PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

IT may be useful to preface this revised version of the “Manual of Councils” with a few words of explanation. The additions and corrections incorporated in the present edition were compiled by my father with the intention of republishing the work, entirely rewritten and in an enlarged form. His death in 1877 prevented the completion of the undertaking, but the present edition practically contains the “Manual” in the shape in which he intended it to appear. How considerable these corrections are a mere glance will sufficiently show: the accessibility of many authorities to which reference was before impossible, has caused much to be altered, much to be added, while in a few cases his maturer judgment has excised an article altogether.

But the chief improvement, beyond a thorough reverification of the entire work, which distinguishes this edition, is the greater importance which is attached to what, for want of a better word, may be called the synoptic aspect of the councils,—that is to say, attention has been more particularly drawn to the contemporary enunciation of certain canons by different Councils.

In so advanced a state were the materials left that the work of preparing them for the press has been very small, though the changes involved affect more than half the original volume; but a word of thanks is due to the publishers for the consideration shown to me while the work was passing through the press at a time when other occupations left me little leisure.

PERCEVAL LANDON.

LONDON, 1893.

Manual of Councils