It is this audacity of speculation, I apprehend, this _etalage_ of bold results, rather than any success in their development, which has fixed the public attention. Development, indeed, applied to philosophic problems, or research applied to questions of erudition, was hardly possible within so small a compass as one hundred and seventeen pages, for _that_ is the extent of the work, except as regards the notes, which amount to seventy-four pages more. Such brevity, on such a subject, is unseasonable, and almost culpable. On such a subject as the Philosophy of Protestantism--'_satius erat silere, quam parcius, dicere_.' Better were absolute silence, more respectful as regards the theme, less tantalizing as regards the reader, than a style of discussion so fragmentary and so rapid. But, before we go farther, what are we to call this bold man? One must have some name for a man that one is reviewing; and, as he comes abroad _incognito_, it is difficult to see what name _could_ have any propriety. Let me consider: there are three bishops in the field, Mr. H., and the Scotchman--that makes five. But every one of these, you say, is represented equally by the name in the title--_Phileleutheros Anglicanus_. True, but _that's_ as long as a team of horses. If it had but _Esquire_ at the end, it would measure against a Latin Hendecasyllable verse. I'm afraid that we must come at last to _Phil_. I've been seeking to avoid it, for it's painful to say 'Jack' or 'Dick' either _to_ or _of_ an ecclesiastical great gun. But if such big wigs _will_ come abroad in disguise, and with names as long as Fielding's Hononchrononthononthologus, they must submit to be hustled by pickpockets and critics, and to have _their_ names docked as well as profane authors. _Phil,_ then, be it--that's settled. Now, let us inquire what it is that _Phil._ has been saying, to cause such a sensation amongst the Gnostics. And, to begin at the beginning, what is _Phil.'s_ capital object? _Phil._ shall state it himself--these are his opening words:-- 'In the following pages we propose to vindicate the fundamental and inherent _principles_ of Protestantism.'