Popery! As It Was and as It Is. Also, Auricular Confession; And Popish Nunneries

An ex‑priest turned lawyer uses his personal experience to warn American readers about what he sees as the lingering reach of Roman Catholic influence. With a determined, almost diary‑like voice, he explains how his break from the Church exposed him to relentless attacks, both legal and journalistic, that aim to discredit dissenters and protect the institution’s power. He frames his argument as a civic duty, positioning the defense of religious liberty as essential to the nation’s republican values.

The text then traces the historical decline of papal authority in Europe before turning to the United States as a new target for expansion. Combining vivid anecdotes, contemporary illustrations, and a forceful narrative, the author portrays the Jesuits and other clergy as seeking political and moral control in a young, prosperous country. The opening pages set a confrontational tone, inviting listeners to consider how religious politics intersect with the freedoms embedded in America’s founding ideals.