difficult of access, and to have given in extenso the several records, would have enlarged the work, and placed it beyond the reach and perusal of those for whom such publications as the one in question are usually intended. He will only add, that he does not think any statement has been put forward, or any assertion made, that is not virtually correct and true. The Author has made but little reference to the Canons of the Church; they are understood to have a more immediate relation to the general duties and conduct of clergymen: but the Book of Common Prayer is declared to contain full and precise directions for the celebration of divine worship, especially in the parochial churches and chapels of the Establishment; and, as that invaluable book may be said to be in the hands of every one, he has, when making any observations on the Rubrics and Ordinances contained in it, been more particular in his references. He trusts he has not erred in the conclusions which he has drawn from them. The remarks in the latter pages have been occasioned either by indirect allusions or positive opinions, which have been put forward within the last few years; some of which have been advocated under the immediate observation of the writer; whilst others have been so prominently advanced, as to leave no doubt of the motives which have given rise to them. The author is fully alive to the defectiveness of arrangement, the deficiency of style, the feebleness of argument, and the inelegance of language, which will be apparent in this little work. He will merely add, that his sole object in producing it has been, and is, an ardent desire for the preservation of our Church -in her legal constitution—in the Scriptural truthfulness of her doctrines-in the apostolic purity of her worship,-and in the quiet simplicity of her ceremonial; and thereby to promote the re-establishment of that harmony, good-feeling, and confidence, which ought to exist amongst the members of a Christian community. |