With  sentiments  like  these,  I  would  gladly  have  avoided  any
attempt  to  prolong,  by  writing  upon  it,  a  controversy  I  condemn.
But  whatever  may  be  the  relative  insignificance  of  the  points  in
debate,  wThen  compared  with  the  weightier  matters  of  religion,  such
language  has  been  used,  and  such  principles  laid  down  by  several
writers,  who  think  they  have  a  right  to  speak  with  authority,  as  have
given  an  adventitious  importance  to  the  subject,  and  rendered  it
impossible  for  any  conscientious  Minister  of  the  Church  of  England
any  longer  to  view  it  with  indifference.  His  own  conscience  is
deeply  interested  in  the  proper  determination  of  the  dispute,  and  his
own  future  conduct  cannot  fail  to  bo  influenced  by  the  guides  ho
follows,  and  the  opinions  lie  forms.  Without  further  delay,  there-
fore, I  will  proceed  to  exhibit,  first  of  all.  the  views  taken  of  tho
doty  of  Clergymen  with  regard  to  tho  observance  of  (lie  Rubrics  and
Canons.  I  will  then,  secondly,  make  a  \\w  remarks  upon  the  cor-
rectness or  ineorreotne«  of  Ifeoee  fiowi.  Alter  having,  in  the  third
place,  compered  the  practical  conduct  of  the  Clergy  at  large  with


*  Sec  the  Form  an<l  .Manner  of  Ordering  of  Priests.
that  which  they  appear  bound  by  conscience  and  law  to  pursue,  I
will  endeavour  to  show,  fourthly,  from  what  causes  the  present
discrepancy  between  the  practice  and  duty  of  the  Clergy  has  arisen.
Fifthly,  I  must  try  to  discover  from  what  authority  a  remedy  for
this  discrepancy,  and  the  consequent  dissensions,  must  proceed,  in
order  to  be  effectual.  Sixthly,  I  will  venture  to  gather  from  various
quarters,  a  few  suggestions  as  to  the  measures  which  should  be
taken  ;  and,  seventhly,  add  a  few  remarks  on  the  use  of  the  Surplice
and  Offertory.
