IV., 12). Of course it must also be admitted by
those of much experience that there is in the Sacred writings a wonderful variety and a rich eloquence worthy of the greatest subjects, as Nt. Augustine taught and expressly pointed out (de doctr. Chr, iv, 6, 7), and as it confirmed by the fact that eminent amongst sacred Orators have gratefully attested before God that they owed their fame principally to the assiduous use of the Bible and pious meditation,
The Holy Fathers, who had complete knowledge and experience of all this, never ceased from extolling the Sacred Writings and their fruit. In nume places they call them “that most wealthy tre ' of heavenly doctrines " (Chrysos. in. Gen, hom. 21, 2; hon. 00, 8; 8. Aug. de Discipl. Chr, 2) or perennial fountains of salvation (Nt, Athan, Ep. fest. 39) or they recommend them as lertile fields pleasant gardens in which the Lord's flock
the most
ro 8
asury
and most may be
reinvi
S. Am
of St. .
referr
nay, le
hands
Let th
readin Nepot, the Gr judicio " IE] to the
study « post. il.
Is well " He is publicl (S. Au same G mine t] before | other | selves " from th to do al already alone b:
“take h them ; | and the excepti ones se writing’ praise i who bri tings me
just and
he sacred | and imloquence, spirit and In word rhost and herefore, and prois lo use I human wn than however and cold rd (Jereto those Ner; for id more reaches " (Heb.
itted by » Sacred quence gustine ibt. iv.
1^ most itefully e prind pious
Wledge extollnero s easury m, 21, perent. 539), | most ay be
just and pious disposition of soul, For these books
reinvigorated and delighted (S. Aug Serm. 26, 24 : S. Ambr. in Ps., c xviii, Serm. 19, 2). These words of St. Jerome to the Cleric Nepotianus may be aptly referred to: “ Read the Holy Scriptures frequently ; nay, let the Sacred writings never be out of your hands; learn that which you May TOO 644 5...
Let the discourses of the priests be based upon the reading of the Scriptures ” (S. Hieron de vit. cler. ad Nepot), and appropriate is the opinion of St. Gregory the Great, than whom nobody has described more judieiously the dnties of the priests of the Church " [t is necessary, " he says, "that those who attain to the office of preaching should never give up the study of the Sacred Scriptures " (St. Greg. M. Regul, post. ii., al 22; Moral xviii, 26, al 14). Here, too, it is well to recall the admonition of St. Augustine : “He is an empty preacher of the Word of God publicly who does not inwardly take it to heart ” (S. Aug. Serm. 179, 1), and the instruction of the same Gregory to preachers “ that they sho ld examine themselves as to the words of Divine Scripture before setting them forth to others, lest in reproving other people's conduct they should neglect themselves" (S. Greg. M. Regul, post tii, 24, al 48. But from the example and pattern of Christ who * began to do and to teach” the voice of the Apostles had already insisted upon this, ac dressing not Timothy alone but the clergy of all ranks in this conimand “take heed to thyself and to doctrine ; be earnest in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee" (1 Tim. iv , 16). Assuredly exceptional aids to salvation and perlection both for one's self and others are ready to hand in the Saered Writings, a fact which is the subject of eloquent praise. in the Psalms; but these aids are for those who bring to the consideration of the Divine wrilings not merely docile and attentive mind but a
are not to be reg
arded as of the ordinary kind but, because they
were dictated by the Holy Spirit Himself, and contain matters which are of the highest moment, and in many points recondite and exceedingly difficult to ancerstand and interpret, they always need the coming of the same Npirit— that is, His light and grace; and these, as we are frequently reminded by the authority of the Divine Psalmist. are to be asked lor with humble prayer, and to be preserved by holiness of life.
