The proffered liberality of others I shall never forget—I mean those, who, when imagining me in a state of pecuniary embarrassment, have made me a tender of their purses. But let not my refusal on such occasions bespeak a want of humility on my part; but rather let it be attributed to the suggestions of that principle, which told me, that it is religion, and not emolument, which should constitute the chief object of my change. While to you, Sir George, and my other lately acquired friends, I offer the warmest acknowledgement of my gratitude, I look with pity, at the same time, upon those who are the mere nominal professors of our faith—those who court one’s friendship when they imagine that either his name or his presence would be an addition to their unmerited popularity; but who would afterwards reject his intercourse, for no other cause than that of becoming a conscientious member of their religion. Such nominal adhesion to our faith is sometimes worse in its acts than the most avowed hostility to our creed. I met with one or two others, whose elevated rank in life might point to a more distinguished course in religion, and whose conduct to me would afford a sufficient subject for complaint; but as my intended pamphlet is divested of any insidious reference, this dedication must be also freed from unbecoming personalities. Let, however, such individuals reflect that, should I refrain from the following avowal of my sentiments, the resources of a respectable relationship would furnish me with the means of independent subsistence. But the advancement of religion is my object—conscience must be my director—for emolument is not my theme. Should any portion of the following pages be considered as couched in the language of either abuse or misrepresentation, let the fault be ascribed not to the intention, but to the unconsciousness of the writer; for I have never looked upon scurrility as proof, nor misrepresentation as argument. The one prejudices individuals against the writer, while the other serves only to confirm those errors which a mistaken zeal might be anxious to correct. In pursuing those thoughts I find I have exceeded the usual limits of a dedication; however, I trust that the matter I had to convey will serve as an apology both to the public and to you, my dear Sir George, from Your most obedient and Ever grateful, L. J. NOLAN. _Dublin_, 14_th_ _February_, 1835. TO THE ROMAN CATHOLICS OF IRELAND. “So as much as in me is I am ready to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”—ROM. i. 15–16. MY DEAR ROMAN CATHOLIC FRIENDS,