rotestant [spirit], which I oppose, leads to
infidelity, than that which I recommend, leads to Rome. Who knows
what the state of the University may be, as regards Divinity
Professors in a few years hence? Anyhow, a great battle may be coming
on, of which C. D.'s book is a sort of earnest. The whole of _our_
day may be a battle with this spirit. May we not leave to another age
_its own_ evil--to settle the question of Romanism?"

I may add that from this time I had a Curate at St. Mary's, who
gradually took more and more of my work.

Also, this same year, 1840, I made arrangements for giving up the
_British Critic_, in the following July, which were carried into
effect at that date.

Such was about my state of mind, on the publication of Tract 90 in
February, 1841. The immense commotion consequent upon the publication
of the Tract did not unsettle me again; for I had weathered the
storm: the Tract had not been condemned: that was the great point; I
made much of it.

To illustrate my feelings during this trial, I will make extracts
from my letters to a friend, which have come into my possession. The
dates are respectively March 25, April 1, and May 9.

1. "I do trust I shall make no false step, and hope my friends will
pray for me to this effect. If, as you say, a destiny hangs over us,
a single false step may ruin all. I am very well and comfortable; but
we are not yet out of the wood."

2. "The Bishop sent me word on Sunday to write a letter to him
'_instanter_.' So I wrote it on Monday: on Tuesday it passed through
the press: on Wednesday it was out: and to-day [Thursday] it is in
London.

"I trust that things are smoothing now; and that we have made a
_great step_ is certain. It is not right to boast, till I am clear
out of the wood, _i.e._ till I know how the letter is received in
London. You know, I suppose, that I am to stop the Tracts; but you
will see in the Letter, though I speak _quite_ what I feel, yet I
have managed to take out on _my_ side my snubbing's worth. And this
makes me anxious how it will be received in London.

"I have not had a misgiving for five minutes from the first: but I do
not like to boast, lest some harm come."

3. "The Bishops are very desirous of hushing the matter up: and I
certainly have done my utmost to co-operate with them, on the
understanding that the Tract is not to be withdrawn or condemned."

And to my friend, Mr. Bowden, under date of March 15, "The Heads, I
beli