Page:The Roman index of forbidden books.djvu/42

34 ό sequentes regulas diligenter inspiciant accurateque custodiant." "We wish to admonish and exhort them most urgently to study carefully and observe accurately the following rules for examining and judging books:

I. Let them not imagine that it is their duty to use every means to bring about the condemnation of the books submitted to them. They ought rather to study such books conscientiously, without passion or anxiety (sedato animo), in order to furnish such well-found observations, such objective reasons, as will enable the Congregation to pass a just verdict.

2. Should a consultor find that he is not competent to judge a book which he is asked to examine, let him know that he will not be free from guilt, either before God or man, unless he at once confesses his incompetence. Far from damaging his reputation with the pope or the cardinals, such an avowal will rather gain their esteem and praise for his straghtforwardness and honesty.

3. Let them set aside absolutely all