My opinion of the utility of a work on the subject of the present undertaking is briefly stated at its commencement. Ignorance of the existence of such an one induced me to engage in this attempt to supply the deficiency; and I may add, that it certainly would not have been undertaken, if I had hoped to see the realizing of the prospect, several years ago held out to the publick, that a History of the Church of Ireland would be put forth by one so well qualified to execute it, as the present Regius Professor of Divinity in the University of Dublin. Having however, been assured by Dr. Elrington, that prolonged illhealth, and other literary and professional occupations, prevented him from fulfilling his intention; and that he should be happy to be released from his promise by the task falling into other hands; I have ventured to do that, with which the reader, as well as myself, might have had better reason to be satisfied, if it had been done by another.
In constructing my work, much difficulty has been encountered, and much information withheld, by the absence of a fuller supply of materials. Of such as I could command, I have endeavoured to make the best use in my power. In some cases advantage has been now and then taken of kind assistance, which