Introduction.

LITTLE needs to be said in introducing such a work as the Translation of the DIVINE LITURGY according to the SARUM USE to English Churchmen. The study of ancient Liturgies re-awakened amongst us of late years has been one of the truest and most valuable results of the profounder view and more vivid apprehension of Eucharistic doctrine; as in return they form the most important aids in elucidating and maintaining the doctrine-which is the most blessed among the many signs of GOD's good Hand upon us. For what surer token, that, notwithstanding our many losses and our unworthiness, His love is still renewing and expanding our life in the midst of our days, can there be, than the restoration of a truer, deeper understanding of the Mysteries in which the Memorial of the Passion and Death of our LORD

is continually offered, and Himself is present to feed His own elect with His own most precious Body and Blood?

Liturgies are the surest evidence and exponents of these momentous verities, which are embodied therein, not in word only, but in breathing forms and expressive actions—an unceasing utterance, the living voice, from age to age before God of His Church's highest act of service.

It will surely be generally felt to be a boon of the greatest value, to have supplied to us in our own tongue that Liturgy which, most extensively used and of highest authority among our forefathers in medieval times, represents the Western Uses in closest connexion with our own history: nor can its practical importance be too highly estimated, inasmuch as it supplies many points of Ritual and traditionary usage, which serve to throw light on passages often subjects of doubt or questioning in our present Eucharistic Service, derived as it was mainly from this source.

Careful explanations are given in the Notes and Preface, which furnish all that is necessary to elucidate the chief facts of the history of the SARUM USE, and for

the clear understanding of usages and allusions now become obsolete. The undersigned has had no share in this work. He only ventures to express his sense of its great value, and his earnest hope that this endeavour to facilitate a more extensive acquaintance with the rites of the English Church of earlier days, with which through the mercy of GOD we are still preserved in living and substantial union, may be for the glory of GoD in quickening a devout and ever-increasing interest in the momentous truths enshrined in these sacred records.

T. T. CARTER.

CLEWER RECTORY,

Lent, 1866.