PREFACE.

THE following Catechism was expressly composed,

ERRATA.

Page Line

For" large portion," read " larger portion."
For" resolution," read "Revolution."

For "to erect such safeguards," read "to introduce such dis-
qualifications."

For "all such restrictions, &c." read "all such restrictions as
have hitherto, &c."

For" neither deprives," read "such as will neither deprive."
Omit" the"

32. 21.

For " precisely," read "previously."

For" are Catholics," read" is the Catholic."

For" the executive functions," read "the judicial and execu

tive functions."

For "while," read "whether."

For "struck with a stick a man, &c." read "struck with a stick, confined a man, &c."

For "cannot," read "cannot be."

51. 12.

52. 10.

56. 25.

For " in," read" with regard to."

tendency of such impressions-justifying the past proceedings of the Catholic body-and, further, calling the attention of every reasonable man to the expediency, and necessity, of an immediate National Reconciliation.

LONDON:

PRINTED BY T. BRETTELL, RUPERT STREET, HAYMARKET.

PREFACE.

THE following Catechism was expressly composed, and originally intended, for circulation among the people of Ireland, in pursuance of an unanimous Vote of the late Catholic Association. The sanction of that body would have been solicited, had not its dissolution suddenly taken place. The author, therefore, considers himself individually responsible for the opinions and statements it contains.

The necessity of such publications, it is to be hoped, will shortly be removed, by a complete concurrence in his Majesty's most gracious recommendation, and a continuance of the liberal and enlightened policy adopted by his present ministry. But as much misconception and unfounded prejudice on this subject, still seem to prevail amongst a numerous and respectable portion of the Protestant community, and which may, probably, survive the settlement of the question, the following pages are submitted to the Public, with the view of obviating the injurious tendency of such impressions-justifying the past proceedings of the Catholic body-and, further, calling the attention of every reasonable man to the expediency, and necessity, of an immediate National Reconciliation.

POLITICAL CATECHISM.

FIRST SECTION.

WHAT IS A BRITISH FREEMAN?

Question. What are you?

Answer. By religion, a Catholic; by birth, an Irishman; and, by the constitution of the empire and the Act of Union, I ought to be a British freeman.

Q. What do you mean by a British freeman ?

A. I mean the man who fully enjoys all the franchises and liberties, which of right belong to a freeborn Briton. Q. What do you mean by a Briton?

A. I mean every individual, whoever he may be, who happens to have been born in the British Empire.

Q. Is Ireland a part of the British empire?
A. It is an integral and most important part.
Q. How came it to be such?

A. First-By the annexation of that country to the crown of England, consequent on the subjugation or concession of its native princes; and, secondly, and more especially, by the solemn Act of the international Union.

Q. An Irishman is, then, as much a Briton as an Englishman?

A. Certainly; a native of Dublin is as much a Briton as a native of London,

B