Eminent Victorians · Chapter
VIII explained
Manning is made a Cardinal in 1875, marking the culmination of his long and strange career.
What happens
Manning is made a Cardinal in 1875, marking the culmination of his long and strange career. The chapter describes his ascetic appearance, his administrative and social activities, his role in public affairs, and his membership in the Metaphysical Society. It also delves into his apocalyptic speculations, particularly his lectures on the Antichrist and the future of the Church, and notes the disappearance of Monsignor Talbot from Manning's records.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Worldly Success
Manning's long career culminates in being made a Cardinal, a 'Princedom of the Church,' highlighting his ambition and eventual worldly success.
Religion and Authority
Manning's despotic zeal in ruling his diocese, his role in the Metaphysical Society, and his apocalyptic lectures on the Antichrist and the authority of the Church.
Critique of Victorian Hypocrisy
The contrast between Manning's public philanthropic activities and his private seclusion, as well as his harsh treatment of Newman and disregard for Talbot, suggests a critique of Victorian religious figures.
Characters to notice
- Cardinal Manning
Made a Cardinal in 1875; described as an old man with an austere ascetic appearance; active in diocese, social work, and public affairs; member of the Metaphysical Society; delivered lectures on prophecy and the Antichrist.
- Monsignor Talbot
Manning's old friend and loyal adherent; removed to a sequestered home at Passy; his name disappears from Manning's records after his misfortune.
- Pius IX
Afflicted by Monsignor Talbot's unfortunate event; ordered that Talbot's Vatican apartment be preserved in case of his return.
- Professor Huxley
Member of the Metaphysical Society; listened to Manning's papers on theological subjects.
- John Henry Newman
Mentioned as languishing in Birmingham, with Manning brooking no brother near the throne.
Key passages
“Ask in faith and in perfect confidence, and God will give us what we ask. You may say, 'But do you mean that He will give us the very thing?' That, God has not said. God has said that He will give you whatsoever you ask; but the form in which it will come, and the time in which He will give it, He keeps in His own power.”
Manning taught that God answers prayers, but not necessarily in the form expected; sometimes the answer comes as a chastisement or loss.
Manning's reflection on prayer and divine response, illustrating his theological views.
“To deny the personality of Antichrist is to deny the plain testimony of Holy Scripture.”
Manning insisted that Antichrist is a real person, as clearly stated in the Bible.
From Manning's lectures on prophecy, emphasizing his literal interpretation of Scripture.
“A successful medium might well pass himself off by his preternatural endowments as the promised Messiahs.”
Manning suggested that a charismatic spiritualist could deceive people into thinking he is the Messiah.
Part of Manning's apocalyptic speculation about the end times.