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LIST OF WORKS ON THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CONTROVERSY.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE CHRISTIAN EXAMINER.

SIR-It is presumed a catalogue of the best books on both sides of the controversy between the Romish and Protestant Churches, would be found useful to many individuals. In order to aid in forming such a document, the following list may answer as a first sketch.

No books are named but those relied on by respectable writers : it is not, perhaps, necessary to remark, that in recommending them, we do not pledge ourselves for every statement they may contain—the reader must ever employ his own judgment for his direction.

It would be highly important to have a work compiled upon this controversy, in the form of an Encyclopedia, which would preclude the necessity of having other, at least, many other books on that subject. It would be very valuable to the generality of the clergy, both as to the facility it would afford in acquiring information, and as coming within the reach of a contracted income. It should give the arguments on both sides of each question; it should give the Scripture proofs, the historical facts, and the quotations from the Fathers. The celebrated Thesaurus Ecclesiasticus of Suicer, might suggest the plan. The CHRISTIAN EXAMINER would do well to call upon the learned and pious to think of it, and, perhaps, the Almighty may put it into the heart of some amongst them to engage in so interesting an undertaking. We have little doubt that some of the spirited booksellers of London would encourage such a work, and less doubt that, if published, it would meet with extensive circulation.

We mark with an asterisk (*) those books necessary to possess, and with a double asterisk (**) those absolutely necessary, as presenting a condensed view of both sides; and though all the other books mentioned may not be easily obtained, yet it is useful to name them, as they can he consulted in public libraries. We hope in a short time to draw up a sketch for help in referring to the proper sources of information on each point of the controversy, naming under each subject the works of highest authority.

We shall first mention the books on the Roman Catholic side, and then those on the Protestant. And this we do, as being a natural order; since, before we venture to prove the falsehood of any proposition, we should know clearly and precisely what that proposition is.

The following four works are considered in the writings of the learned advocate of Romanism, Charles Butler, as containing a full view of Roman theology. The first three he calls symbolic books:

History of the Council of Trent :-We could not find any authorized history of this Council. Butler, though he calls it a symbolic book,* names none. This

As it is not correct to call the Council of Trent a "book," Butler must mean the Canons and Decrees of that Council. [The Canons and Decrees are collected into one small volume; our edition of it is of Colonea Agrippina, Cologne, 1698,-ED.]

history has been written by Paolo Sarpi, a concealed Protestant,* though a professed Jesuit, commonly called Father Paul. He was well known to Bishop Bedell when at Venice, to whom he avowed his sentiments, and into whose hands he committed the manuscript of his work for publication. There are two translations, one in French, by Courayer, 2 vols. fol. by far the most approved, though scarce the other in English, 1 vol. fol. Another history of this Council has been published at Rome by the Jesuit Cardinal Pallavicini. To this should be added ** Concilii Tridentini Canones et Decreta, 1 vol. Creed of Pope Pius IV. :-This, says Butler, is received throughout the whole Roman Catholic Church-every one admitted into that Church publicly professes assent to it. In it will be found the twelve new articles which were added by the Council of Trent to the Nicene Creed. An exposition of this Creed has been given by Dr. Challoner in a tract published in London and Dublin, 1820. 8d.

** Catechism of the Council of Trent :-Butler says it is indifferently called by this name or "Roman Catechism," or "Catechismus ad Parochos." This, he adds, is perhaps, the best work to give a comprehensive acquaintance with the Roman Creed. An English translation is published in Dublin.

Butler recommends, as nearly symbolic, because generally received, the following book:

** Bossuet's Exposition of the Catholic Faith, &c. :- From the French it has been translated into English, and published with Notes by Fletcher, 1817. 45. and named "Catholic's Manual."-Coyne, Dublin, has published one edition in a small form. 1s.

Butler also strongly recommends the following two works : A Papist Misrepresented and Represented, &c. by Gother. Several answers and replies were published, and are sometimes bound together, 1 vol. One is entitled "The Doctrine and Practices of the Church of Rome truly represented." -We believe by Stillingfleet. Butler speaks highly of Gother's work, and the answers, as giving a complete attack and defence of the Roman Church-perhaps the substance of Gother is to be found in Bossuet.-about 6s. scarce. Garden of the Soul, with the three Summaries prefixed, by Challoner-this work Butler calls the most popular prayer-book of the English Roman Catholics.-2s.

