An essay on the law of celibacy imposed on the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church, and observed in all the religious orders abroad; in which are delineated its rise and Progress from the most early Ages of its Existence, down to the present Times; and the impropriety of this ecclesiastical constitution is shewn, whether it be considered in a Moral, a Physical, or a Political Light: as also, a summary account is given of the origin of the monastic life; of the Prejudices which chiefly contributed to introduce it, and in what Manner these have been perpetuated, &c. Interspersed with various Remarks upon several other Observances of the Roman Catholic discipline. By the Rev. John Hawkins.

Date:

M.DCC.XC. [1790]