REV. WILLIAM PALMER, M.A. OF WORCESTER COLLEGE, OXFORD. ATIONUM DOM INSULANAJ HS B.V.MARI IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: L'ABBE PRINTED FOR J. G. & F. RIVINGTON, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH YARD, AND WATERLOO PLACE, PALL MALL. 1838. PREFACE. In presenting to students in theology a treatise on so extensive a subject as that of the Christian Church in general, it seems necessary to state the reasons and the objects of this publication. To contemplate the past and present condition of the universal church of Christ, must always be full of a deep interest to those who believe that the SON OF GOD came into this world to establish a spiritual kingdom, in which, through His atonement and merits, salvation should be obtained by the faithful of all nations, even to the end of the world. The fulfilment of many prophecies of holy scripture, and the accomplishment of the Divine promises and the Divine will, are involved in the fate of Christianity. Nor are such topics merely instructive and interesting to a contemplative and christian mind: they disclose to us the deep responsibility incumbent on every individual christian, to seek for the Divine favour, not in |