dressed to candidates for holy orders, reflects little credit on the state of our church and universities. It is devoutly to be hoped, that such progress is now being made in theological studies, that though the present work may continue to be esteemed as a common-place book of general information, it will remain in the hands of the student, not as conveying information sufficient for him in itself, but as indicating what are the great lines of inquiry which it is most necessary for him to pursue. It has, therefore, been the object of the editor, in the additional notes subjoined, to suggest to the student fresh sources of information. The quotations given are in themselves of great value, as statements of the belief of those eminent men from whose works they are taken; but they ought to be read, as affording a clue to that further study of church doctrines and primitive truth from which the student of theology, if he have any regard to the high character which he has assumed, will never voluntarily cease. The Summary of Ecclesiastical History, it may also be hoped, will show what points require his earliest and most serious attention. The editor has not ventured to enlarge the list of books recommended by Bishop Tomline. He cannot, however, but observe, that, independent of the additions which he conceives might properly be made to the catalogue from the older theological writers, the happily increased energy and devotion with which religious inquiries are now pursued have given existence to works which ought to be in the hands of every student of theology. Though far from declaring his assent to all the propositions supported by the writers referred to, the editor would especially direct the attention of the student to the "Treatise on the Church of Christ," by the Rev. W. Palmer, a work quite invaluable; to Mr. Gladstone's "State in its Relations with the Church" and "Church Principles," both conceived in a spirit equally profound and practical; to Mr. Sewel's "Evidences of Christianity," &c., works of especial value, as calculated to awaken a lively sense of the charm which attends religious inquiry pursued with a faithful and earnest feeling. "The Introduction to the Critical Study of the Scriptures," by the Rev. T. Hartwell Horne, has appeared since Bishop Tomline compiled his list. Its character is so well known, that it need scarcely be mentioned, but in the way of respectful testimony to the learning and laborious diligence of its excellent author. Works of another class, as "The Documentary Annals," &c. &c. of Dr. Cardwell, afford a further proof of the happy increase of theological study in our days. May the great Head of the Church inspire us with a deep conviction of the peculiar blessings and privileges which we enjoy! London, June 30. 1843. ΤΟ THE RIGHT HONOURABLE WILLIAM PITT, FIRST LORD COMMISSIONER OF HIS MAJESTY'S TREASURY, &c. &c. &c. MY DEAR SIR, INDEBTED to your affectionate partiality for the situation which has led to the production of these volumes, I trust you will accept them as some proof of my anxiety to fulfil, as far as I am able, its important duties. But you must permit me, Sir, to say, that I consider the dedication of a work designed to promote the knowledge of the sacred Scriptures, and to explain the doctrines of the Church of England, as peculiarly appropriate to you, who have evinced yourself the zealous friend of religion, and the firm supporter of our ecclesiastical establishment; who have stood forward as the uniform and successful opponent of principles which aimed at the extinction of Christianity, and of a power which threatened to deprive the world To your of every religious and social comfort. energy and wisdom, under the blessing of Divine Providence, this country owes its present state of unexampled prosperity and glory, and all Europe the hope of being rescued from the evils of tyranny and Atheism. But your talents and public measures as a statesman, I leave to the future historian of this eventful period; nor will I attempt to describe that eloquence, which is acknowledged to be unequalled both in ancient and modern times. The connection which subsisted between us in an early part of your life, and the uninterrupted confidence with which you have since honoured me, may, perhaps, justify me in bearing testimony to those qualities which adorn and dignify your private character. Having enjoyed the singular felicity of watching the progress of your unrivalled abilities, may be allowed to declare, that the unremitting assiduity with which you early acquired a depth and variety of learning rarely attained even by those who devote their whole lives to literary pursuits, was as remarkable as the fire of that genius, and the accuracy of that judgment, which astonish the world by their promptitude, acuteness, and extent; and having long witnessed the daily habits of your life, I may be permitted to mention the excellence of your temper and disposition, which I have ever considered to be no less extraordinary than the powers of your mind: but above all, I may state, with inexpressible satisfaction, that, under the influence of religious principle, your I conduct has afforded an eminent example of private as well as of public virtue, and that you have preserved an integrity of heart and a purity of mind unshaken and unsullied by the trials and temptations of the most exalted station of a station obtained at an age of which there is no example, and maintained with uniform dignity, through a succession of difficulties as singular in their nature as alarming in their tendency. Pardon me, Sir, for addressing you in language, which, though dictated by truth, I can only hope you will excuse by attributing it to the natural desire of perpetuating the remembrance of a connection from which I have derived so much happiness and honour. It is indeed impossible for me to indulge a sentiment of pride, on account of the literary acquirements by which you are so highly distinguished; but I shall always esteem it as a ground of the highest exultation, that I have been thought worthy of your friendship and patronage. With the warmest feelings of affection and gratitude, and with the most fervent prayers for the preservation of your life, so invaluable to the world at this awful crisis, I shall ever remain, My dear Sir, Your most sincere and devoted Buckden Palace, Friend and Servant, G. LINCOLN. |