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be ascertained on reference to the explanatory observations by which the questions are followed.

If asked,-Why publish, seeing that there are several works on the Collects already in existence? his answer is, that he knows no work on the subject in which his method of analysing the Collects is pursued, or on the same comprehensive plan. Indeed, at the time he began to give form and substance to his own ideas, he was not aware of the existence of any work of the kind, not having been much in the way of such publications; had he been, it is probable the idea of adding to their number would never have entered his mind. He has, however, since examined every book on the subject he has been able to meet with, in order to ascertain whether his own would prove a superfluous work, intending, in such case, to discontinue it; but he has found none in which the ground he has taken up is already occupied. On the other hand, he finds, as from the different constitution of human minds was, perhaps, to be expected, that he has taken a view of the subject differing from all his predecessors in the same path, and that his work does not

interfere with any of theirs. For in no book on the Collects prepared with a special reference to Sunday-school and other teachers, with which the writer has as yet become acquainted, are the Seasons of the Christian Year treated upon and explained in the same manner; in no other such book is the general subject of prayer introduced as it is in his, and in no other is so full and comprehensive a method of dissecting and analysing the Collects to be found as he has given here.

The writer has also the satisfaction of being able to add, that several of his better, known and more influential brethren, to whom his method of illustrating the Collects has been submitted, have expressed themselves most favourably respecting it, and that it is through their advice these sheets have been sent to the press.

With these explanations the writer leaves the work in the hands of the public; and asks no favour from them but this, that they will speak their sentiments freely respecting it. His great ambition is to be useful in his day and generation; and nothing would grieve him more than to feel that his labour and time

had been bestowed upon a useless and unnecessary work: and if such be the character of the present one, the sooner it receives its condemnation the better. Should the reverse be the case, and the public approbation be stamped upon it, he will be glad to receive any hint towards its improvement from those into whose hands it may fall; and will strive, in any future edition, to render it yet more worthy of their approbation.

May the blessing of the Great Head of the Church accompany it whithersoever it may go forth and to Him be the glory and the praise.

:

Oswaldtwistle, Accrington,
Christmas 1849.

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