PREFACE.

AMONG the responses which were called forth by the first edition of this work not a few contained gratifying references to its impartiality. In one or two instances, however, the regret was expressed that the author had not blended more of his own personality-in other words, more of his own theological convictions-with his account of doctrinal developments. We have not been able to sympathize with this regret. It is still our opinion that there is ample room for a history of doctrine as objective in tone as the present treatise. A contrary character would interfere, we believe, with its proper serviceableness in theological instruction, and would not on the whole increase its utility for private reading.

In the revision for this edition changes have been made in the body of the work as far as the interests of complete accuracy seemed to require. The principal additions of new matter, however, are contained in the appendixes. It will be found that these are not mere lumber, but real contributions to the subject-matter of the history. To facilitate reference an alphabetical index of the main themes has been added to the complete analysis of the work which was provided in the former edition.

BOSTON UNIVERSITY,

January, 1895.