Excerpt from The Accusations of History Against the Church of Rome: Examined in Remarks on the Principal Observations in the Work of Mr. Charles Butler, Entitled the Book of the Roman Catholic Church

The attention of the public has been again directed to the ancient controversies between the Romanists and the Protestants, by the work of Mr. Southey, entitled The Book of the Church, and by the reply of mr.butler to many of the statements it contains. Being deeply interested in the discussion, as a citizen and as a Christian, I have considered it my duty to peruse both works with much attention. Mr. Southey has unfortunately omitted his refer emees. If, therefore, he has inadvertently, or hastily, made assertions which are not capable of proof, he must defend his own cause. I am neither his accuser, nor his apologist. Mr. Butler has not fallen into this error; but'liis authorities are partial, and his conclusions questionable and to his labours I confinc' my remarks.

When I first heard of that gentleman's pub lication, I was very anxious to read all that could be urged in reply to the charges which the pages of History have brought against the Church of Rome. I was willing to change my opinions, if my Protestantism could be shewn to be wrong. Whatever zealous attachment to an unpopular creed; whatever sound learning, deep research, a courteous spirit, and powerful language could produce, would now, I ima gined, be alleged in favour of that Church, by its approved-and eloquent advocate. I have been. Disappointed; Whether the work be regarded as a defence of his Church, or a more faithful survey of our past controversies or, even as a reply to the observations of Mr. Southey, it must. Be' considered an entire failure. The acute and learned author appears to have givena false colouring to History; and to have deduced unwarrantable inferences from his peculiar views. This serious charge, under which so many advocates for the Church of Rome seem also to labour, will be substan tiated by.an impartial examination of the pages of History, to which both parties make their appeal.

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