THE LAWS AND USAGES OF THE Church and the Clergy. THE UNBENEFICED CLERK. [Nos. I-V.] BY THE REV. W. H. PINNOCK, LL.D. CANTAB. Author of the Analyses of Scripture History,' 'The Reformation,' CAMBRIDGE: PRINTED BY AND FOR J. HALL & SON; M.DCCC.LV. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. THE Author's object in this Publication is to present to his Clerical Brethren in the most accessible form, the instruction afforded by actual experience, as well as the information derived from Ecclesiastical Law, scattered through many large and expensive volumes, on the numerous matters so practically interesting to every Parochial Clergyman. He will repeat here, what he has already observed in one of the periodical issues of this work, that nothing in these pages will be found advanced in any party spirit, or with the view of inculcating any peculiar personal prepossessions; but that he has been actuated solely by a sincere desire of laying before the Reader, fairly and impartially, every available information, which may help to elucidate and explain the power and position of a Clergyman of the Church of England with respect to the execution of his Public Ministerial Duties. Where, however, the opinions quoted in elucidation of any certain usage may appear to preponderate in favour of the adoption of that usage; he is bound to state, that this has resulted from no personal bias, but from the fact of there having been fewer opinions expressed in print upon the opposite side of the question. It may by some, perhaps, be considered presumptuous on the part of the Author to enter upon so delicate and critical an inquiry as the great range of the subjects proposed must involve; he therefore trusts that he may not expose himself to the charge of egotism by stating, that were it not that he has had for some years to contend with many of the most difficult and trying positions of Parochial management, whence he gathered much experience,—were |