Page:An Index of Prohibited Books (1840).djvu/23

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PREFACE.
xvii

and they who imagine that the infatuation is weak, or little formidable, have much to learn of human nature. Well adorned and well managed, Popery has something in the more plausible faculties and tendencies of the soul of man exactly adapted, and responsive, to its main attractions and solicitations. When, indeed, surveyed in its true deformity, it has every thing to repel a sound understanding and really holy feeling. But it has coverings and ornaments which its native sagacity prompts, and enables it to throw over its repulsive features; and nothing more is necessary than a due calculation of human folly and human corruption to account at once for the progress of such a mockery of Christianity as is the Papal system; and really to wonder, that its progress is not tenfold greater than it is. But though falsehood is mighty, truth and holiness are oftentimes mightier, even in their effects on such intractable matter as the human soul. But falsehood still, with that intractability to good which is all in its favour, is deplorably mighty. To advert only to the more specious, and, distinctly from their application, innocent propensities of humanity—what costly and energetic appeals are made to the various senses, particularly to the vague but mighty instinct of natural devotion!—what gorgeous and imposing apparel in the ministering priesthood!—what profusion of superb ceremonies!—what splendour of precious stones