Thus the unscientific shape in which the present volume appears, is explained; and its want of exact method is accounted for. Let me add, that but for the forward state of what I like to regard as the _Constructive_ part of the present volume,--(and which I am not without a humble hope will secure for the rest a more than ephemeral interest,)--I should have been slow indeed to undertake the distasteful task of answering a work of which I have long since been heartily weary. II. And now, for a few words on the general question which has called out these "Sermons" and "Preliminary Remarks." At the root of the whole mischief of these last days lies _disbelief in the Bible_ as _the Word of GOD_. This is the fundamental error. Dangerous enough is it to the moral and intellectual nature of Man, when the authority of the Church is doubted: or rather, this is _the first_ downward step. Not to believe that Christ bequeathed to His Church a Divine form of polity: not to believe that He set officers over His Kingdom, of which He is Himself the sole invisible Head: not to believe that He invested His Apostles with authority to delegate to others the Commission He had Himself conveyed to them; and that, by virtue of such transmitted powers, the Church has authority in the Ministration of GOD'S Word and Sacraments: not to believe that He vouchsafed to His Church extraordinary guidance at the first, and that He vouchsafes to His Church effectual guidance still:--an utter want of faith in the Church and her Ordinances, is the first step, I repeat, in a soul's downward progress. Next comes an impatience of Creeds. It has been falsely asserted by an Essayist and Reviewer that "Constantine inaugurated the principle of doctrinal limitation[12];" by which is meant that definitions of Faith date from the Council of Nicæa, A.D. 325: the truth being that the famous Oecumenical Council which was then held did but rule the consubstantiality of the SON with the FATHER: whereas elaborate Creeds exist of a far earlier date; as all are aware. Creeds indeed are coeval with Christianity itself[13]. What need to add that when the decree of the first Oecumenical Council concerning the true faith in the adorable Trinity has been set at nought, all other decisions of the Church are disregarded also?