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INTRODUCTION. |
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reading of the classics, was hindered by his neglect of them at Harrow, and especially by his literary activities. He won reputation as a debater at the Oxford " Union " (then called the Debating Society) ; he contributed to the " Oxford University Magazine " various articles on controversial and biographical topics: and he competed for the Newdigate prize poem. Out of thirty-seven poems submitted, his, entitled "The Knights of St. John," was judged to be the best, and was recited in the Sheldonian Theatre, June 5, 1836.
Owing to feeble health, he was prevented from studying during the long vacation of that year; and on the examination for his degree, he gained only a second class. He also failed of a fellowship in his own college. To console him for these disappointÂments, which were "very, very bitter," he went with his brother, the Rev. F. A. Faber, to Germany for a few months, and on his return was elected to a vacant fellowship at University College, and gained the Johnson divinity scholarship; but he failed to win the Chancellor's prize for an English essay, as well as the Ellerton theological prize.
As he was desirous of obtaining some acquaintance with the works of the Church Fathers, he offered his services as a translator to the compilers of " the Library of the Fathers;" and the seven books of Optatus, Bishop of Miletus, were assigned to him. |
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