holy religion. Indeed, there are probably few converts who have arrived at it, without being, partly at least, indebted to this excellent work. This is owing, no doubt, in great measure, to the fulness and solidity, as well as the simplicity, with which the important subject of the Church and her marks, is treated. The learned prelate has brought to bear upon it, so as to increase its interest, that historical learning which formed one of his principal pursuits. All the other leading topics of controversial discussion are treated in a similar manner, convincing, and yet highly interesting, delighting by the richness of detail which adorns them, while they overcome by the cogency of their reasoning. Nor must we omit to observe, that the epistolary, and consequently familiar style in which the discussion is carried on, helps to disarm prejudice and to render the work still more engaging. Although the face of controversy between us and Protestants has undergone many notable alterations since this work was written, still its essential and substantial features remain the same; and the majority of Protestants are involved in the same prejudices, employ the same arguments, and, alas! too often hear g k. to e -d 0 repeated the same misrepresentations and calumnies, as their fathers before them. While, therefore, new works may be wisely written, to meet such modifications of error as more learned and refined minds may have adopted; or to counteract those new forms which dissent and fanaticism may have assumed, Dr. Milner's work yet retains, and we believe, long will retain its ground, as exactly opposed to that denser mass of obstinate prejudice, complete misapprehension of our doctrines, and perfect ignorance of our commonest arguments, which form the Protestantism of the bulk of the people, and the really heavy resistance to the efforts of our holy cause. We trust that this description of the work will not deter any from reading it. If it be one separated from Catholic Unity who is perusing this preface, we entreat him well to consider what pains he has taken to inform himself regarding our doctrines and their proofs. And if he cannot conscientiously reply that he has given his serious attention to the subject, and yet feels in his mind a repugnance to our creed, let him candidly and generously own, that ignorance, rather than conviction, is the mother of his feelings; and let him not con temptuously disdain the invitation here given him to learn. Let him pass on from this humble porch which we, unworthy, have presumed to raise before the entrance of the stately building, to judge for himself of its fair proportions, stable grandeur, and rich furniture. But let him first pause upon the threshold, and there kneeling, implore that light and grace from above, which alone can give efficacy to the words of man's lips, or value to the dispositions of his heart. And, good reader, dear to us in Christ, our poor prayer accompanies you for blessing on your endeavours; and at their close, when, as we trust, you will be one with us in faith, you will lovingly repay us by yours, thus requiting any little pains we may have taken for your sake. St. Mary's College, Inv. of Holy Cross, 1842. CONTENTS. LETTER I. Account of the Society of New ESSAY I. On the Existence of God, ESSAY II. On the Truth of the Christian LETTER II. Conditions of correspondence— LETTER III. Agreement to conditions, LETTER IV. Dispositions for success in re- LETTER V. Rule or Method of finding out LETTER VIII. Second fallacious rule, the Page that mankind in general should learn his re- ligion from a book. Dissensions, divisions, &c. which have arisen from private interpretation. LETTER IX. Subject continued. Protestants have no evidence of the inspiration, nor au- thenticity of Scripture. This rule affords no LETTER X. The True Rule, namely, the Whole Word of God, unwritten as well as written, subject to the interpretation of the church. How Christ taught and ordered his Apostles to teach. Testimony of the Fathers LETTER XI. Subject continued. Protestants forced to have recourse to the Catholic rule, |