PREFACE. Ir was on the first day of September, 1846, that this work commenced; and, with the exception of the third volume-to which we only contributed the articles on the creed-it has been conducted by the same editor until now, when we have arrived at the conclusion of the twelfth volume. ས་ The CHURCH WARDER is not the property of any bookseller; and therefore it has not been obliged to sacrifice principle for the maintenance of his private interest; but it is the editor's free and independent property, and it has been published at his sole individual expense. We have endeavoured throughout the whole series to "keep our bosom franchised and allegiance clear" towards the Church of England and the churches in her communion; and we trust that our zeal in her service has not been altogether without knowledge; having endeavoured to follow out her teaching, in her formularies, and by her best divines, which so many are now attempting to disturb by the obtrusion of their own private opinions. We have laboured faithfully and zealously in endeavouring to elucidate the history, doctrines and |