X AUTHOR'S PREFACE AND INTRODUCTION. tending for. And he would fain hope also, that even those of other denominations of Christians, who do not concur with him on some points, will see nothing in the following pages, that is inconsistent with this profession of charity which he makes, and which he sincerely feels towards all true Christians. The opinions entertained by him have been deliberately formed, and be they true or false, charity is bound to believe them sincere; and, being sincere, that they require him who holds them, to maintain them honestly, and without fear. Hanc veniam petimus, Dabimusque vicissim. He is ready to exercise freely the same candour towards others, which he claims for himself, in believing, that they also are sincere, and therefore justifiable in instructing their own members in their own peculiar principles. Whilst we endeavour, unbiassed by party spirit or prejudice, to learn, and if necessary, to contend for, the truth, let us never feel authorized to indulge unkind sentiments or feelings towards those who do not, and who, perhaps, cannot think as we do. It is certain, that the field of controversy, among Christians, might be much narrowed; and happy would it be for the cause of charity and religion, if they would consent to this compromise, merging their differences where they can, and agreeing to differ where they cannot; and if, also, when occasions occur, in which they feel it their duty to support their particular opinions, and in which they have to touch the chords of a powerful, and often a morbid, sympathy, they would use the tenderness that becomes so delicate a task. "For the time will come (says the excellent Hooker) when three words spoken with meekness and love, shall obtain a far more blessed reward, than three thousand volumes written with disdainful sharpness of wit." CONTENTS. Preface and Introduction to Episcopal Manual CHAP. I. History of the Protestant Episcopal Church CANON 13. Of the Learning of those who are to be Ordained, (repealed by Canon V., 1838,) 262 20. Of the Times of Ordination, 21. Of those who have officiated as Ministers among other Denominations of Christians, and apply for Orders in this Church, (repealed by Canon III., 1835,) 22. Of Clergymen ordained for Foreign Parts, 23. Of Clergymen ordained by Foreign Bishops, or by Bishops not in communion with this CANON 33. Of the Dissolution of all Pastoral Connexion between Ministers and their Congregations, 279 of the Standard Bible of this Church, 45. Of the Use of the Book of Common Prayer, 288 46. Of the Mode of Publishing Authorized Editions of the Book of Common Prayer, &c., (re- 48. Of a List of the Ministers of this Church, 49. Of the Mode of Calling Special Meetings of 50. Of the Mode of Transmitting Notice of all Matters submitted by the General Con- |