PREFACE.

THE following Lectures were intended merely to furnish the Author's own congregation with a summary of the leading points, in the controversy between Protestants and Roman Catholics. At the time they were delivered no idea of publishing them was entertained; nor would they have assumed the present form but for the very general request of numbers who listened to them, and of others who had read them as reported by the local press. Those who are acquainted with the controversy will not expect them to contain anything new. The Author in giving them to the public makes no pretension to originality.

Only the more prominent errors of the Church of Rome are noticed-and of these the very partial examination of one particular branch requires explanation. The doctrine of the Sacraments and of Sacramental Efficacy, as held by Romanists and others, is reserved for future distinct investigation.

Cheltenham,

March 1, 1851.

THE

RELIGION OF ROME

: EXAMINED, &c.

LECTURE I.

ON THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so. Acts xvii. 11.

Ir it be deemed necessary to offer any apology for deviating from the ordinary course of ministerial instruction, by commencing a series of controversial Lectures on the doctrines of the Church of Rome, I plead in vindication of this course, the recent movements on the part of the Pope, with a view to the establishment of a papal hierarchy in this country.

By this arrogant assumption of spiritual supremacy over a nation of Protestants, his holiness has challenged the investigation of the ecclesiastical system of which he is the acknowledged head.

B

We must not deny the pretensions even of this intolerant hierarchy, without first examining its doctrine and testing its claim to infallibility.

In pursuing this discussion, however, it should be our earnest desire to cherish the spirit of the apostle, towards those who differ from us, "In meekness instructing those who oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will,” 2 Tim. ii. 25, 26. Although we may not be able in every instance to limit ourselves to the mildest terms, when examining doctrines which we believe to be most corrupt and pernicious, or when exposing the artifices which the Roman Priesthood have employed, to secure the blind submission of their deluded votaries; yet we are anxious to avoid exciting feelings of irritation. The interests of truth may be greatly advanced by free, fair, and calm discussion, but truth itself derives no advantage from violence of language or bitter invective. Our aim should be, if possible, to convince our Roman Catholic brethren, that whilst we are uncompromising adversaries to their doctrines and practices, we indulge towards them no personal hostility-above all we deprecate the too frequent practice of blending party politics and the mere topics of secular debate, with the discussion and defence of christian truth. Our object

To

is to explain the reasons for our secession from the communion of the church of Rome. It is to be regretted that much ignorance prevails on this subject. Many persons are Protestants for the same reason that their neighbours are Romanistsbecause it is the religion of their ancestors, the religion in which they were trained. It is to be feared that many zealous Protestants are less acquainted with the subject involved in this controversy than those against whom they protest, and hence are but ill qualified to maintain the truth, against their more skilful defence of error. show the real dangers that are to be apprehended. from the spread of Romanism-to make Protestants acquainted with the doctrines acknowledged by the supporters of that system, and the arguments by which they defend them, and to furnish scriptural reasons for their rejection—are the chief objects I would consistently, fearlessly, and conscientiously pursue, in the course of this investigation. Having made these preliminary remarks, we shall at once proceed to the subject proposed for consideration in this lecture :

THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH.

In all religious discussions it is of the utmost importance, at the very commencement if possible, to determine the Rule of Faith-the standard of appeal. And here at the very threshold of our inquiry, we find the Romanist and the Protestant