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THE PREFACE.
MY former Treatise of the Exposition of the Doctrine of the Church of England, has given so full an account of the Occasion and Design of Mon∣sieur de Meaux's Book, as might supersede the Necessity of adding any more upon that subject. But being called to a necessary justification of what I there advanced, not so much by the weak de∣fence of his Vindicator, embarqued with him in the same Cause; as by the flat denial of Monsieur de Meaux himself, of the principal foundation on which that Account was built; I hope I shall need no great Apologie, if upon this Occasion I enter somewhat far∣ther upon a new History than might otherwise seem absolutely necessary for my defence, and by comparing this method of Expounding with some others of a different Nature, which have of late been sent abroad by those of the Roman Communion, endeavour to shew what the real intent of them all has been; and what the design of those who now pursue the same Me∣thod among us, may reasonably be supposed to be.
It is I presume at this time not unknown to any, what great Endeavours have been used in our neigh∣bour Nation, for the reducing of those of the Re∣formed Religion to the Roman Communion. And