This is not a story which requires much preface. The tale speaks for
itself. But it is only right to inform the reader, that the persons who
play their parts in it (apart from the historical details given) are all
fictitious, excepting John Laurence and Agnes Stone.
It rests, under God, with the men and women of England--and chiefly with
those of them who are young now--whether such events as are here
depicted shall recur in this nineteenth century. The battle of the
Reformation will soon have to be fought over again; and reformations (no
less than revolutions) are "not made with rose-water."
"Choose you this day whom ye will serve! If the Lord be God, follow
Him; but if Baal, then follow him."
Are we ready to follow the Master,--if He lead to Calvary? Or are we
ready to run the awful risk of hearing Christ's "Depart!" rather than
face men's "Crucify"? Now, while it is called to-day, let us settle the
question.