| This English version of the "Ecclesiastical History" in the
following pages is a revision of the translation of Dr. Giles, which is
itself a revision of the earlier rendering of Stevens. In the present edition
very considerable alterations have been made, but the work of Dr. Giles
remains the basis of the translation. The Latin text used throughout is
Mr. Plummer's. Since the edition of Dr. Giles appeared in 1842, so much
fresh work on the subject has been done, and recent research has brought
so many new facts to light, that it has been found necessary to rewrite
the notes almost entirely, and to add a new introduction. After the appearance
of Mr. Plummer's edition of the Historical Works of Bede, it might seem
superfluous, for the present at least, to write any notes at all on the
"Ecclesiastical History." The present volume, however, is intended
to fulfil a different and much humbler function. There has been no attempt
at any original work, and no new theories are advanced. The object of the
book is merely to present in a short and convenient form the substance of
the views held by trustworthy authorities, and it is hoped that it may be
found useful by those students who have either no time or no inclination
to deal with more important works.
Among the books of which most use has been made, are Mr. Plummer's edition
of the Ecclesiastical History, Messrs' Mayor and Lumby's edition of Books
III and IV, Dr. Bright's "Early English Church History," and Dr.Hunt's
"History of the English Church from its foundation to the Norman Conquest."
Many of the articles in the "Dictionary of Christian Biography "
and the "Dictionary of Christian Antiquities," Dr. Mason's "Mission
of St. Augustine," Dr. Rhys's "Celtic Britain," and a number
of other books, mentioned in the notes, have been consulted.
For help received in different ways I wish to express my gratitude to various
correspondents and friends. I am particularly indebted to Mr. Edward Bell,
who has kindly revised my proofs and made many valuable suggestions. For
information on certain points I have to thank the Rev. Charles Plummer,
Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, Professor Lindsay of St. Andrews
University, Miss Wordsworth, Principal, and Miss Lodge,Vice-Principal of
Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford; and in a very special sense I wish to acknowledge
my obligations to Miss Paterson, Assistant Librarian at the University Library,
St. Andrews, whose unfailing kindness in verifying references, and supplying
me with books, has greatly lightened my labours. |