THE CONGREGATIONAL LECTURE.

SECOND SERIES.

THE CAUSES OF THE CORRUPTION OF

CHRISTIANITY.

BY THE

REV. ROBERT VAUGHAN.

LONDON:

R.CLAY, PRINTER, BREAD-STREET-HILL.

OF THE

CORRUPTION OF CHRISTIANITY.

BY THE

REV. ROBERT VAUGHAN,

PROFESSOR OF ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY IN THE
UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.

LONDON:

JACKSON AND WALFORD,

18, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD.

M DCCC XXXIV.

PREFACE.

It is no doubt true that, to impart a love of pure Christianity, something more is necessary than an intimate acquaintance with its corruptions, or with the causes which have produced them. But if some have expected too much. from reflection on topics of this nature, it may be that others expect too little. There are quarters in which it seems to be concluded that enough, and more than enough, has been said about the corruptions of religion; that what is now especially wanting is a more adequate exhibition of its beauty and sanctity. There is a fashion, however, in sentiment, as in other things, and a fashion which often has little to do with wise observation. It may be that what is needed is not the one of these things so much as both. The difference between what is counterfeit and what is genuine may be best ascertained by their being brought together; and an inquiry respecting the causes of the corruptions of Christianity must be very injudiciously