TO THE

RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF ELDON,

THIS ATTEMPT TO CONDENSE, AND PLACE IN A MORE PROMINENT

POINT OF VIEW, THE PRINCIPAL ARGUMENTS AGAINST

THE CATHOLIC CLAIMS,

IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED.

:

ADVERTISEMENT.

THE easiest questions become difficult, and the most simple ones intricate, by discussions too long protracted on unessential topics gradually introduced. Such are the interminable controversies about that church which has encumbered Christianity with her traditions. The edifice is scarcely discernible amongst scaffolding so complicated. Thus also entangled by disputants on both sides, are the claims which she makes at present to civil privileges, or rather, to political power. The longer we engage, the more smoky is our field of battle, and the more extensive. It is often highly advantageous in an argument, to consider what it was at first about. We have beaten our adversaries so long, and followed

viii

ADVERTISEMENT.

them so far, that there are almost as many clamorous fugitives behind our backs, as before our faces. Let us, therefore, return once more, that we may start afresh. We will simplify our discussion, and separate the original ingredients of this steaming and unwholesome cauldron, from the carrion by which it has been thickened, the toads and adders which have been since cast into it.-LATERNARIUS.-See St. James's Chronicle, Nov. 1, 1828.