It is with reluctance that the Author is induced to print the following Discourse, it having been compiled and written without any idea that its publication would have been called for; and, moreover, as he has felt it due to the justification of his own conduct to make a personal reference to himself in its pages, he would fain have been contented to allow the vindication of his principles to have ended with the public delivery of his Sermon. Having, however, been requested (not by ALL, but) by a majority of his Reverend Brethren, as well as several of the Churchwardens, before whom it was preached, to give it more general publicity, he feels it would be both ungracious and ungenerous on his part, if he suffered his own feelings to oppose their kind (though he believes too partial) wishes; and more particularly as they are pleased to consider that its publication, at this Eventful Epoch of the Church, will be beneficial, as advocating a safe medium between the extremes of Roman Superstition and Protestant Dissent, and exemplifying the true principles of the Reformed Religion as by law established in these realms.

The Author is indebted to one or two able publications for some of the arguments he has embodied in his Sermon; and if, by their adaptation, and his own humble and inferior, but yet zealous efforts to purify the true Church of Christ from Formalism and Enthusiasm—faith in the Redeemer, and obedience to His divine precepts are promoted—he feels those Authors he has ventured to quote, will, with himself, be devoutly thankful to Almighty God that they are permitted to be instruments in His hands for the furtherance of so holy and blessed a cause.

In conclusion, the Author begs leave to add that, having in obedience to the requisition of the Venerable Archdeacon of Suffolk preached his Visitation Sermon, and in compliance with the wish of many of his Reverend Brethren who heard it, now given it to the Public, he conceives he has fulfilled all that can be required of him:—he has conscientiously and explicitly stated what is his opinion of the present agitation in the Church, and how the unity of her Ministers can best be promoted, he will not, therefore, be induced to enter into any controversy with either of the parties to whom his views are opposed.

Oulton Rectory, May 8th, 1843.