Clearly, therefore, from this arose the preeautions taken by the Church, vhich by means of the most admirable institutions and law has taken care “that this heavenly treasury of the the Holy Spirit bountifully lie negleeted ” (Cone. Lrid..
lj, for she has arranged of them should be read ministers in the daily also that the explanat should
Sacred Books which gives to men should not Sess, v, decret. de refor not only that a large portion and piously pondered by all oflice of sacred psalmody, but ion and interpretation of them be dealt with by men of suitable cathedral churches, in mona ol other rewalars
ability 111 steriles, and in convents in which studies may conveniently flourish, And she has strictly ordered that at least on Sunday and solemn festivals the faithful should be nourished with the salutary words of the gospel fibidem, 1-2]. To the wisdom and care of the Church also, has been due n every age a lively devotion to the Scriptures, which has been produetive of preeminent advantages, [n this connection, ti then our previous exhortations,
| streng- It gives us pleasure to note how from the beginning of the Christian re ligion those who were distinguished by sanctity ol life and the knowledge of divine things always paid frequent and assiduous attention to the Sacred Writ: ines, We see the immediate disciples oL the \ postles, amongst them Clement of Rome, Tenatius ol
\ntioch, Polycarp, likewise the apologists, especially
Justi ther tion :
writi i HOÍ ; à i) 1V11 copal
most
CONST 'x pla Il rom whos such los OI of Bi prine quick Ww hosi Hexa Ment exten amon:
Cleme Cyril Greg Antio:
us a Nor
imine mend:
Hilary the Gi tine a acute Inost
Cathol nary k upon
kind but, oly Spirit re of the idite and Interpret, B Spirit— as We are 1e Divine e praver,
aecautions the most re “that is Which ould not de refor ' portion «| by all ody, but ol them bility in Onvents enlentlvy ut least should ) vospel Chureh otion to | preestrenaleasure (lan re etity ol Vs paid
] Wiit- ^ ‘A postius ol
'ecially
Justin and Irenaeus in their letters and hooks, whe. ther concerned. with the protection or recommendation of Catholic dogmas, deriving from the Sacred Writings in particular confidence, vigor, and every ace of piety. Catechetical and theological schools hiving sprung up in connection with various episcopal Sees --those at Alexandria and Antioch were most celebrated—the teaching imparted in these consisted scercely of anything else but the reading, ‘xplanation, and defence of the Divine Scriptures. From them came forth many Fathers and writers, Whose labors, studies, and excellent works formed such a rich store during the three following centurles or so that the period was called the * golden age of Biblical exegesis.” \mongst the Easterns the principal place is held by Origen, wonderlul for the quickne:s of his intellect and persevering labors, Whose numerous writings and immense work, the Hexapla, nearly all others have drawn upon in turn, Mention should be made of a number who have extended the limits of this study. For instance, among the most distinguished Alexandria produced Clement and Cyril; Palestine, Eusebius and another Cyril; Cappadocia, Basil the Great and the two Gregorys, Gregory Nazianzen and Gregory of Nyssa; Antioch, the renowned John Chrysostom, whose skill as a Biblical scholar rivalled his lofty eloquence, Nor were others less noteworthy in the West, Kminent amongst those deserving of a singular commendation are the names of Tertullian, Cyprian, Hilary, and Ambrose, Leo the Great and Gregory the Great ; most illustrious of all are those of Augustine and Jerome, one of whom was remarkably acute In discerning the meaning ol Scripture and most successful in applying it to the support of Catholic truth, while the other from his extraordinary knowledge of the Bible and his great labor Upon its application has been honored by the voice
of the Church with the title of Doctor Maximus. Although this study was not pursued with the same ardor and fruit from that time up to the eleventh century, still it flourished, mainly through the exertions of the clergy, for they took care to consult the best works that the ancients had left on this subject. and publish them suitably edited with editions of their own, as was done especially by Isidore of Seville, Bede, and Alcuin: or to elucidate the Sacred manuscripts with glosses, as did Valafridus, Ntrabo, and Anselm Laudunensis, or, like Peter Damian and Lanfranc, to take fresh measures lor preserving them in their entirety. But in th. twelfth century a great many treated, in a praiseworthy way, of the allegorical] meaning of the Scriptures ; in this expository method St Bernard, whose writing scarcely Savor of anything else than the Divine Scriptures, easily excelled all others. A lresh and agreeable development was given to this study by the system of the scholasties, Although they sought to investigate the genuine reading of the Latin version, as is plainly shown by the Correctoria Biblica which they drew up, yet they devoted greater zeal and industry to explanation and interpretation; forin a regular and clear manner, than which there had been nothing better previously, the various senses of the sacred language were distinguished; the Weight of each was considered theologically ; the parts of the Books and the subjects of the parts were defined; the desions of the Writers were sought out; the relationship and interconnection of the Sentences explained, Everyone must see how much light was by this means brought to bear on obscure passages. Moreover, a choice abundance of Scriptural learning is lully displayed both in their works on theology and their commentaries on the Scriptures; in which respect Thomas Aquinas held the palm amongst them. Then when Our prede-
cesso
in th
ot Oi
With
Bible
(rree]
more
printy
Sacre
velloi of th speak were
perioc the C
numb religic Biblie that o bring tion a resou1 may b of the Trent, Fathe:
is una that ot caused of anei which and a:
and ar times « the Po table f.
