It had happened also, that I had been honoured with the first of the prizes[A], in that year, and therefore it was expected again, that I should obtain the first on this occasion.

The acquisition of the second, however honourable, would have been considered as a falling off, or as a loss of former fame.

I felt myself, therefore, particularly called upon to maintain my post.

And, with feelings of this kind, I began to prepare myself for the question.
[Footnote A: There are two prizes on each subject, one for the best and the other for the second-best essays.] In studying the thesis, I conceived it to point directly to the African Slave Trade, and more particularly as I knew that Dr.Peckard, in the sermon which I have mentioned, had pronounced so warmly against it.

At any rate, I determined to give it this construction.