I have aimed at fomething of a medium between both those extremes: Whe

ther I have fucceeded or not, others must determine.

WITH a farther view to introduce to more general attention the History of the Church, I have followed out a kind of continued narration, through the FOUR GRAND PERIODS into which I have divided the Work: This, I knew, would be more agreeable to the prefent polished tafte, than if I had formally thrown it into feparate centuries and fubdivifions, as most other hiftorians do, though they acknowledge this method is attended with feveral disadvantages. Thus alfo, I have avoided in particular, many difagreeable repetitions, whilft, at fame time, I have been duly attentive to chronological order, and to the natural feries of events, and

that

that too, even when I venture on a new and peculiar arrangement.

SOME fuch compendious view of Ec clefiaftical History, from the commencement of Christianity to the beginning of the present century, as this now offered to the public, has been thought by fome a performance, if properly executed, in fome measure wanting in the historical department. This kind of fummary, containing the elements of Church History, may be of particular ufe to fuch who have not leifure to perufe larger volumes, and will not, it is hoped, be altogether unprofitable nor unpleasant even to those, who have made this branch of study an object of fome attention. Even from the brevity of it a deeper impreffion may be rivetted in the mind,-just as we retain a more diftinct remembrance of a landscape that is not too extensive and varie

gated;

gated; or, as a principal piece in painting strikes the eye more exquifitely, the less it is encumbered with a group of figures.

WHERE the fubjects were rich and copi ous, it was not eafy always to hold an equal hand; and some may perhaps imagine, that I have been too diffusive on fome occafions, and affected too much brevity upon others. All I fhall fay is, that I apprehend every man is at liberty to chufe his own fubject, and to treat it after his own manner, agreeable to the particular plan which he himself proposes. The public poffefs the undoubted privilege of approving or condemning as they fhall fee proper, and to their verdict every

author is obliged to submit.

To comprise fo much as I have done within fuch narrow limits, was accompa

nied with confiderable difficulty. I have fometimes found myself doubtful of proceeding, and almost ready to be embarrassed amidst a multiplicity of fcenes and events, where the ground would have been smooth and eafy upon a more extenfive fcale, which did not, however, quadrate with my plan. On the fame foot, I have been frequently obliged to decline remarks, and even to force myself away from reflections that occurred, during my progrefs in this work.

HOWEVER, I have in general marked the introduction and propagation of Chriftianity in the world, the perfecutions it underwent, the herefies which sprung up in the Church, the illuftrious men, particularly the primitive Fathers who flourished in it, the most celebrated councils which were conveened, and the various ufages, rites, and ceremonies gradually adopted.

I have confidered the rife, the advancement, and system of Popery, that amazing, • mysterious structure; difplayed the origin and traced the progress of the Reformation in the different kingdoms and countries of Europe, in one connected view; affigned the causes that contributed to stop its growth and enlargement; ftated a fort of estimate between Popish and Proteftant States; and occafionally introduced many paffages of civil hiftory, which ferved to illustrate or embellish the hiftory of the Church. At fame time, I have paid fome attention to the discovery or cultivation of the arts and sciences, to the decline or improvements of learning and philosophy, especially as these have had any influence on religion, or upon the state and character of its votaries.

SHOULD this performance be fo fortunate as to meet with a favourable recep