Page:Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent Buckley.djvu/12

iv Rome may be increased, that the present volume has been put forth.

Soon after its commencement, I learnt that Dr. Waterworth had anticipated me in my design; but, on obtaining his edition, I found that its price was a decided hindrance to its fitness for extensive circulation. Furthermore, the scriptural references were made with extreme inaccuracy, the oration delivered at the conclusion of the council was omitted, and the important appendix of additional statutes, embracing the condemnations of the early Reformers—passages most interesting to Protestants—is also wanting in his edition. These selections, which form about one-third of the present volume, appear in English for the first time, and, besides their great historical value, form an excellent commentary on the decrees and canons themselves. The treatises now published, together with the Catechism of the Council of Trent, which will shortly appear in a similar form, will furnish a complete history of Roman Catholic doctrine.

But, far be it from me to detract from the learning and industry of Dr. Waterworth. On the contrary, I willingly confess myself indebted to his translation for many important hints and suggestions. My own aim, however, has been to produce a more rigidly literal version, even to the sacrifice of style. The concise and technical dryness of such documents is greatly against the translator; but the self-denial of a conscientious accuracy is his first duty, most of all in matters where religion is concerned.

The few notes appended to the translation are chiefly glossarial; for the pressure of other literary engagements prevented the possibility of adding such a commentary as I trust to publish, should the success of this volume call for a second edition. I must not omit to do justice to the industrious and attentive co-operation, throughout a