In dealing with so wide a field, involving so large a mass of historical and literary detail, the author cannot hope to have escaped falling into errors which the eyes of experts will readily detect. He can only trust that they do not relate to other than minor points. That his general standpoint is out of harmony with prevalent tendencies, he is well aware, and he is prepared for wide dissent from many of his statements and conclusions. But it is because of this difference of view the lectures were written. They must rely on their own power to produce conviction.