amined by men who are not only well versed in the subject matter, but who also understand thoroughly the language in which they happen to be written. Nor does the Congregation in important cases confine itself to its regular consultors; whenever it seems advisable, the services of other competent critics are enlisted.
All the members of the Congregation are bound by oath to keep absolute secrecy with regard to every detail of the official transactions, no matter whether a book under discussion is finally condemned or not. By this means each feels more free in giving his opinion, and the reputation of the author is spared as long and as much as possible.
9. The Spirit of the Examiners.
As to the spirit that should actuate the examiners of publications, some further rules are laid down by Benedict XIV in the Bull "Sollicita ac provida" which are very instructive.
"Ipsos . . . monemus ac vehementer hortamur ut in examine iudicioque lib-
