A Serious Examination of the Roman Catholic Claims, as Set Forth in the Petition, Now Pending Before Parliament

A Serious Examination Of The Roman Catholic Claims, As Set Forth In The Petition, Now Pending Before Parliament by Thomas Le Mesurier is a political pamphlet from 1805 that argues against Catholic emancipation. The author contends that the petition to Parliament, seeking the removal of disabilities from Roman Catholics, would undermine the Protestant establishment and threaten national security. The text analyzes the Petition's grounds, questioning its clarity and its appeal to liberty and policy, and contrasts it with the long-standing constitutional restrictions on Catholics. He asserts the loyalty of Catholics cannot be trusted while allegiance to the Pope persists, and he cites historical and legal precedents—reforming statutes, oaths, and the role of the monarchy—to justify continuing restraints. The work warns of the dangers of Papal influence, the possibility of Popish ministers and a Popish court, and the potential subversion of the established church and state. Ultimately, Le Mesurier argues for maintaining the existing legal disabilities and resisting the Petition to preserve the Protestant constitution.