and extent of the adverse influence to which, on this occasion, he was exposed, he entertained no doubt concerning the course which it would be his duty ultimately to adopt. Happily, for the repose of his own mind, at a very early period of the painful conflict, the decision with him resolved itself simply into a question of date, the prudent determination of which depended upon circumstances over which he was permitted to exercise no control. In the estimation of those whose knowledge of his character was necessarily very limited, a premature disclosure of his purpose might have essentially diminished the value of testimonies to his literary and moral worth, which, pending the continuance of the inquisition, were repeatedly awarded by those whose zealous and untiring efforts to procure his resignation must, at least, entirely release them from the suspicion of undue partiality. The interval, therefore, between his resolve and its announcement, was occupied in calm survey, patient endurance, and encouraging anticipation of honourable release. When at length the time for definitive action arrived, the following communication, through the appropriate medium, was made to a general meeting of the members of the Stepney Institution:

May 30, 1826. "Gentlemen,-Our amiable poet, Montgomery, says, 'To every thing on earth there is a last day.' It is impossible, however, for me to address you, for the last time, without strong emotions, especially

when I recollect how many of those who were with me at the beginning, and cheered me with their countenance, are gone to their everlasting rest. Of those who survive, the venerable treasurer is one, who is probably in the chair, and perhaps there may be two or three others of my aged and beloved friends with you this evening.

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'I was nominated by the late Mr. Dore, June 12, 1810; but I shall not go into any wide review of the history of my connexion with the academy. You have it in the minute-book on the table.

No man was ever more devoted to a favourite object. During the last fifteen years the concerns of the academy have been interwoven with every thread and fibre of my existence. In undertaking the charge with which you honoured me, I made a considerable pecuniary sacrifice, and the interest excited at first has been augmented, from year to year, by all the difficulties I have had to struggle with, the afflictions I have endured, the comforts I have enjoyed, and, I might add, the calumnies with which, at different periods, I have been assailed.

"Wherein I have sinfully failed, I trust I shall obtain forgiveness through the compassion and intercession of our great High Priest. But at your hands, gentlemen, I ask no forgiveness. I have, more than once, put to hazard health and life itself in the performance of my official duties. Borrowing the words of Nehemiah, I could say, 'Think

upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.'

"My opponents having withdrawn everything in the shape of an accusation, (and if they had not, no consideration on earth would have prevailed with me to resign,) I need not add one in the shape of defence.

"At present, the society is in a state of confusion, and my heart is pained at the sight of what I cannot account for; but I remember Lord Bacon says, 'Truth is the daughter of Time;' I expect that what I know not now, I shall know hereafter.

'God is his own interpreter,

And he will make it plain.'

"If my voluntary, unfettered, unbought resignation, which I hereby present, shall contribute to the restoration of peace, and order, and harmony, I shall greatly rejoice.

"You will now take measures for the election of my successor, and I shall pray that all divine benedictions may rest like holy oil on his head, and his heart, and the labours of his hands.

"My esteemed friend and colleague, Mr. Young, with whom I have lived in unbroken harmony during the last ten years, from the commencement of his connexion with the academy to the present hour, will, I trust, be divinely supported in his station. And you will permit me to add, that no man will be more glad than myself to see those, who are now students in the academy, prosperous

in their studies, and preparing, with all humility, to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, wherever he may condescend to employ them. Thus may 'King John's Tower,' at Stepney, appear to be, not a Babel of confusion, but, as the king's armory,—as a tower of strength.

"I cannot take my leave of you, gentlemen, without expressing my earnest hope, that the great principles of the christian revelation, to which the society stands pledged by Mr. Hall's eloquent Prospectus,' and which I have uniformly inculcated, will be held sacred for ever. Those principles, Mr. Hall justly observes, are the principles of the Reformation;' and were we to descend to a more minute specification, we should add, they are the principles which distinguish the body of christians denominated particular, or Calvinistic Baptists. This is a matter that will be near my heart as long as I live; and in this impression I remain, gentlemen, with sentiments of great respect,

At this general meeting, the following resolution, unanimously adopted, by the committee, on the preceding Friday, was confirmed:-"That the cordial thanks of this meeting be presented to Dr. Newman, the President of the Institution, who has filled the theological chair for fifteen years, for the conscientious discharge of his duties as a tutor, and that

they entertain the highest respect and esteem for the piety and consistency which have ever distinguished his character, and the learning and ability which, in the judgment of those who know him. best, have marked him as a scholar and a divine.”

It was also resolved, that, in consequence of the pecuniary sacrifice which Dr. Newman made when he accepted the office of President of the Institution, he should be presented with an annuity of seventyfive pounds; and, at the following annual meeting, this vote was unanimously confirmed. A few days after its confirmation, Dr. Newman wrote to the committee as follows:

"Jan. 27, 1827.

"Gentlemen,-You will recollect, that, on the 30th of May last, at a special general meeting, an annuity was voted to me, amounting to seventy-five pounds. That was a season of highly-excited feeling on all sides. On the 16th instant, that vote was confirmed, unanimously, when those feelings had long subsided; and now, as you are going to publish the Report,' it is time for me to say a few words.

"I have no hesitation in stating, that my claim on the Institution is strong and just, and, I think, I may now add, undisputed. But it affords me high satisfaction, and matter of great thankfulness, to think, that I am quite at liberty to relinquish, and I do hereby relinquish, the claim altogether.

"Through the good hand of God upon me, I am