. If here it be objected to me, that as time went
on, I often in my writings hinted at things which I did not fully
bring out, I submit for consideration whether this occurred except
when I was in great difficulties, how to speak, or how to be silent,
with due regard for the position of mind or the feelings of others.
However, I may have an opportunity to say more on this subject. But
to return to the "Prophetical Office."

I thus speak in the Introduction to my volume:--

"It is proposed," I say, "to offer helps towards the formation of a
recognised Anglican theology in one of its departments. The present
state of our divinity is as follows: the most vigorous, the clearest,
the most fertile minds, have through God's mercy been employed in the
service of our Church: minds too as reverential and holy, and as
fully imbued with Ancient Truth, and as well versed in the writings
of the Fathers, as th