Eminent Victorians · Chapter
IV explained
This chapter details Manning's crisis of conscience following the Gorham judgment, his eventual resignation from the Church of England, and his reception into the Roman Catholic Church.
What happens
This chapter details Manning's crisis of conscience following the Gorham judgment, his eventual resignation from the Church of England, and his reception into the Roman Catholic Church. It also explores his earlier life as a rising Anglican clergyman, his worldly ambitions, his intense self-examination and spiritual struggles, and the inner turmoil that ultimately led to his conversion.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Authority
The chapter centers on Manning's struggle with the authority of the Church of England versus the Roman Catholic Church, triggered by the Gorham judgment and the Royal Supremacy.
Ambition and Worldly Success
Manning's diary reveals his intense conflict between worldly ambition (honour, preferment, society) and his spiritual ideals, a key theme in his personal crisis.
Critique of Victorian Hypocrisy
The narrative exposes the gap between Manning's outward success and his inner torment, and the self-deception involved in his ambitions and spiritual justifications.
Characters to notice
- Cardinal Manning
Manning is the central figure; he resigns his Anglican benefice, is received into the Roman Catholic Church, and is shown wrestling with ambition and spiritual doubt.
- Mr. Gladstone
Gladstone is Manning's close friend and correspondent; he is deeply perturbed by the Gorham judgment, proposes a procrastination scheme, and is present at Manning's last Anglican communion.
- Samuel Wilberforce
Samuel Wilberforce is mentioned as Manning's brother-in-law, recently made a bishop, highlighting Manning's powerful connections.
- John Henry Newman
Newman's conversion is referenced as a significant influence on Manning, prompting him to question his own path.
- Reverend Mr. Gorham
The Gorham judgment is the catalyst for Manning's crisis; it concerns the doctrine of baptismal regeneration and the authority of Parliament over the Church.
- Robert Wilberforce
Robert Wilberforce is consulted by Gladstone and corresponds with Manning, pleading with him not to leave the Church of England.
Key passages
“I can no longer continue under oath and subscription binding me to the Royal Supremacy in Ecclesiastical causes, being convinced: That it is a violation of the Divine Office of the Church. That it has involved the Church of England in a separation from the Universal Church, which separation I cannot clear of the character of schism.”
Manning declares he cannot remain bound by his oath to the Royal Supremacy because he believes it violates the Church's divine role, has caused the Church of England to separate from the universal Church, and that this separation amounts to schism.
This is Manning's formal justification for resigning his Anglican office.
“I do feel pleasure in honour, precedence, elevation, the society of great people, and all this is very shameful and mean.”
Manning admits to himself that he takes pleasure in status, rank, and the company of the powerful, and he considers this feeling shameful and base.
This diary entry reveals Manning's self-awareness of his worldly ambitions.
“The great question is: Is God enough for you now ? And if you are as now even to the end of life, will it suffice you?”
Manning asks himself whether God alone is sufficient for him in his current state, and whether that would be enough for the rest of his life.
This reflects Manning's deep spiritual questioning and his struggle to find contentment in faith rather than worldly success.
