or
denominations in the world, so far as utility seemed to require such an
exhibition; but more especially to give the rise, progress, and
peculiarities, of all the principal schemes or systems of religion which
exist in the United States at the present day.

The work is intended to serve as a manual for those who are desirous of
acquiring, with as little trouble as possible, a correct knowledge of the
tenets or systems of religious faith, presented for the consideration of
mankind;--to enable them, almost at a glance, to compare one creed or
system with another, and each with the holy Scriptures;--to settle the
minds of those who have formed no definite opinions on religious
subjects;--and to lead us all, by contrasting the sacred truths and sublime
beauties of Christianity with the absurd notions of pagan idolaters, of
skeptics, and of infidels, to set a just value on the doctrines of HIM WHO
SPAKE AS NEVER MAN SPAKE.

To accomplish this design, the Editor has obtained, from the most
intelligent and candid among the living defenders of each denomination,
full and explicit statements of their religious sentiments--such as they
believe and teach. He is indebted to the friends of some new sects or
parties in philosophy and religion, for an account of their respective
views and opinions. With regard to anterior sects, he has noticed, from
the best authorities, as large a number as is thought necessary for the
comparison of ancient with modern creeds.

The Church and Missionary Statistics are believed to be as accurate as can
be constructed from materials which annually undergo greater or less
changes.

The Biographical Sketches are derived from the most authentic sources.
While they convey useful knowledge in regard to the fathers and defenders
of the various systems of religious faith, they may also stimulate our
readers to the practice of those Christian virtues and graces which
adorned the lives of many of them, and render their names immortal.

A few only of the works from which valuable aid has been received, can be
mentioned:--Mosheim and McLaine's Ecclesiastical History; Gregory and
Ruter's Church History; Encyclopaedia Americana; Brown's Encyclopedia of
Religious Knowledge; Adams's View of Religions, and History of the Jews;
Benedict's History of all Religions; Evans's Sketches; Buck's and
Henderson's Theological Dictionaries; Eliot's, Allen's, and Blake's
Biographical Dictionaries; Davenport; Watson; Grant's