most c.
of eith
r Maximus.
h the same ie eleventh h the exeronsult the iis subject.
editions of Isidore of
the Sacred is, Strabo, amian and ving them century
ay, of the this expo- " scarcely 'eriptures, agreeable he system to Investiion, as is ca which zeal and ; forin a here had us senses ed; the ally ; the arts Were e sought | of the ow much | obscure of Scripir works ie Scripas held ir prede-
cessor Clement V, added to the Athenaeum in this city and some celebrated universities courses of Oriental Literature Our people began to labor with greater accuracy on the primitive codex of the Dible and on the Latin copy. The erudition of the Greeks being then brought back to Us, and all the more effectually because of the new method of book printing happily discovered, the cultivation of the Sacred Scripture extensively increased. It is marvellous in what a short space of time copies chiefly of the Vulgate multipliec by the press filled, so to speak, the Catholic world, in such honor and regard were the sacred volumes held during this very period whieh is unfairly assailed by the enemies of the Church. Nor should We omit to notice what a number of learned men, mainly from amongst the religious congregations, come forward to promote Biblieal knowledge from the Council of Vienna to that of Trent ; and. these employing new aids and bringing into requisition their varied stock of erudition and ability not only increased the accamulated resources left by those who had gone before, but it may be said opeued the way for the pre-emineace of the age which followed' the same Council of Trent, and during which the glorious age of the Fathers almost appeared to have returned. Nobody is Unaware and it is pleasant to us to recall the fact that our predecessors from Pius IV. to Clement VIII. caused the preparation of those celebrated editions of ancient versions the Vulgate and the Alexandrine which were afterwards broucht out by the command and authority of Sixtus V. and the same Clement and are in common use It is known that in those times other ancient versions of the Bible as well as the Polyglots of Antwerp and Paris, thoroughly suitable for the purpose of sincere investigation, were most carefully brought out that there was no book of either Testament which had not more than one
capable expositor : and no serious question connected with the subject that did not in an elaborate way exercise the abilities of Many ; amongst whom not a lew of the more studious Holy l'athers won for themselves a distinguished reputation, Nor in truth has energeiic ability been wanting amongst our people since that age, for men of distinction have continued to do good work in the same sphere, and against the fiements of Rationalism wrested from philology and kindred studies have. vindicated the Sacred writings by arguments drawn from the name sources, They who consider al] these things fittingly as they should will certainly allow that the Church has never in any way failed to provide for the diffusion. amonest her children of the waters from the fountains of Divine Scripture, and that she has always maintained and equipped with every resource of learning the watchful attitude in which she has been divinely placed for the protection and safeguarding of the dignity of those Writings, so that She has not needed and does not need any stimuli from outsiders.
Now, venerable brethren, the purpose for which Our office was established, demands that We should communicate with you as to the best method of ordering these studies, But it is well to take cogni- Zance in this place of the kind of men who turn away from and oppose Our principles, and what are the arts and arms upon whieh they rely. As hereto. lore the issue was chiefly with those, who, relying on private judgment and repudiating the Divine traditions and magisterium of the Church, maintained that the Scripture was the only source of revelation and the supreme deciaino authority : so now the contention is against the rationalists, who as their children and heirs, rel ing upon their view, have altogether rejected eve the very remains of Christ. lan faith ac epted by their fathers, For they deny
Inep and inve:
by n of Di thing delu; A pos othe) whic Divir ward and ] are si add Impic the amon both unde:
rity been enena«e of EG into | suflici exten from | and e.
