not a few of them, either knowingly or ignorantly, corrupt the truth, or, at least, obscure it by their ignorance and unskilfulness; and some of them have not yet been published. It is not strange, therefore, that many things in this part of ecclesiastical history should be either passed over in silence, or be less happily stated and explained, even by the most laborious and learned authors. Among these, the ecclesiastical annalists, and the historians of the monastic sects, so famous in the Roman church, as Baronius, Raynaldi, Bzovius, Manriquez, Wadding, and others, though richly supplied with ancient manuscripts and records, have often committed more faults, and fallen into greater mistakes, than writers far inferior to them in learning, reputation, and means of information. Having, therefore, bestowed much attention, during many years, on the history of the church from the eighth century onwards, and believing that I had obtained, from works published or still in manuscript, a better and more correct knowledge of many events than is given in the common accounts of those times, I conceived that I might do service to the cause of ecclesiastical history, by exhibiting to the world some of the results of my investigations; and that, by throwing some light on the obscure period of the middle ages, I might excite men of talents and industry to pursue the same object, and thus to perfect the history of the Latin church. I persuade myself, that I have brought forward some things which are new, or before little known; that other things, which had been stated incorrectly or obscurely, I have here exhibited with clearness, and traced back to the proper authorities; and—claiming the indulgence allowed an old man, to boast a little-that some things, which were accredited fables, I have now exploded. Whether I deceive myself in all this, or not, the discerning reader may ascertain, by examining, and comparing with the common accounts, what I have said respecting Constantine's donation, the Cathari and Albigenses, the Beghards and Beguines, the Brethren and Sisters of the Free Spirit (that pest to many parts of Europe during four centuries), and of the Fratricelli [or Little Brethren], the controversies of the Franciscan order with the Roman pontiffs, Berengarius's case, the Lollards, and several other subjects.

If, in these enlargements of ecclesiastical history, and while giving views either partially or wholly new, I had used the same brevity as on the subjects well stated and explained by many before me, I should neither have satisfied the inquisitive reader, nor have done justice to myself. For many would have regarded me as a writer of fables; and their conceptions on these subjects would have been indistinct, useless, and fallacious. Therefore, when I have departed

widely from the common statements, or advanced apparent novelties, I have not only aimed to be explicit, but also, in order to give credibility to my narration, I have gone into more ample disquisitions and citations of authorities; because full statements and demonstrations, though out of place in an epitome of history, were here indispensable.

In addition to these causes for changing materially the character and swelling the size of my book, another occurred soon after I commenced its revision. I had before designed my work, especially, for lecturers on church history, who need a compendious text for the basis of their instructions; and had, therefore, only touched upon many things as openings for enlargement and explanation in the course of tuition. But when I began to recast, revise, and correct the work, I thought it likely to be better received in many quarters, and to be of more use in the learned world, if it were adapted not merely for teachers, but also for those who, without a teacher, wish to gain a general knowledge of Christian affairs. This opinion had no sooner been formed, than it set me upon supplying omissions, explaining more at large what had been rather obscure, and rearranging many things so as to place them in a clearer light. Hence it is, that in describing the calamities undergone by the Christians of the first ages, more pains than usual are taken to state precisely the truth; and in tracing the origin and progress of the sects which disturbed the church, great accuracy is attempted; so, likewise, the innovations in religion, devised by those who love new things, are calmly and candidly described with all possible fidelity; and religious contests and disputes are more clearly stated, and the arguments more carefully weighed, than before; and the history of the Roman pontiffs after the times of Charlemagne, their wars, and their various enterprises, have received more careful attention. I mention these only as specimens of what has been attempted for the advantage of those who cannot pursue a regular course of church history, from their want of books or leisure, and yet wish to obtain clear and correct views of the principal facts and transactions. The book may be safely trusted, for the most part, by such readers: and it will afford them as much knowledge as will satisfy one that reads only for practical purposes; and, besides, will direct to the authors from whom more full information may be obtained.

It would be folly, and betray ignorance of human imperfection, if I should suppose that no errors could be detected, and that nothing needed correction in all the details of so large a history; yet, conscious of my own integrity and good faith, and of the pains I have

taken to avoid mistakes, I cannot but hope that I have rarely so failed, as that serious evils will result from my errors.

I could add some other prefatory remarks, which would, perhaps, not be useless; but nothing more need be added to enable those to judge correctly of the present work who will be candid and ingenuous and who are competent judges in such matters. I therefore conclude

by offering the just tribute of my gratitude to Almighty God, who has given me strength, amidst the infirmities of age and the pressure of other labours and cares, to surmount the difficulties, and bear the fatigue, of completing the work now given to the public.