The books recommended by Mr. Butler do not give a full view of Romish theology. Many doctrines, though not embodied in their symbolic books, are yet authorised in them, because they give authority to the decrees of Councils as well as to the labyrinth of tradition. Many doctrines thus flowing out from their formularies are maintained and acted on by the Papal Hierarchy with inflexible tenacity. Many of these doctrines are pernicious; and when Romanists are pressed with respect to them, they will shift from under the charge, and exhibit their symbolic formularies, as a lure to deceive the reader who will not penetrate beneath the surface of general expressions, into the deep mine of authorised decrees and inscrutable tradition. Many other works,

*Butler calls him a concealed Calvinist. We substitute Protestant, being the meaning Butler attaches to the word.

then, must be consulted in addition to those recommended by Mr. Butler, in order to have a full portrait of the Papacy, in all her departure from the simplicity of the Gospel-in all the meretricious ornaments with which she has been loaded by the vain inventions of man.

In Ireland great use is made of the following class of works; the Protestant reader should examine them carefully. He will find them loaded with sophistry, extraordinary misapplication of Scripture, and the grossest misrepresentation of Protestant doctrine and opinions. It is really amusing to read the repeated," and apparently grave manner in which they use the word Church, as also the word Catholic. It is most easy to see that the greater number of these productions were intended for their own nonjudging people only, who have been long in the habit of swallowing every argument and bold assertion, without farther inquiry. ** Milner's End of Controversy:-1820, Dublin, 8s. This is the chief Maga. zine from which the Papal soldier will arm himself with the panoply of sophistry. Also, Milner's Vindication in reply to Grier, 1 vol. 8vo. 12s.

De La Hogue De Ecclesia Christi.- Dublin, 1815, 7s. This, with the other tracts of this professor of dogmatic theology, are the class books of Maynooth. **Grounds of the Old Religion:- By Dr. Challoner, Dublin, 3s. 6d.-A defence of the Papal Church-in high repute.

**Grounds of the Catholic Doctrine :-Dublin, 1808, 8d. This, with the

few following small books are circulated much amongst the lower orders, and should be opposed by the cheap and satisfactory Protestant publications, which we shall mention in their place.

** Defence of Catholic Principles:—By D. A. Gallitzin-Dublin, 1825, ls. This, we have been informed, has been much circulated in the neighbourhood of Cavan.

** Fifty Reasons of Ulric Duke of Brunswick, for abjuring Lutheranism, &c. Dublin, 1s.

**Butler's Three Catechisms, authorised by the four Titular Archbishops of Ireland, for general use. 3d.-28.-1d. Dublin.

**Touchstone of the New Religion, or Protestant Opinions tried by their own Rule, the Scriptures:Dublin, 8d. A most unblushing and disgraceful tissue of misrepresentations.

We shall name a few, by way of specimen, of the superstitious works circulated amongst the people, tolerated, nay sanctioned, by their highest authorities. For when we consider the existence of their "index lib. prohib." it is manifest that the books they knowingly allow to be circulated, they undoubtedly sanction. Hell opened:-by F. Pinamonti, Dublin, 8d.

Treatise on the Scapular.-Dublin, 8d.

Funiculus Triplex, or the Indulgences of St. Francis,-Dublin, 8d.
Devotions of the Sacred Heart.

Sketch of Irish History, in question and answer, for the Use of Schools: Cork 1815, 10d. A most inflammatory tissue of falsehood mixed with truth, having a most rebellious tendency.

The following books by Roman Catholic writers are important in the formation of a library, and for reference :

VOL. IV.

2 M

Baronius-Annales Ecclesiastici: 12 vols. fol. scarce. Baronius was a Cardinal, and Librarian to the Roman See, first under Clement VIII., upon whose demise he had 31 votes in favour of his appointment to the vacant triple crown, but lost it by the opposition of the Spanish Court. The work gives a lasting testimony to the profligate lives of many of St. Peter's infallible successors. Concilia Labei et Cossartii: 18 vols. fol. scarce. This is the great work to consult on Councils. Labe and Cossart were learned Jesuits of the 17th century. Gratian's Decretal: scarce. Gratian, a Benedictine of the 12th century, spent 24 years in compiling this abridgment of Canon Law, which has been enlarged by the additions of Gregory, by the "extravagantes Johannis," and " the extravagantes communes," &c. &c. *Dupin's Ecclesiastical History: Dublin, 1723, 3 vols. fol. not very scarce. Generally sells at auction for about 30s. Dupin was Professor of Divinity in the Sorbonne, a candid and learned writer. The work is most valuable—it gives a concise account of the Councils.

Butler's Historical Memoirs of the English, Scotch, and Irish Roman Cotholics: 4 vols. 8vo. 1826; £2 8s.-A valuable work, much quoted in the controversy arising out of Southey's Book of the Church. Butler is a Roman Catholic lawyer of London, a very learned writer and controversialist, author of many works, and of the Book of the Roman Catholic Church, written in reply to Southey.

Bellarmine's Body of Controversy: 4 vols. fol. scarce. This Jesuit Cardinal of the 16th century was the most able writer the Roman Catholics ever possessed. His works were replied to by many.

