xlv PPvEFACE. 



nature «intl magnitude of the engagement. But 

 it must be acknowledged, that as he entered on 

 the work without duly appreciating the arduous- 

 ness of his undertaking, so every s.tep in the pur- 

 suit convinced liim more and more of its extent 

 and difficulty ; that in the prosecution of his task 

 he wished a hundred times he had never under- 

 taken it; and that now it is brought to a close, few 

 readers can l)e more sensible than he is himself of 

 its numerous and .great defects. 



It will be observed, that three parts of the ori- 

 ginal plan yet remain to be executed. Whether 

 the execution of the whole will be attempted • de- 

 pends, in some measure, on the reception which 

 shall be given to this First Fart. The author is 

 particularly desirous of completing the fourth and 

 last division; viz. that which relates to the Lite- 

 rature, Science, Revolutions, and principal Events 

 of the Christian Church during the last age ; and 

 even if he should be compelled to abandon the two 

 intermediate divisions, he cherishes the hope of 

 being able, if his life should be spared, to lay some- 

 thing before the public on this favourite subject. 



