The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-12-07
To THE PUBLIC.


The new relation which this press bears to the
public, imposes necessity for extraordinary
efforts 10 extend its circulation; and l therefore
propose to issue specimen number, to be distri
buted gratuitously to Post-masters, Ministers O
the Gospel, and others who may take an inter
est in the progress of Romanism in the Cnitec
States.
The purpose of doing so is, that it may BE-
known throughout the United States that pro
pose to treat the Church of Rome as political
institution, and to examine how far the extension
OF her spiritual jurisdiction, in this country, is
compatible with our free institutions,
That those who desire to patronise free
press, open to the discussion of this subject, may
do so, by subscribing themselves, and by inducing
others to subscribe.
To this end, all Ministers of the Gospel,
Post-Masters, Merchants, and others, are invited
to act as Agents, and commission of twenty
per cent will be allowed for obtaining subscri-
bers to the Weekly paper
1t is not intended to devote the editorial
columns ercluSiUeiy to this subject. / propose
to rsnder the Pilot valuable record of current
events, in which posterity may find the history
Of present times detailed with fairness; and, as
far as practicable, without personal or party
bias; and, as the Catholic movement is among
the most important of the present age, that, with
others, will be noted-not in the bitterness of
sectarian aniInosity, but in the spirit of free
press, which regards the public liberty, and
dares defcndit. As the best means Of diffusing
information, l intend to reprint such works Of
undoubted authority will present true histo-
ny of the Church: of its intrigues, It's purposes,
and its doctrines, in times that past, that we
may judge the future by the past. For, truly
has it been said, that
"Hisory is experience, teaching by example,
That the public may judge Of the economy Of
this mode OF enlightening the public mind, l
would refer TO Professor Ranke's "HtstoTy Of
the Popes," work which costs, TO import it,
nine dollars; being large octave, in three vol
umes. 1t viii cost subscribers, as printed in the
Weekly Pilot, about seUenty5jiUe centS!H
The Weekly Pilot is printed in pamphlet form,
Oh d uOuD4S-SlLGu SA~Ct5 ihog ~ D'H4-H AAASC u
volume, and, in addition to Unsolicited History,
will contain important Public Documents, cur
rent Foreign and Domestic news, interesting
items of General Intelligence, and Editorial
remarks, all for taco dollars and .ity cents pei
s9lnt1n.
That this is the best mode of constructing
the Catholic movement is to me most obvious
Many will read in a political and commercia
newspaper an extract from history, who would
not read book. 1t will be found in the news
rooms, the public houses, the merchants store,
the mechanics shop, and in families where re-
igious books or religious newspapers would not
come. Men will examine and consider the
civil and political aspect Of Papacy who would
not give thought to its religious faith, and as
it IS in fact civil institution, that is the charac-
tor in which it should be discussed. May not
therefore expect that Ministers of the Gosdel
will give me their countenance and support
May not expect the travelling ministers sf the
Methodist church to take an active part in OBJ
tanning subscribers confidently rely on them
all to do so