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work may prove not only well timed, but correctly informed-that it may foster no fond illusion-invent no new theory-propound no novel proposition-but that it may steadfastly aim at an honest exposition of truth alone, that it may stimulate inquiry into the real principles of the Ancient Church, that it may lead to a truer estimate of the Monastic discipline of the Middle Ages, and a juster appreciation of the Monastic glories of Old Catholic Caledonia.

Meantime, permit me to wish very cordially to you and to your Royal affianced Princess, every spiritual and temporal blessing, while I have the honour to remain,

My Lord Marquis, with the highest consideration,

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St. Peter's Basilica, Hatton Garden, Holborn Circus,

London, March, 1871.

PREFACE.

IT may not be considered out of place, to offer some preliminary remarks, in regard to the discursive matter of the following pages. It was thought desirable to grapple not simply with the subject, which stands so prominently forward, but to touch upon collateral topics, which are decidedly racy of the times. The individual who excused himself from labouring for, as he did not feel himself indebted to posterity, might readily be forgiven. But could he be forgiven who, having the opportunity, failed to supply the antidote against the poison which, at the present moment, is industriously being infused into the public mind? Indeed, the obligation seems so paramount, that mere choice is out of the question. If, then, it be true that each one in social life, should have a care of his neighbour, how much more stringent is the duty, in regard to the life which is religious? Hence, there can be no doubt that authors, whatever intellectual amusement they may enjoy in wielding their pen, hold a very responsible position in a moral point of view. They are accountable for their literary lucubrations at the bar of public opinion, not to speak of a higher and holier tribunal! How vitally

important is it to be true to the subject; not, therefore, to be one-sided; not to write for people or party; not to commit to the press questionable, nay, worse than questionable, statements; but to act honestly, to hold the balance fairly, to have simply before the mind's eye the exposition, and vindication of genuine truth, and thus to be utterly regardless of popular censure or popular applause. Unfortunately, however, non-Catholic writers almost invariably compromise themselves by averments, in respect to the doctrines and discipline of the Ancient Church of Christendom, which cannot stand the test of examination. The doctrines of the Church are misrepresented, and the discipline of the Church is misinterpreted, so that the "Faith our Fathers held of God," through this wantonly deceptive medium, is held up to public opprobrium. Did, then, the reverse of this take place was the question always candidly stated-were the claims of the Ancient Church ever pressed home, in their native excellence, upon the spiritual allegiance of our fellow men—then the happy religious change, which is now taking place throughout the British Empire, would be materially accelerated, and the most aged amongst us, would not perhaps be obliged to repeat Old Simeon's valedictory- Nunc Dimittis servum tuum Domine--till matins were chanted at early morn in St. Paul's Cathedral, and High Mass celebrated at midday in Westminster Abbey !

With respect to the literary sins of commission perpetrated by many popular authors, it might be

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