Introduction

Summary : Purpose and plan of this part.

After the lengthy investigation of the subject that we have now brought to a close, it will be convenient to sum up our impressions and classify the information we have acquired, in order to obtain a permanent benefit from our labours. A general view of the whole subject after the examination of details should not only fix in our minds the most salient facts, the principal things to be remembered, but should enable us to understand better the theories and events, and the consequences that flow from them. We draw our own conclusions, and questions which we have had to leave unanswered easily receive a satisfactory solution.

The third part of this work is intended to give us an opportunity of taking this general view, and disposing of these questions. It is a necessary complement of the two preceding parts, and therefore deserves as much, or more, the kindly attention of the reader.

The title of this part does not bind us to observe any particular order, and we shall make full use of our liberty ; but, as our study has been directed to principles and actions or facts, we have thought it advisable to divide our matter into two sections— the first more strictly doctrinal, the second historical. In the latter, after summing up the past, we shall give our impressions of the present, and form some conjecture of the future.