Page:The spiritual venality of Rome.djvu/12

 us, however, hope, that all these matters will be ruled and over-ruled for the best; and, as one of the most effectual of counteracting instruments, we look to our episcopal bench—unless that should be still farther invaded by the tyrannical and unchristian obtrusion of disqualified individuals, who, if they do not, themselves, lead the flock of Christ into Papal or Socinian pastures, care not who does, and will not be so illiberal as to refuse him God speed.

The edition of the Taxæ given at the close of this little volume, as well as some of the additional matter, may be found in the life and Pontificate of St. Pius V. The author does not consider any apology necessary on that account; since it is obviously important to have the whole subject brought together under one view, and many may feel an interest in the present subject, who feel less, or none, in a volume of biography.

The most material of the documentary articles in the edition now repeated, is, the Extracts from the MS. Taxæ in the British Museum, to a far greater extent than in the former. A second visit to that princely establishment, enabled the author to transcribe much more liberally than in the first; and the present result is, a far more extensive contribution of the extraordinary volumes than has ever before met the eye of the public. The folia marked in the mar gin