The celebrated controversial discussion between the Rev. Thomas Maguire and the Rev. T. P. Pope...

Introduction

As introductory to the Report of the important ContioversiaJ Diseiission between the Rev. Messrs. Pope and Maguire, we feel It our duty to lay before the Public the arrangements which preceded the meetings for the above object.

A meeting was held on Wednesday, the 11th of April, 1827, at the house of Mr. Tims, in Grafton street, at which Messrs. Pope and Maguire were present ; when it was resolved, that as the points about to be discussed equally affected the Protestant and Roman Catholic Churches, so there should be an equality ill every particular, in order that the public, on the after consideration, might be satisfied that the Discussion had been conducted in the most impartial manner, and entered upon with the spirit of kindness and mutual good feeling.

After several meetings, in which we have the gratification to SJiy, every disposition was evinced on both sides to act with liberality and candor, while at the same time principle was upheld with uncompromismg steadiness, the Reverend Gentlemen having finally settled the points for discussion, and the undersigned definitely and with their entire approbation, having arranged the preliminaries, the day of meeting was fixed jor the 19th day ol \pril. From the impossibility of procuring the Rotunda for six su**cessive days, (the shortest time the discussion could last,) ,ind no more spacious or equally commodious place for meeting pipsentmg itself, the Lecture-room of the Dublin Institution, Sackville street, was taken ; and in the result manifested that, as to situation, necessity bad compelled, what judgment ultimately apnraved

4 INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT.

The preliminaries entered into were as follows .

I

irrangonent agreed upon for the proposed discussion between tk^ Rev. Mr. Pope and the Rev. Mr, Maguire, April 12, 1827.

L The Discussion to commence on Thursday, the 19th ihBtant, and continue from day to day until closed.

II. The Meetings to be presided over by two Chairmen on« Protestant and one Roman CathoUc.

III. The business to commence each day at eleven o'clock^ kuid to close at three, with the exception of the first day, which will close at four o'clock.

IV. The Discussion to be limited to three points by each party, viz :

MR. POPE.

1st, Infallibility; 2d, Purgatory; 3d, Transubstantiatiwi. MR. MAGUIRE.

1st, The divine right of private judgment to prcnounce upon the authenticity^ integrity^ and canonicity^ of ScriptiJie, and to determine its meaning in articles of faith.

2d, The justification of the Reformation.

3d, The Protestant Churches do not possess that unity whiiii forms the distinctive mark of the true Church of Chiist

V. The points to be discussed in the following order;

1st day, - - - Mr. Pope, 1st point.

2d do. - - - Mr. Maguire, do.

3d do. ... Mr. Pope, 2d point.

4th do. - - - Mr. Maguire, do.

5th do. - - - Mr. Pope, 3d point.

6th do. - - - Mr. Maguire, do.

VI. Not more than one pomt to be spoken to at a tmie.

VII. No new point to be spoken to by either party, until the pomt under consideration is fully and finally closed.

VIII. The speeches and replies to be limited to half an hour %nd each point to occupy but one day at the utmost.

N. B. The number of minutes which may be lost before the beginning of each day's discussion, to be added to the period of closing the business of the day.

IX. Admission to be by tickets only, for which shall be charged the sum of , the surplus of money so collected, aft^r defraying all the expenses attending the Discussion, to be handed over to the Mendicity.

X. The Meeting to be open to the Press, but a special Reporter for each party to be employed, who shall be responsible

INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT. O

for the accuracy of the reports that shall be made of the speeches. Biid entire business of the discussion.*

XL Two door-keepers to be provided, one Roman Catholic aiul one Protestant.

XII. No indication to be admHted of approbation or disapprobation.

XIII. The authorised copy of the speeches to be authenticated by the signatures of the Rev. Mr. Pope, and Rev. Mr. Maguire

T. Maguire, P. M. Singer,

Richard T. P. Pope, John Lawless.