The Book of the Roman-Catholic Church

(iv) I willingly admit, that, to produce against our creed or conduct, all that research or fair argument can supply, is legitimate controversy; but surely, to conceal our merits, or to represent them very briefly and imperfectly, and to display our defects at length, and with the highest colouring; to impute to our general body what, in justice, is only chargeable on individuals; or to estimate the writings or actions of our ancestors in the dark ages, by the notions and manners of the present age,—is a crying injustice.

Does not Dr. Southey too often fall into all these errors? Is he sufficiently aware, - that the roman-catholics have sustained a defamation of three hundred years ?—That, in consequence of it, an immense mass of

prejudice was raised against them? That it yet retains its place in many

uninstructed minds; and that it is not wholly eradicated from all the liberal and the informed ? None of these believe that London was set on fire by the (v) roman-catholics, or in the truth of Oates's revelations : But the prejudice originally created by these fictions, has not entirely lost its effect: it still influences some respectable persons, in their opinions of the roman-catholic religion, much more than they are aware of.

This prejudice, “ the Book of the Church” is admirably calculated both to keep alive and increase:—To counteract its tendency is the object of the present pages.

If Dr. Milner had framed “ his Strictures” upon the “ Book of the Church

on a more extensive plan, it would have made this or any

other answer to it unnecessary.

ور

Such as my pages are,-I INSCRIBE THEM To you: I hope they do not contain a word, at which the very learned, elegant and eloquent author of the work, to which they are addressed, can take just offence. My publications are numerous, -perhaps too numerous: - but I trust they do not contain one harsh (vi) word; one, by which I have ever offended, either against charity, or even against civility.

No person admires more than I do, the golden sentence of St. Francis of Sales, — that 66

a good christian is never outdone in good manners.

With the greatest respect,

I have the honour to be,

Your most obedient Servant,

CHARLES BUTLER.

Lincoln's-Inn, 4. November 1824.

CONTENTS.

page 1

INTRODUCTION

I.- The proper Style of Controversy

II.- The Creed of Pope Pius IV.