PREFACE. DURIlqO the last tWellty-two yea_v9 the writer of these pages has employed much of his time, reading, and attention in reference to the controversy between Roman Cathohcs and Protestants. His early associations and cirouns?c?s in life were also favourable to an intimate acq?,nlv?tance with the subject. Th, e whole controversy was briefly gone through and committed to writing in the years 1819 and 1820. 'Fids was followed 5y the collection and arrangement of mat?s in the course of his reading. ?ne whole, in an improved and enlarged edition, was written down again and finished in 1830, and laid aside for his own satisfaction and use. Thus far he had no intention of giving his views to the public in a printed book. Still the work of collecting authorities and additional matter was continued. At the earnest request of the late Dr. Ruter and other friends, he resolved, about seven years ago, to attempt the recompesition of the whole, for the purpose of publication. The leading reasons for such an attempt are the following: ..... F?rst. He believes firmly, that the system of popery, as taught in the standards of the Church of Rome, as enforced by the clergy, and as believed and practised by the great body of Romanira, clergy and laity, is at variance with the pure religion taught in the Bible, and is injurious to the public and private morals of this whole nation, and of the world; and, if unchecked, will retard or destroy true religion, and overturn the civil and religious h'berties of the United States. Such he believes is its tendency, whether this is the design of its leaders or not. Secondly. Another reason which induced him to publish these volumes is, to disabuse the public mind respecting the deceitful character of popery. Romanisis misrepresent their own creed, their church, and its institutions. The most forbidding features of this profe?sedly immutable system are kept out of sight by its Jesuitical teachers, while a Protestant sense is attached to most of the doctrines pecueriies. By meen, they
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