Breviary, or Breviarium Romanum: 4 vols. 12mo. about £2 10. The book

of prayers and devotions, is full of absurd stories and pretended miracles, which every Priest reads during a portion of each day, under pain of sin.

Missale Romanum: Continental edition; somewhat scarce; about £2 2s.This is the Roman Liturgy, full of prayers to Saints.

Roman Missal, in English for the Laity: London, 1806, 15s.

Missale Romanum.-Dublin, Coyne; £1 ls.

These three editions should be compared; no doubt those printed in Britain have undergone the expurgation of the "Index."

Lives of the Saints: by Alban Butler.

12 vols. 8vo. £5 5s. This work is

greatly praised in the Book of the Roman Catholic Church.

• Historical and Literary Account of the Formularies and Confessions of Faith, &c. 1 vol. 8vo. 7s. 6d.—By C. Butler. He professes this to be a supplement to the Sylloge Confessionum Fidei. Clarendon Press, Oxford. Pastorini's History of the Church, 1 vol. 8vo. 8s.-Written by Walmsley. Hay's Sincere Christian.

Pamphlet against Bower's Lives of the Popes.-By A. Butler. Searce.
Lingard's Anglo-Saxon Church, 1 vol. 8vo. 10s.

Dodd's Church History of England, 3 vols. fol. scarce.

Free Church of Christ.-By D. E, Hawardine, Dublin. This learned writer had a controversy with Dr. Samuel Clarke on Arianism, in the Royal presence, and he silenced the Doctor by a very ingenious question.

Fleury's Discourses on Eccles. History, 3 vols. 12mo, This is very valuable, as it is candid and plainly tells of much corruption in the infallible Church

Lanigan's Eccles. History of Ireland.-Dublin, 4 vols. 8vo. £2 12s. 6d.—A laborious work.

*Book of the Roman Catholic Church, by C. Butler, 1 vol. 8vo. 9s. 6d., 1824. A reply to Southey's Book of the Church.

• Butler's Vindication of his Book: 1826, 1 vol. 8vo. 9s. 6d. He endeavours to reply to Dr. Phillpots, Townsend, Todd, and Blanco White. Ward's Errata of the Protestant Bible: 1 vol. 4to. about 15s.; Coyne, Dublin. This has had great circulation, and has been greatly relied on by the Romish Priests. Ward collates the successive editions of our English translations, and from the alterations made in a few words of the succeeding editions to meet the growing improvement of the language and acquaintance with Biblical literature, he concludes them to be voluntary corruptions. The Protestant reader will have great pleasure in reading two pamphlets lately published by the Rev. G. Hamilton, addressed to Dr. Murray, in which all the arguments of Ward fall flat on the Douay editions in Great Britain; not any two have the same texts, nor the same notes; there is no standard text nor standard set of notes to the editions of the Douay. In fact, it cannot be said, that even the Vulgate has a standard text, because the editions of Popes Sixtus and Cle-ment are widely different, and yet each claims exclusive authority, as the only faithful and full copy of God's word-the Bull of each of these two infallible Popes respectively denouncing anathemas against the use of any other copy. ** Douay Bible, with Notes: Dublin, 1825.-Authorised by Dr. Murray, titular Archbishop of Dublin, 1 vol. 8vo. This is the cheapest Douay we have been able to learn has ever been published. It has fewer notes than any former edition. Many notes have been omitted in this edition, which had been objected to by Protestants. The Protestant who means to engage in the controversy, should not be without this book. At the end is given a list of the texts employed in defence of Romish doctrines. It is truly amusing to read the texts they have chosen on many points, absolutely having no bearing on the subject at all. Is it possible to believe that the collectors of these texts were serious?-or his titular Grace of Dublin serious in allowing them to go forth to the world!!

In our next paper we shall give the books on the Protestant side arranged in the following order: 1st, helps for the collection of texts under heads of Controversy-the Canon of Scripture; 2d, Church History. Then, 3d, will follow the works written specifically in reply to Roman Catholic authors; and 4th, we shall close the list with a series of valuable works necessary for a li brary and for reference.

A. S.

*The following two books should have been inserted amongst those used in Ireland, as they are much in circulation, and are particularly valued by the laity: Controversial Letters, in reply to Dr. Singer and Mr. Daly.-By the Rev. Mr. Clowry. 4s.

Controversial Letters, in reply to Mr. Pope, Dr. Singer, and Mr. Daly.― By the Rev. Mr. Kinsela. 4s.

SUGGESTION FOR A LENDING LIBRARY OF DIVINITY WORKS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE CHRISTIAN EXAMINER.

SIR The institution of Lending or Circulating Libraries of Religious Books has been attended, and is in course of being attend

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