CONTENTS.

Episcopal Approbation page 5

Dedication 7

Preface 11

Introduction 21

CHAPTER I.

Preliminary Observations — The Statement or the Doctrine, and the Nature of the Proof which sustains it 83

CHAPTER II.

Definition of the Doctrine — Its Reasonableness — Objections answered 46

CHAPTER III.

The Doctrine considered in the Light of the Sacred Scriptures 54

CHAPTER IV.

The Ancient Liturgies and Menologies prove the Doctrine — The Abstract Value of the Terms 60

CHAPTER V.

Remarkable Document — The Testimony of St. Andrew and St. James, Apostles — St. Mark, the Evangelist — The Fathers of the first Five Centuries 76

CHAPTER VI.

Resume 1 92

CHAPTER VII.

Festivals Instituted in Honor of the Immaculate Conception 101

CHAPTER VIII.

Testimony of the Saints and Eminent Writers subsequent to the Fifth Century, and during the Mediaeval times 121

CHAPTER IX.

St. Bernard 135

CHAPTER X.

St. Thomas Aquinas 146

CHAPTER XI.

Resume 2 154

CHAPTER XII.

The Religious Orders, Academies, Universities, and Theologians adopt the Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception page 162

CHAPTER XIII.

Various Councils favour the belief of the Immaculate Conception 177

CHAPTER XIV.

The Declaration of the Council of Trent 187

CHAPTER XV.

The Sovereign Pontiffs favour the Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception 195

CHAPTER XVI.

Pius IX, the Illustrious Friend of Mary 209

CHAPTER XVII.

Resume 3 239

CHAPTER XVIII.

The Festival of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Ceremonies Incident To The Publication Of The Dogmatic Decree — given at Rome, December 8th, 1854 249

CHAPTER XIX.

Letters Apostolic of our Most Holy Lord Pius IX, by Divine Providence Pope, concerning the Dogmatic Definition of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mother of God 269

CHAPTER XX.

Resume 4 page 295

CHAPTER XXI.

Conclusion — Motives for venerating the Most Blessed and Immaculate Virgin Mary ; and certain duties and obligations arising out of the recent Dogmatic Decree 308