WHEN, in 1871, the Third Volume of this work was published, a hope was entertained that the Second, which had been delayed by the illness of the Editor, might soon follow it. The death of Mr. Haddan, by which the whole Church of England suffers a severe loss, has summarily disappointed that expectation. The present portion of the work, comprising the documentary history of three out of the four Churches whose records were to form the second volume, was completed by Mr. Haddan some time before his death; and a small part of the eighth, the Irish, division, had likewise passed through the Press. As some considerable delay must occur before this can be finished, it has seemed good to publish at once the first half of the volume. It has a completeness of its own, and although illustrating and illustrated by the portion that is to follow, may very well be given to the world by itself. This is now done in accordance with the expressed wishes of some of the most eminent Scottish antiquaries. The remainder of the volume will be proceeded with as soon as possible.