The author has endeavoured to execute his defign on a comprehenfive plan; which includes the Hiftory of the Diffenters, first, as blended with the political occurrences of the times and the measures of government; then as united with the subjects above-mentioned, and as connected with the origin of inftitutions for the diffufion of religious knowledge and of academical foundations, with a review of theological literature, and with biographical sketches.

At the advanced years to which the indulgent Providence of God hath lengthened out the life of the author, it becomes him to form purposes for future time with serious and moderate apprehenfions on the continuance of life and vigour. But yet he may be allowed, with a refignation to the difpofals of unerring Divine Wisdom, to fignify his intentions, if this volume meet with the approbation of the candid and judicious, to proceed with all convenient speed in the execution of his plan; and to extend the next volume to the acceffion of his prefent Majesty.

In connection with the publication of fuch a work a wish may properly be expreffed, that readers in general would take into confideration the utility and importance of ecclefiaftical history, particularly that of their own country and fect, to the rifing generation; whose minds are open to permanent impreffions from the historic form of instruction, as it meets curiofity, displays the progress of rational enquiry,

and the triumphs of truth over ignorance and fuperftition, enlarges the views of men and things, informs the understanding, and affects the heart.

It would invite youth to read, if, befides the larger works which stand on the shelves of a library, there were always lying on the table in the parlour some fuch historical treatises, as the Abridgement of Burnet's History of the Reformation in England, and of Brandt's in the Low Countries; Chandler's History of Perfecution; and a smaller piece than either of these works, entitled "A Brief and Im"partial History of the Puritans," 12mo. printed for Longman and Co. by the author's old and highly esteemed friend, the Rev. Jofeph Cornish; mentioned in the advertisement to the last volume of his edition of Neal, but which has not, it is understood, met with the attention and fale its merit and nature promised.

The youth of the prefent day grow up at a great distance of time from the tranfactions and events, under the immediate and lively impreffions of which their ancestors were formed to fupport, with enlightened minds and confiftent firmness, the character of Proteftant Diffenters and Advocates of Religious Liberty. Thofe events feldom, in these times, become the topics even of domestic and paternal converfation. It is therefore of great importance, that books fhould offer to them the entertainment and information of the hiftoric page.

To this explanation of the nature, plan, and utility of his work, the author has little to add, but his warm and very grateful acknowledgments for the strong marks of perfonal refpect, and of confidence in his execution of it, which the list of subscribers, numerous beyond his most fanguine expectations, affords him. He felt a reluctance to the mode of publication, which, at the importunity of fome particular friends, he adopted. He is gratified with the event, which has fanctioned their opinion of the countenance with which his proposals would be favoured; and with the teftimonies of cordial esteem and regard which he could not prefume to flatter himself he fhould receive. He feels the friendship and honour fhewn to him; and hopes that his expreffions of respect and gratitude will be fully accredited. He is particularly fenfible of the ardour and activity with which fome particular friends have circulated his profpectus: among inftances of this it becomes him to notice the concern for its reception felt by his refpectable colleague, and the peculiar interest taken in the circulation of it, and the affiftance afforded to him, by his much-esteemed friend, the Rev. James Hews Branfby, of Dudley.

Birmingham, Bath-row, 3d June, 1814.

THE CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION.

GENERAL REFLECTIONS on the ACT of TOLE-
RATION, the caufes from which it originated, and
its operation. The ftate of the Diffenters, and
their different Denominations. P. 1–4.

CHAPTER I.

THE GENERAL HISTORY.

WILLIAM's (Prince of Orange) acceffion to the

throne. The promising aspect of the times. Rife
of new animofities. Conduct of the diffenters. Bill of
comprehenfion brought into parliament; the cafe of the
diffenters ftated by Mr. Howe; had the fanction of the
king from the throne. The fate of an attempt in the
Houfe of Lords to relieve the diffenters from the obligation
to receive the facrament at church. A modification of the
teft-laws propofed; but rejected.
A bill for uniting his
Majefty's fubjects brought into the Houfe, and loft. The
proteft of the lords. The fate of the bill in the house of
Commons. A party formed against the government, ini-