undisputed authority; extracts from writers of doubtful, or questioned, character, such as Simeon Metaphrastes,' have been carefully excluded. At the present time, when the Infidel, Papist, and Sectarian are banded together in one unholy alliance for the destruction of that "holy and beautiful house in which our fathers worshipped," the most humble of her defenders, who attempts to stand in the breach, cannot hope to escape the weapon of the assailant. The Author is therefore prepared to meet with opposition to his statements from uninformed and prejudiced I am aware of Dr. Cave's favourable opinion of this writer as it regards the lives of the early Christians. See, however, Dissenters, and from bigotted and intolerant Papists; but taking his stand on the strong ground of scripture, history, and primitive usage, he can take up the language of the psalmist, and say, "Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;" and thankful that he has been led to see the truth and beauty of that Church, in the communion of which the mercy of his God has placed him, he would add, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to enquire in his temple." And in the spirit of the disciple of Bethsaida, he would say to all around him, "Come and see." In humble dependence upon that God whose glory he seeks, he now sends forth his little publication, and prays that it may be owned by Him, in leading some to see the scriptural character of that Church which he believes to be "founded on the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone." CHEDBURGH RECTORY, DEC. 6, 1837. |