Illustrated Notes on English Church History VOL. I FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES ΤΟ THE DAWN OF THE REFORMATION BY THE REV. C. ARTHUR LANE F.R. Hist. S., Author of "Church and Realm in Stuart Times," 'Descriptive Lantern Lectures on English Church History," REVISED EDITION COMPLETING TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND VOLUMES PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE TRACT COMMITTEE LONDON: SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE, NEW YORK: E. & J. B. YOUNG & CO. PREFACE was originally published in 1886. The present revised edition brings THE first half of these "Notes" The second half followed in 1888. up the number printed to two hundred thousand volumes, and it is gratifying to know that they are circulated and appreciated in the remotest regions where the Church of England has its outposts. The title explains itself. The work is not an exhaustive history, but a collection of notes thereon, to meet inquiries for a cheap illustrated book about the Church of England. Church histories hitherto have mostly been written for students, or are beyond the financial reach of the general public. Such popular handy volumes as bear upon the subject deal mainly with special aspects, or do not afford so clear an idea of its consecutiveness as will enable the majority of Church-goers to meet erroneous assertions of those who differ from the doctrines of, or envy the noble position occupied by the English Church. To place a connected series of historical facts before the public, at a price within the reach of the humblest, was the chief object of the author. At the saine time readers are warned not to expect herein a complete record of all the important events and persons connected with our Church in every age, but only to look for sufficient typical examples as will help them to judge for themselves of the incorrectness of theories recently advanced by modern adversaries of the English Church; as for instance- (1) That it is of comparatively recent origin; or (2) that it owes its existence, position, and emoluments to the favour of the civil government; or (3) that whatever of its history belongs to antiquity is traceable to its connexion with and subjection to the Church of Rome. |