xiv

PREFACE TO THE PRESENT EDITION.

Such is the deserved character of a book of which a new edition is now presented to the public; in which it has been thought advisable, in compliance with modern feelings, to reduce the work from the catechetical form in which it first appeared, to that of continuous argument. Such verbal alterations alone have been made as were necessary to effect this object; the present edition being,* in all other respects, an accurate republication of the original work.

This preface cannot be more appropriately concluded than in language borrowed from one of the Bishop's early biographers. Reader, if the perusal of the following pages shall but stir up thy more divine ambition and endeavours constantly to do all thou canst that thou mayest excel, he that drew them up will rejoice; the angels will rejoice; and, which is above all other joy to thee, thou shalt rejoice throughout all the ages of eternity; and this I wish thee as a most hearty FAREwell.'

* Some few passages however, are omitted in chap. xxviii. the reasons of which will at once be seen on a reference to the former editions,