THEIR AUTHORS AND ORIGIN. 321
articled in 1802. At this time he made acquisitions in know ledge with extraordinary rapidity, and distinguished himself in a local literary society. As early as the age of fifteen he had obtained from the " Monthly Preceptor " a silver medal and a pair of globes for a translation from Horace ; and when but seventeen years of age he became known as a contributor to periodicals, and he was encouraged to prepare a volume of poems for the press. This was published in 1802.
At first inclined to scepticism, Kirke White at length acknow ledged himself subdued by the holy loving voice of God in His word. As a poet-philosopher panting for a life of noble senti ment, and yearning after a noble ideal which had not entered into the thoughts of the multitude, Christianity not only showed him his dream realized and surpassed, but at the same time convinced him that that realization could not become his possession apart from the faith in Christ which the Gospel required. In his progress towards full Christian faith, Kirke White was much assisted by the companionship of a young friend, who at first shrank from him as a scoffer, but afterwards sympathized with him in his spiritual conflicts, and introduced to his notice " Scott s Force of Truth," a work from which he derived benefit, though its statements at first provoked in him some opposition. His course from scepticism to Christian faith is recorded in his " Star of Bethlehem." His letters give proof of his amiability and piety.
His companion, Almond, from whom he had received so much benefit, having gone to Cambridge to study for the Church, Kirke White Avas seized with a strong desire to follow him thither for the same purpose ; but at first it was beyond his power. At length, assisted by generous and appreciating friends, he quitted the attorney s office, in 1804, and repaired to Cam bridge to carry out his cherished purpose. By the advice of Mr. Simeon, he studied a year at Winteringham, in Lincolnshire, under the tuition of the Kev. Grainger. In 1806 he returned to Cambridge, for the great mathematical examination in June. His excessive studies, pursued too often by the light of the
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