endeavour to fulfil it. One consideration, however, there is, which, I trust, will conciliate for me some portion of indulgence. Though I might probably have drawn up a work of this nature, for my private information and use, it is by no means one, to the publication of which my inclination would ever have led me, if it had not been stimulated by the circumstances above related. The motto annexed to the sealed paper inclosing my name, consisted of these words: "If not to succeed, at least to improve ;" and unless this latter alternative had presented itself, I am certain that self-distrust would have checked my views, and a predilection for other branches of theological science prevented my exertions, directed towards the former. I have, for the most part, avoided filling my pages with references, not being satisfied that any great advantage would accrue from such an additional labour. A few authorities have, however, been cited, either in the form of notes, or in the body of the work, when they seemed particularly requisite. To those who wish for more minute information, on any of the facts or topies introduced, it will, I hope, be deemed sufficient to state in general, that my chief sources of information in the historical narrative, have been the works of Fuller, Collier, Heylin, Burnet, Warner, Henry, Neale, and Mosheim; and likewise those of Stillingfleet, Wake, Kennett, Burn, and Adam; although I have likewise occasionally consulted nearly all the older historians and biographers; and, indeed, searched in every quarter for accurate and complete intelligence. Of the authors above mentioned, I have, in many places, compressed the statements, and, in : some, woven into my narrative a few of the phrases, when they appeared peculiarly expressive ; nor, as utility and completeness of information were my leading object, have I scrupled to select what suited my purpose, wherever I have been - able to find it. i Were I here to specify the great variety of volumes, which I have necessarily perused, or consulted, in stating and discussing the principles of the different Sects, I should only, I apprehend, merit the imputation of wishing to make an ostentatious, and, perhaps, a needless parade of my industry. I shall only, therefore, observe, that, wherever I may have erred, it has not been through any failure in point of diligence. With respect to the replies to the tenets of the different sects, it is obvious, that I have been precluded, by the nature of the Work, from descending into very minute particulars, or expanding the arguments used, by copious illustrations. It will hardly be candid, then, in the professors of any sect, to accuse me of superficial investigation. To have replied to all at any considerable length, would have swelled the Work to many volumes, and, indeed, would have required much ampler knowledge, than any one individual could bring to the discussion. I have only further to add, that it has been my humble desire, and earnest endeavour, to speak of each dissenting body with perfect candour, and as much of Christian charity, as consists with the defences I have undertaken, and as it is proper for one fallible and imperfect being to exercise towards his brethren. HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH CHURCH AND SECTS. I. Legendary Accounts to be disregarded.-II. Facility afforded by the Roman Conquests to the Progress of Christianity in Britain.-III. Cause of the Scan- tiness of Facts: First authentic Accounts in the third Century-IV. State of Church Government in Bri- tain, during the three first Centuries.-V. Fourth Cen- tury: Bishops present at early Councils.-VI. Mo- nastery of Banchor.-VII. Fifth Century: Pelagian I. IF, in writing any history, we carry up our views into highly remote ages, we shall have to grope our way through much darkness, and must beware of mistaking legends for facts. The his- B |