the flock, were amongst the important objects contemplated by the Fathers of Trent in the publication and translation of the Roman Catechism.[1]
They, too, are amongst the objects, which were contemplated by those, who urged the present undertaking, and which influenced the Translator's acceptance of the task. Coincidence of circumstances naturally suggests a concurrence of measures; and it requires little discernment to discover the coincidence that exists between the present circumstances of this country and those which awakened and alarmed the vigilance of the Fathers of Trent. Ireland, indeed the Empire, has been inundated with pernicious tracts, teeming with vituperative misrepresentations of the dogmas of the Catholic faith, and loaded with unmeasured invective against the principles of Catholic morality. "Innumerable smaller works, veiling their errors under the semblance of piety," have been scattered with unsparing hand "amongst the ignorant and incautious:" efforts are still made (the object is avowed) "to promote the principles of the Reformation," by unsettling the religious convictions of the people; and we are fortified by the example of the Fathers of Trent in the hope, that an antidote eminently calculated to neutralize the poison, which has been so industriously diffused, to abate prejudice, instruct ignorance, promote piety, and confirm belief, will be found in a work containing a comprehensive summary of the dogmas of the Catholic faith, and a no less comprehensive epitome of the principles of Catholic morality
To another, and, happily, an increasing class of the community, the present volume cannot fail to prove a useful acquisition—to those who, anxious only for truth, desire to know the real principles of Catholics, could they arrive at a knowledge of them through the medium of a compendious and authoritative exposition. Whilst inquiry struggles to burst the bonds in which prejudice and interested misrepresentation have long bound up its freedom, and would still oppress its energies, it would not become Catholics to look on with indifference. We owe it to truth, to aid these growing efforts of enlightened reason: the voice of charity bids us assist the exertions of honest inquiry: we owe it to ourselves to co-operate in removing the load of obloquy under which we still labour; and, if it were possible for us to be insensible to these claims, there is yet an obligation from which nothing can exempt us—it is due to religion to make her known as she really is. To these important ends we cannot, perhaps, contribute more effectually, than by placing within the reach
- ↑ Pref. pages 13, 14.
