TRANSLATOR'S NOTE. IN INTRODUCING this work to the English public it is proper to observe that its contents have undergone considerable revision since its first appearance in German. The author, by whose permission these pages have been translated, and the advantage of whose kind assistance I have enjoyed throughout, has added materially to the original text, more especially in the later chapters. With regard to my own task as translator, I should mention that the indulgence of the author has allowed me to make some additions to those portions of the work which refer directly to the relations of Church and State in England. These additions, which I mention in order to take my proper share of responsibility to criticism, I have introduced only where it seemed appropriate, with the author's concurrence, to illustrate further the course of argument by historical fact,-not from any desire to intrude opinions of my own. For this reason I have limited myself in these added portions to statements of fact without entering into controversies or argumentation. I have to offer my best thanks to those who have assisted me in the progress of this translation. E. F. T. WEYBRIDGE: |