@ 3896 21A-3 THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, PARTICULARLY IN ITS LUTHERAN BRANCH, FROM THE DIET OF AUGSBURG, A. D. 1530, TO THE DEATH OF LUTHER, A. D. 1546; INTENDED AS A CONTINUATION OF THE CHURCH HISTORY, DEAN OF CARLISLE. BY JOHN SCOTT, M.A. VICAR OF NORTH FERRIBY, AND MINISTER OF ST. MARY'S, PRINTED FOR L. B. SEELEY AND SON, FLEET STREET, LONDON. MDCCCXXVI. 5427h 118269 IV. cop. 2 PREFACE. THE Church History, composed by the two distinguished brothers, JOSEPH and ISAAC MILNER, appears to be daily advancing in general estimation; while by those, who cordially concur with its authors in the principles which pervade it, it is regarded as one of the most important theological works of the age. And this estimate is formed of it, not so much by speculative persons, merely from reflection on the nature of its contents, as by practical men, from the actual obser vation of its effects, in bringing to a serious sense of religion those who were heretofore lost in the vain pursuits of the world, and in instructing, establishing, and edifying sincere Christians. To all who thus regard the work, it has been a subject of deep regret that it should have stopped short in the midst of a most interesting period, without any additional part having been published during the last seventeen years. That, after the death of the latter of its two authors, it should not have readily found a continuator, cannot be matter of surprise. Not only might the great learning, the vigour of intellect and of genius, and, above all, the glow of high-principled piety, which characterize the volumes hitherto given to The last volume was published in the year 1809. Dr. Milner died in 1820. |