library, which would gradually
become, not only rich in books, but in transcripts, catalogues,
indexes, notices, &c., not to be found together elsewhere. Of
all these they would have a right to as much use and advantage
as joint-proprietors could enjoy without hindrance to each
other. With regard to works published by the Society, they might
reasonably expect to be supplied {372} with such as they should
choose to possess, on the same terms as if they were the
authors, or the owners of the copyright. These, however, are
details which, with many others, must be settled by the
managers; they are not mentioned as matters of primary
importance or inducement."

DR. MAITLAND concludes by observing, that he should not have ventured to
publish his plan, had he not been encouraged to do so by some whose
judgment he respected; and by inviting all who may approve or sanction
the plan, to make known (either by direct communication to himself, or
in any other way) their willingness to support such a Society, and the
amount of contribution, or annual donation, which, if the design is
carried out, may be expected from them. Of course such expressions of
opinion would be purely conditional, and would not pledge the writers to
support the Society if, when organised, they did not approve of the
arrangements; but it is clear no such arrangements can well be made
until something, is known as to the amount of support which may be
expected.

We have entered at some length upon this _Plan of a Church-History
Society_, and have quoted largely from DR. MAITLAND's pamphlet, because
we believe the subject to be one likely to interest a large body of our
readers, who might otherwise not have their attention called to a
proposal calculated to advance one of the most important branches of
historical learning.

* * * * *

BURNET AS A HISTORIAN.

The following extract from Charles Lamb ought to be added to the
_testimonia_ already given by "NOTES AND QUERIES" (Vol. i., pp. 40. 181.
341. 493.):--

"_Burnet's Own Times._--Did you ever read that garrulous,
pleasant history? He tells his story like an old man past
political service, bragging to his sons on winter evenings of
the part he took in public transactions when his 'old cap was
new.' Full of scandal, which all true history is. So palliative;
but all the stark wickedness that actually gives