be disturbed by doubts on the propriety of its most favourite notions and practices. Thirdly, it smooths away any opposition which might arise from Romanists themselves if these doctrines were pronounced essential; and facilitates their dissemination throughout the community. So that, in fine, the most highly objectionable tenets may be universally received amongst Romanists, and yet it may be positively denied that the Roman Catholic Church teaches those tenets. It has been a chief object in these Letters to detect and expose this system, which must be considered as more ingenious than honest. The Author is desirous to record his most settled conviction, that evils are prevalent in the Roman Communion, of a far more dangerous character, than can be found elsewhere. In the present series of Tracts, only a small portion of those evils has been detailed; but enough has been said to shew, that several doctrines of a dangerous and heretical character, and various practices which are most decidedly Idolatrous, are openly, and without censure, disseminated, sanctioned, and authorized amongst Romanists. Setting aside those sects which are bound by their profession to reject articles of the Christian faith, there are perhaps few religious communities which would not, on the whole, contrast favourably with Romanism. A comparison, not on insulated points, nor with any partial view, would suffice to shew, that any evils which may have arisen in connection with the Reformation, were more than counterbalanced by the evils of the opposite system; and a more accurate knowledge of that system would enable us to do more justice to the principles of the Reformers, and to feel more gratitude for the results of their labours. It has been thought advisable to subjoin to this series of Letters, two Tracts in reply to the Rev. R. W. Sibthorp's "Answer to the question, Why have you become a Catholic," and his "Further Answer," &c. CONTENTS. Dr. Wiseman's episcopal rank denied, p. 3, 4. language on Romanism explained, 6, 7, 8. Tactics of Romish controversialists, 9, 10. The decrees of Trent not the only au- thoritative teaching in the Church of Rome, 12. Idolatrous ad- dresses to the Virgin by the present Pope, 13-16. Similar prayers approved by other Popes, 16, 17. Prayer of Cardinal Bona, 17, 18. Romanists responsible for these prayers, 19. Idolatry of Ligorio, 21-24. Of Girolamo, 24. Idolatrous addresses to Saints, 25-29. Indulgences and Purgatory are made to take the place of Heaven and Hell, 29–32. Pur- gatory a place of torture according to Romanists, 35-38. ON THE FOUNDATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF Romish doctrine of Satisfaction stated, p. 4-6. petual penances, 7-11. Supposes the pardoned sinner still subject to God's wrath, 11, 12. Destroys all peace of mind, 13. Makes Christians miserable, contrary to the Gospel, 14— 19. Burdens of this doctrine, and miseries endured by de- votees, 20-33. It leaves Christians without peace or hope, Romish arguments in support of Satisfactions from Scripture, p. 4-12. From the Fathers, 12-17. Orthodox doctrine on this subject, 18-25. Proved from Scripture, 25-27. Romish doctrine refuted by the Fathers, 27-32. By the Council of Trent, 33. By Romish practice, 34. By Romish ON THE WORSHIP OF SAINTS AND ANGELS. Introductory remarks on Dr. Wiseman's reply, p. 3-6. Ro- manism convicted of Idolatry by his admissions, 6—15. His citations from spurious writings of the Fathers, 15-22. defence of idolatrous addresses to the Virgin refuted, 23—44. His defence of idolatrous addresses to the Saints refuted, 45- 51. Testimony of Catholic Antiquity against such addresses, ON PURGATORY. Connection of Indulgences with privileged Altars and Churches, confraternities, associations, particular devotions, good works, &c. p. 3-12. Practical importance of Indulgences in the Romish system, 13-16. Doctrine of Indulgences refuted, ON THE WORSHIP OF IMAGES AMD RELICS. Uneasiness of Romanists under the Charge of Idolatry, p. 3-7. Reasons for this, 7-9. Idolatry what, 9-12. Idolatry taught EXAMINATION OF MR. SIBTHORP'S PAMPHLET. Evils of ill-regulated curiosity, p. 3-8. Mr. Sibthorp's mistaken application of Levitical institutions as typical of the Church, 10-16. His argument for the Papacy refuted, 17-21. His argument against the continuity of the Church of England |