PREFACE

ΤΟ

THE FIRST EDITION.

THE design of this work is best expressed by its Contents. It aims not at attack, but at defence; and, only then becomes polemic, when defence could not be carried on, without retorting the weapons of the antagonist upon himself. This defence is chiefly conducted by a comparison of the precepts of Jesus and his Apostles with the doctrines which the Roman priesthood has immutably established at the Council of Trent, and in the Roman Catechism. This Catechism, and the decrees of that Council, as the established creed of the Roman Catholics, are, therefore, often quoted, to avoid incurring the reproach of giving a false representation of the Roman Church. The Council of Trent was held, but not without interruptions, from the year 1545 to 1563. The Roman Catholic priests, who were there assembled, publicly ratified those doctrines and rites, which the Protestants had abolished as abuses; they strictly separated themselves from the Protestant Church, and gave her

an eternal bill of divorce. The Roman Catechism was compiled at the command of Pope Pius the Vth; it was first published in Rome, in the year 1566; repeated editions were subsequently issued, and it gave a more accurate definition of many points, which had been omitted, or only slightly touched upon, at Trent, To place the Gospel of Rome, thus established, at the side of the Gospel of Nazareth, was the chief design of this publication; only a secondary place has, therefore, been assigned to historical grounds. But the defence of the Gospel of Nazareth against the Gospel of Rome, is fully justified by previous attacks. The Protestant Church is continually assailed in publications, pamphlets, and newspapers, French as well as German. Not only obscure scribblers, whom we may despise, because none will listen to them, raise a ceaseless accusation against that Church, which adheres to the Gospel of Nazareth alone; but periodicals, which find a place in the libraries of the higher ranks, are emphatic in similar charges; and, by new and old accusations, throw fire-brands wherever they will kindle, and where, if they do kindle, they produce the greatest mischief. Moreover, the Jesuits are revived, an order whose first aim is to attack and extirpate the Protestant Church; they work under divers forms, they pitch their camp, establish their posts, and endeavour to gain the ears of the higher ranks. The work of proselytism is carried on zealously and openly, and not without effect. Many are gained by ignoble means, and exchange the Gospel of Nazareth

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.

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for that of Rome, because they love the world, and honour in the eyes of men, more than God and truth. In these persons there is nothing lost. But others are won by false arguments, by apparent proofs, which they know not how to refute, and are, by apparent accusations, filled with suspicions against Protestantism. It is a duty incumbent on all, who still set a value on Protestant truth, to offer a guiding hand to these, to undeceive the deceived, to confirm the wavering. To be silent at a proper time, is prudent, at an improper time, folly. But to be silent, when duty commands us to speak, when truth, as it were, walks abroad, and challenges her friends to rise in her defence, when many an agitated and restless heart seeks light and support,-to be then silent is unconscientious. And who are more called upon to speak in such a case, than those who, of all others, ought, by their office, to know, to honour, and to defend the truth of the Gospel? It is to be hoped that the form of this work requires no justification. It is one in which the author has never made a previous attempt, and he, therefore, requests the kind indulgence of critics. It was chosen after many attempts, and after mature consideration, partly with the view of rendering the work more intelligible, and partly and principally, with the hope of procuring for it a more ready and extensive reception among the more refined classes of society, who do not apply themselves so easily to the perusal of polemical publications. And this aim seemed a sufficient compensation for the loss of a sys

tematical connexion in individual parts of the work. There is, certainly, no reason to fear, that this form will be found unsuitable to the dignity of the subject, since the Founder of our religion has so frequently clothed his sentiments in the garb of narrative and dialogue. And no reader of the Bible is unacquainted with the parable of the Prodigal Son, who, after a long course of dissipation, returned to his father's house, penitent and reformed. The author's hopes and wishes, respecting the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches, are expressed at the conclusion of the work. May they be accomplished! Moreover, he thought that it would not be unprofitable, if such a work as the present were given, on the day of their confirmation, to young persons of the higher and more cultivated classes of society, as a defence against the illusions of proselyte-makers.

Gotha, April 7th, 1826.

B.