It has now been in circulation for nearly a century and a half; and for want of a medium of inter-communication in olden times like "N. & Q.," its authorship has frequently been a topic of keen discussion. Mr. Oakeley, in his work, The Subject of Tract XC. historically examined, states that
"Its publication attracted at the time the notice of the Government. A warrant appears to have been issued from the Secretary of State's office for the seizure of the author's papers, and the arrest of his person, under a suspicion apparently that he was in league with the Pretender."
It is to be regretted that Mr. Oakeley has not given his authority for this statement. Mr. Goode, in his pamphlet entitled Tract XC. historically refuted, attributes it, on the authority of Dodd, to Thomas Dean, a Roman Catholic Fellow of University College, Oxford; whereas the author of The Sure Hope of Reconciliation, p. 61., thinks Mr. Goode's supposition open to exception; and as the writer styles himself "A Minister of the Church of England," he is inclined to admit his claim to the title, till stronger evidence be adduced to the contrary.
The following curious colloquy between two priests of the Roman and Anglican Churches, in the Town Hall at Guildford, in 1838, respecting the authorship of this Essay, is also worthy a Note:
"Rev. Joseph Sidden. The author of A Proposal for a Catholic Communion says——
"Rev. M. Hobart Seymour. Name! name.
"Rev. J. Sidden. I do not know his name; he appears to have been an archdeacon of the Church of England in the reign of Queen Anne. His work is on sale at Booker's.
"The Chairman. Can you name the place of which he was archdeacon?
"Rev. J. Sidden. No; but I give these as the words of a Protestant clergyman.
"Rev. M. H. Seymour. You do not know that he was a Protestant at all.