CATHOLIC HAND-BOOK: OR, EVERY PROTESTANT HIS OWN CONTROVERSIALIST. BY THE REV. JOHN HERON MACGUIRE, S.C.L. INCUMBENT OF ST. LUKE'S, CHORLTON-UPON-MEDLOCK, MANCHESTER. BIBL "PROVE ALL THINGS; HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD."-I Thess., v. 21 EARNESTLY CONTEND FOR THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE DELIVERED UNTO THE SAINTS."Jude, 8. LONDON: SEELEY & CO.; HATCHARD & SON; WERTHEIM & MACKINTOSH ; THE BRITISH REFORMATION SOCIETY'S OFFICE, 8, EXETER HALL. MANCHESTER: JAMES GALT & CO.; T. SOWLER; AND JOSEPH PRATT. MDCCCLI. 110.d. 188. TO PREFACE. THE delay that has taken place in the publication of the "HAND-BOOK," has mainly arisen from a dispensation, with which the Subscribers, and the public generally, are already acquainted. Whilst the Compiler would desire to submit to the Divine will, he would, at the same time, express his deep regret for any disappointment which may have been felt on the part of the promoters and encouragers of this undertaking. It is scarcely necessary to say, that the ensuing pages have no higher pretension than that of mere compilation: originality could not well be expected in a work of such a nature, especially when so limited in space. The "Hand-Book" imbodies no inconsiderable share of the matter brought before the vast congregations, which attended a Course of Lectures on "The Peculiar Doctrines of the Church of Rome"-extending over thirteen weeks-delivered in St. Luke's Church during the present year: Lectures, which there is good reason to believe, have been blest to many of the hearers. The controversy with Rome has recently revived with an earnestness proportioned to its importance. Not only does the Popish Press of this country pour forth controversial tracts, in tens of thousands--not only do Popish Ecclesiastics, from the intrusive Cardinal of Rome, down to the "Regulars" of Philip of Neri, preach and lecture upon their peculiar dogmasand assail and asperse the religion of Protestants--the doctrines taught by Holy Scripture-the true Catholic Faith, but also, Monks, Lay Brothers, Sisters of Mercy, and Sisters of Charity, intrude themselves alike into the scattered cottages of our rural districts, and the densely populated courts and streets of the towns and cities of Great Britain, for the purpose of distributing controversial tracts, and exercising their untiring vocation of proselytism. Romanists are not only accustomed to misrepresent the doctrines of the Reformation, but are also in the habit of denying, with an affected air of contempt, the dogmas of their own Church. That there has long been need for some condensed summary of Rome's teaching, carefully extracted, with references &c. from her own accredited documents—few, at least in this our day, will deny. Such a Compendium has been attempted, and is now, prayerfully and respectfully, submitted to the Christian public. The emissaries of Rome invariably sally out to their work, armed for their calling. "Milner's End of Religious Controversy"-a production shamefully fraught with mis-quotations from the writings of Protestantsแ "Fifty Reasons why a Catholic should not become a Protestant," and various other such publications, are carried in the pocket. The parties visited are discoursed with on the antiquity of Romanism, and on the novelty of Protestantism. Now, the wily "emissary" will take good heed to conceal "Rome's New Ways ;" and, when questioned as to whether the Roman Catholic Church does really restrict the circulation of the Scriptures ?-Whether she really sanctions SaintWorship? Whether she really does allow of Image-Worship? &c. &c.-then there is the " "put-on amazement," and the "Oh, dear, no; these are all downright calumnies;" and so on to the end; and then a book is lent, with the promise of another early call. This is no imaginary case; and it is hoped that, in many such instances, from henceforth, "The Catholic Hand-Book" will instruct the Protestant, so to become "his own Controversialist," that the "Missioner of Rome" will be rather tardy in a renewal of his visit. But, there are also other classes to whom this little compilation may be of no small service, in the way of a safe-guard, against the plausable repudiations of Romanists, with whom they may meet, either in the way of business, or in the greater leisures of social inter course. It may be asked, why term this Compilation "the Catholic Hand-Book; or, every Protestant his own Controversialist ?" It is answered: The Romish Communion departed from "the faith which was once delivered to the saints,"—the true Catholic faith. The Reformers, through the grace of God, restored the true faith. The Papists "nicknamed" the Reformed Catholics "Protestants." This appellation, though originating in Papal contempt, has, in process of time, become honourable and glorious, inasmuch as it patently indicates a protest against the "lying traditions of men, and the cunningly-devised fables of Rome." The Reformed Church is Catholic, whilst Protestant; but not Popish, because Catholic. The Compiler does not arrogate to himself the alone credit for having first gleaned all the extracts cited from the authorities referred to in this work; nor does he feel abashed at having to acknowledge, that he has taken considerable liberty with the laborious research of others, and that too, without first asking their permission, knowing, as he does, their devotedness to the great cause of Scriptural Truth, and privileged as he is, and has been for many years, to bear a |