FOR DEPARTING FROM POPERY. BY JOHN MONAGHAN, SCRIPTURE READER To the Reformation Society at Bradford, Yorkshire. Let no man deceive you with vain words. Eph. v. 6. LONDON: PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, AND Green. 1829. subject, by eminent men, on various occasions; it may be answered, that, notwithstanding the numerous and excellent discourses delivered from the pulpit, and issued from the press, both in ancient and modern times, for the purpose of stemming the torrent of antichristian error, yet it is lamentable to relate, that, towards the meridian splendour of gospel-day, many are the infatuated dupes of popish superstition, whose spiritual interests and happy privileges point them to a better choice. But let it be observed, that the humble author of this work makes no pretences to excel other writers on this subject, nor hopes to be more successful than they; but because he was conversant with the dogmas of popery, and experienced the feelings, motives, and desires of its rigid and numerous votaries until he was nearly nineteen years of age, when, by the instrumentality of the Bible, and the influence of the Spirit of God, he was emancipated from its benighted thraldom, and shewn a more excellent way," and was the subject of much ridicule, domestic bereavements, persecution, and exile; he therefore deems it right to offer to the public a few remarks relative to the errors of the papal creed, which will amply justify his nonconformity to it, and counteract and silence the different false opinions of many respecting him at his first setting out. Some said, that a "secular motive was the sti mulus to such heresy," as they called it; but the persecution and painful privations he has undergone, have long since put that assertion to silence. Others declared that "he was under a delusion by the power of Satanic influence, and in a very little time would either become the visible object of God's displeasure, or his new opinions would evaporate like smoke, or dwindle into nothing like the mushrooms of a day," and he would again return with shame on his head. In this also, "the accuser of the brethren is proved to be the father of lies ;" and instead of being in a delusion that would soon evaporate, the lapse of more than nine years has only strengthened his impressions; being fully persuaded that his religious sentiments will be found to be orthodox in the great day of final retribution, and expecting the accomplishment of that hope which maketh not ashamed. Should this work come into the hands of any Roman Catholic who may favour it with his attention, it is requested that he lay aside all prejudice, and exercise his own reason, that he may be able to discriminate between truth and error, as the author has done, who was once as zealous as any can be in the cause of Popery. And be it known unto all, that his renunciation of the errors of the Romish Church was not rash and precipitate, but the subject of mature deliberation and diligent enquiry for nearly two years; so that the few observations here presented are only a mere epitome of his former labours in the search of truth. Should his name be cast out as evil for attempting to do good by exposing error, he rejoices at being counted worthy the honour of such reproach; and if these few imperfect remarks should in the least degree bring glory to God and good to mankind, they will answer the sincere desire and fervent prayer of THE AUTHOR, JOHN MONAGHAN. |