Page images
PDF
EPUB

Erastian accommodation, or unperverted by modern Anamorphosis, miscalled Reform.

While it is avowed, that this little work is principally intended for the instruction and edification of the above; still, as the satisfying of enquirers, the silencing of objectors, and the confutation of infidels, will occupy no small portion of its pages; the Biblical student, who feels it his duty to "search the Scriptures," will not think this humble attempt beneath his notice, when he is informed, that sufficient of the sacred text, to justify the criticism, will be given, in the original tongues, in all cases where any important alteration of the received version is suggested, or a new translation is submitted, to those who alone are competent to decide on its merits.

Biblical and Literary Anecdotes will be introduced, if duly authenticated; and pieces of Poetry and Music, both select and original, occasionally inserted; provided that their tendency be, to endear the Divine Volume to its possessors, and to fix its contents on the heart and memory. Other additions may be made, and objects embraced, according as the approved hints and suggestions of Correspondents may be offered; or as times, events, and circumstances, may require.

When the work is complete, Indices both of texts illustrated, and of subjects discussed, &c., will be added, for the sake of reference.

Answers will be given to Questions, and approved Communications inserted, if addressed "to the Editor of the Textuary and Ritualist," and sent (post paid,) to 73, St. Paul's Church-Yard, London; where also Biblical, Theological, Liturgical, and Educational, Works, intended for Review, may be sent, (carriage free,) and Advertisements forwarded.

N. B. As the Editor cannot engage to return rejected Communications, Correspondents are requested to keep Copies of them.

TEXTUARY AND RITUALIST, &c.

JANUARY, 1835.

INTRODUCTION.

ALTHOUGH the title of this Publication (undertaken to alleviate sorrow, by mental occupation, and to "work while it is day,") will give, to the most cursory observer, some idea of its Objects; which are, First, to attempt to explain such difficulties, as may present themselves to the young and the unlearned readers of the English Bible; and to reconcile such discrepancies and apparent contradictions, as may be thought "stumblingblocks," in the road to Zion, of the "simple" and "wayfaring man;" and, Secondly, to elucidate and defend, and thereby to endear to the sincerely-attached, and spiritually-enlightened, members of the English Church, that most excellent and all-but-divine "Form of sound words," the Book of Common Prayer; yet, it may be proper to state, that it is likewise the intention of the Editor, (availing himself of the learning and piety of others, as well as drawing from his own resources,) to present, to his readers, portions of these Sacred Volumes, in such a light, form, and shape, as may lead to the conviction, that, as the Bible is not only the best, the truest, and the most valuable, but the most instructive, inviting, and entertaining, book in the world; so the Liturgy, as the "Daughter and Epitome" of that blessed "Book of books," is well entitled to hold the second place in their affectionate and intelligent esteem; while uncorrupted by Neologian novelty, unweakened by

NO. I. VOL. I.

« PreviousContinue »