In these matters he did not, at that time, go with Carlyle, as in ecclesiastical matters he had not gone with Newman.

His mind was intensely practical, though in personal questions of self-interest he was careless, and even indifferent.

Henceforth he abandoned speculation, as well philosophical as theological, and reverted to the historical studies of his youth.

Philosophy at Oxford in those days meant Plato, Aristotle, and Bishop Butler.

Froude was a good Greek scholar, and he had the true Oxford reverence for Butler.