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PREFACE.
xxv

let him say, whether these are not decisive and burning proofs of guilt.

Although the present work may be justly and advantageously considered as a sequel to the Literary Policy, it is perfectly distinct and independent; and, without troubling himself with any thing which has preceded on the subject, the reader may here learn, what may be regarded as the present Pope's Profession of his own and his Church's Literary Faith, particularly as embracing what he considers as his proper and exclusive province, Theology. His Holiness has furnished facts, which it will remain for time to discover, with what prudence they have been made public. He has certainly, whether inerrably or not, calculated pretty freely upon the indifference or stolidity of Protestants.

The very scarce Roman Catalogue of Prohibited Books printed at Venice in 1554, and here reprinted, will be valued, I doubt not, by students of the higher class. I am happy in this labour, contracted as it is, to follow the example of my estimable friend, the Rev. Richard Gibbings, of Trinity College, Dublin, to whom the public and myself are indebted, not only for an elaborately exact reprint and facsimile of the rare Expurgatory of Brasichellen, but also for a Preface highly creditable to his learning, research, and judgment, and from which I have derived more important information than I was aware was extant. I may be allowed here to

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