PREFACE. The various questions, confusions, and difficulties that have of late years gathered round church-matters, and are still in such doubt and debate, find a true solution in an impartial survey and study of the whole facts; and the appeal to history best serves both to clear up and remove the many and great misconceptions current, and to promote agreement on all fundamental points. Of an elementary work, of no literary or original merit, little can be said; but the facts noted and set in order will, it is hoped, be of use to students and others interested in the subject, aiding them to obtain a more exact and accurate knowledge and view of the leading principles and results of the Reformation Settlement, and thus help both to quiet the scruples and remove the difficulties of conscientious minds, and to restore unity, order, and peace to a great but divided church. The historical enquiry being complete in itself, and of a size meet for a volume, is published as a first part; the remaining chapters and appendices on Church Principles, Primitive and Catholic Use, the Church Courts, Convocation, Church Law, the Judicial Committee, etc., being left for a second. Since the first sheet was printed, Dr. Pusey, on whose authority the first part of note 16 at page 8 was inserted, has been taken from us, and Dr. Wordsworth has resigned the see of Lincoln. The writer's grateful acknowledgments are due to friends for generous and invaluable criticism afforded him during the progress of the work. March, 1885. |