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The following pages,-which have been written at the cost of much self-denial in the snatches of time which could be secured in the midst of urgent and harassing parochial duties, will, it is trusted, prove somewhat opportune. Recent events in connexion with the history of the South African church, have made a discussion of the question of Church-and-State very desirable. It is hoped that a judicious treatment of a very delicate and difficult subject, will be found in the sequel; and that some, whose minds have been unsettled, will be confirmed afresh in their attachment to our beloved church as established within these realms. An attempt has also been made to answer the many objections which are constantly being urged by Dissent against the principles of our communion. With what success this has all been accomplished remains for the reader and for the public to determine. One thing, however, is certain,

which is, that exception cannot reasonably be taken to our spirit and method. We have held steadily by our own convictions; but in so doing, we have not needlessly offended those who differ from us. When it is only kept in mind with what acerbity and virulence, attacks have been made upon what we of the Church of England cherish as among our sacredest convictions,-the author can confidently appeal to the reader as to whether he has not brought to his task a desire to deal courteously by his adversaries.

Finally, as in these days the Church of England and Ireland has many most unscrupulous enemies, it is earnestly hoped that the subsequent pages, may prove a stimulus to both clergy and laity. The times are perilous :-perilous to spirituality:-perilous to orthodoxy :-perilous to catholicity. Dogma is become obnoxious. A spurious liberalism is abroad in the land.

And unless the Church

arouses all her faculties and powers, in the defence of her own sacred and incommunicable attributes and prerogatives —she is destined, as there is too good reason to believe, to drink to the very dregs that cup of humiliation, of which she has but begun to taste the bitterness. May our Lord and Saviour, the Great Head of the Church, avert, however, these painful possibilities, and may He deign to own and sanctify to the good of the Church this our service of faith and labour of love.

ROTHERHAM,

November, 1866.

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