with multi mi The lake
1 connectelaborate rst whom hers won Nor in amongst istinction e sphere, wrested indicated irom the se things that the ovide for e waters that she h every n which tion and 5 SO that ' stimuli
r which ' should ethod of e cogniho turn hat are heretorelying Divine aintainrevelalow the as their ^, have Christ-
, deny
altogether the revelation. inspiration and holiness of the Seripture, and assert that they are nothing else but the devices and contrivanees of men: that they are not true narratives of historical facts, hut either inept fables or lying stories; that the predietions and prophecies are not such, but either predietions invented after the events, or loreknowledge acquired by natural means; that the miracles and prodigies of Divine power are not really such, but astonishing things by no means above the powers of nature, or delusions and myths; that the Gospels and the Apostolic writings are plainly to be attributed to other authors. Astounding errors of this kind by Which they think that the sacred truths of the Divine Books will be torn to shreds, they put forward as decisive pronouncements of a so-called new and liberal science; as to which their own views are so unstable that they frequently change them and add to them, Although they feel and speak so impiously concerning God, Christ, the Gospel, and the rest of the Scripture, there are not wanting amongst them those who desire to be considered both Christian and Evangelical theologians, and under this honorable name they display the temerity of a haughty disposition, been joined and aided by not & few who are engaged in other studies, and who rough a dislike of revelation have been in a simuar way drawn into opposition to the Bible. We caunot in truth sufficiently dep] ow far this opposition has extended, a) Ww much more bitter it becomes from day It is introduced amongst erudite and ear u, though they can guard ainst it
These men have
with | Heulty ; but it is mainly amongst the multi the unlearned that these furiou enemies or with every sort of design and üfice, The pour forth the destructive vi in books, pam.
lets, and journals : they insinnate itinto speeches
and discourses : they have now invaded every place,
and they keep withdrawn from the guardianship of
the Church many schools of youth, in which, even by mockery and’ scurrilous jokes they wretchedly deprave credulous and weak minds, and train them Into contempt for the Scripture. These things, venerable brethren, should move and excite a common pastoral anxiety to oppose to this new and lalsely-called science, the ancient and true knowledge which the Church received from Christ through the Apostles, and in such a struggle should call forth suitable defenders of the sacred Scripture, Therefore, let it be the first care that in ecclesiastical seminaries and academies the Divine w ritings should be treated as the importance of this study and the requirements of the time de:,and. And for this purpose nothing ought to be deemed more ad vi- Sable than the prudent selection of teachers ; for this office there ought to be chosen not ordinary men, but those who are fit for the discharge ol the duties and are recommended by a great love and daily use of the Bible, and whose minds are properly equipped with learning. And the education of those who will hold this office in the future should be looked to at an early age. It wil] be well, there. fore, wherever it can be conveniently done, that some students of the greatest promise alter they have ereditably gone through their theological course, should be assigned altagether to the study of the Sacred Books, the opportunity being given them of a somewhat fuller curriculum, Let teachers thus chosen and. trained approach with confidence the task entrusted to them, and that they may the better understand it and may bring lorth befitting fruit it seems right to furnish them With certuin proofs detailed with exceptional fulness, Let attention, then, be given to the ubilities of students from the threshold of
such young their studies that
their tivat their ed D dent auth« tainii ing c to say be ey fully, since either by th "Ne: lously study that | riches gion a to the Script school mode avoid over t other | on sor school Cannot hooks nuity books treatm being i men, tl rest an Iu this
very place,
lianship of
hich, even vretchedly train them se things, ‘ite a comnew and ue knowm Christ le should Scripture, ecclesias- ' writings his study And for lore ad vihers ; [or ordinary "e ol the love and > proper- ‘ation of ? should ll, therene, that ter they 'ologieul e study g given teachers ifidence may the elitting certuin t such
young es that
their judgment shall be carefully moulded and cultivated for examining the Sacred Books and seizing their meaning. Useful for this end is the tract called De Introductione Biblica, which affords the student suitable help for proving the perfection and authority of the Bible, for investigating and ascertaining its legitimate sense, and for radically refuting captious »ropositions. I! is scarcely necessary to say how important it is that these things should be examined in the beginning methodically, skilfully, consecutively, and with the aid ol theology, since the whole subsequent treatment of Scripture either rests upon these foundations or is made clear by their light,
