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It will be proper here in a few words to notice the reprint of the edition of the Index, which is the subject of the present publication, at Mechlin, in the year 1838. The title is, — Index Librorum Prohibitorum juxta Exemplar
subsequently Archbishop of Florence, on the presentation of an Italian translation of the Scriptures, by the translator, to the hend of the Church. And I give it entire, making a division into two parts, for a purpose which will appear. It is given in an English translation, and I copy it from the Catholicon, for 1817, vol. iv. pp. 71-73.
"pope pius the sixth.
"Beloved Son, Health and Apostolical Benediction.
"At a time that a vast number of bad books, which most grossly attack the Catholic religion, are circulated even among the unlearned, to the great destruction of souls, you judge exceedingly well, that the faithful should be excited to the read. ing of the Holy Scriptures, for these are the most abundant sources, which ought to be left open to every one, to draw from them purity of morals and of doctrine, to eradicate the errors which are so widely disseminated in these corrupt times.
"This you have seasonably effected, as you declare, by publishing the sacred writings in the language of your country, suitable to every one's capacity; especially when you shew and set forth, that you have added explanatory notes, which, being extracted from the holy Fathers, preclude every possible danger of abuse. Thus you have not swerved from the laws of the Congregation of the Index, or from the Constitution published on this subject by Benedict XIV., that immortal Pope, our predecessor in the Pontificate, and formerly, when we held a place near his person, our excellent master, in ecclesiastical learning; circumstances which we mention as honourable to us. We, therefore, applaud your eminent learning, joined with your extraordinary piety, and we return you
