THE SOLD BY W. BUTTON AND SON, PATERNOSTER ROW; 1808. 942.45 Copy PREFACE. WHEN an author appears before the bar of the public, he puts himself in a situation of great responsibility, which is increased in proportion as his facts or opinions are liable to be disputed. A writer of history should be, above all other people, an attentive observer of human nature. Facts derive their principal value from their application to character. Revolutions in empires may become important by an exhibition of the baser passions; but they are only valuable in as much as they conduce to the welfare of the people, So, in the history of individuals, those traits of character are to be pointed out, and chiefly insisted upon, which are calculated to subserve the benefit of society. Perhaps no subject requires to be treated with so much judgment as ecclesiastical history; and yet there is no branch of knowledge that has been more shamefully perverted to the baleful purposes of priestcraft and superstition. The history of the Church is any thing rather than a history of Christianity. Clothed in the venerable garb of antiquity, the grossest delusions have been imposed upon the understanding; and the greatest crimes have been sheltered behind the presumed sacredness |