Page:An Index of Prohibited Books (1840).djvu/184

 the Prince and King of all the Universe; if he be the Pastor, the Physician, and a God, to use the language of the Council of Lateran speaking to Leo X., who will dare question his right to proscribe such sources of information, as in his wisdom he shall deem pernicious to his subjects? Inconsistency apart, he must have a daring soul who shall venture upon a pasture, which the Universal Shepherd pronounces to be poisonous, and forbids his flock to taste at the hazard of their salvation. The rev. gentleman will not deny that these lofty pretensions have their effect to this day. Else why are Roman Catholics constantly advised to obtain permission to read heretical books for the security of their consciences? Among the faculties, as they are called, or parochial powers conferred on R. C. missionaries even in England, is not a special license granted for keeping and reading heretical books? The Chaplain's warrant on this head is expressed in these words: Conceditur facultas tenendi et legendi libros hæreticorum de eorum religione tractantes ad effectum eos expugnandi. Leave is granted to keep and read the books of heretics, which