Next let the diligence of the teacher be most Zeulously expended on that more fruitful part of this study which is concerned with interpretation, so that his hearers may be often able to employ the riches of the Divine Word for the promotion of religion and piety. Of course we understand that owing to their extent and to want of time the whole of the Scriptures can not be expounded in detail in the schools ; but as there is need of furthering a certain mode of interpretation, the prudent teacher should avoid the defect, on the one hand, of those who go over the varions books too cursorily ; and on the other hand, of those who dwell at immoderate length on some single part of one book, And in many schools the course pursued in the higher colleges cannot be well followed—that is to say that certain books should be expounded freely, with some conti. nuity and wealth of explanation—the parts of the books selected for interpretation should receive a treatment that is suitably full, so that the students being as it were attracted and trained by this specimen, they will themselves thoroughly examine the rest and be devoted to this study during their lives, In this course, in accordance with the usages of our
ancestors, let the Vulgate version be taken as the model, which version, as the Council Of Trent has decreed, must be held as “authentic in public reading, disputation, preaching, and exposition " (sess, iv., Deer. de edit. et usu sacer. Libr.), and which the Church by daily custom recoinmends, At the sume time due consideration must be given to other versions which received the praise of, and were used by, Christians in ancient times, especially the original codices, Foy although the Greek and Hebrew Meaning is well brought ou! in the Vulgate, still if there is in anything not wholly will be derived lrom the earlier language 7" a MF Augustine advises (De Doct. 2, Chr. ll, 4. Then it is self-evident how much assiduity must be employed in this examination, as jt js « the duty of the commentator to explain not what he wishes himself, but What is the meaning of the Author Whom he inter. prets" (S. Hier, ad Pammach), After Weighing the reading with every care where it is necessary then Will be the time for research and putting forward an opinion. And it is of the. first importance that the commonly approved rules of interpreting should be followed all the more exactly the more bitter the attacks. of adversaries. Therefore, with the study ol the meaning of the words, of the order Which is followed, of parallels and the like, let there be com. bined Opposite and learned illustrations from outside sources; let this be done cautiously, however, lest more time and labor should be thus expended than in Obtaining a knowledge of the sacred books, and lest the multiplicity of the points submitted for ing. truetion should prove more injurious than uselul to the minds of youth, From this the progress to the use of the Nacred Seripture in theology will be sul And here attention should be paid to the thet that in addition to the other causes ol difliculty which
accurate, advantage examination of “the
are t anele For a the à whic] of hu vario!
sommet dite n of he literal either prece] that t GLOUS witho turar opinio inen n and Z their lorth that G which ART Lord | learne Script:
who h 20, 5.) ol the "ynod cerning Word, Inatters motion the tru
ken as the Trent has ublie readion” (sess.
which the t the sume other verwere used ' the origid Hebrew ate, still if advantage Of “the Vises (De dent how 1s examimentator self, but he interzhing the ary then " forward ance that ig should bitter the he stud y which is | be con):
1 outside Ver, lest led than oks, and lor insiselul to s to the be salu act that y which
are usually met with in certain works of the ancients there are some peculiar to the sacred books, For according to the authority of the Holy Spirit in the works of Holy Writ are laid down many things Which far surpass the strength, power, and acuteness of human reason, that is to say, Divine mysteries and various other things connected with them, and this sometimes to a larger extent and in a more recondite manner, than tho letter of the text and the laws of hermeneutics appear to indicate; besides the literal meaning itself certainly admits of other senses either to illustrate dogma or to commend the precepts of life. Accordingly it is not to be denied that the Sacred Books are involved in a certain reli. gious obscurity, so that no one can approach them Without a guide (S. Hier, ad Paulin. de studio Seripturar ep, lii, 4), God, according to the common opinion of the Fathers, arranging it so in order that men might examine them with greater earnestness and zeal, and should more deeply impress upon their minds and hearts the precepts so fully set lorth therein; and should understand especially that God had delivered the Scriptures to the Church, which on that account in the reading and treatment
‘fis Word should be followed as a more sure
eand teacher. For where the graces of the Lord have been bestowed there the truth is to be learned and already St, Irenaeus taught that the Scriptures are expounded without danger by those Who hold the Apostolic succession. (C. Haer, iv. 26, 6.) This view, indeed, which was also the view of the other Fathers, was adopted Ly the Vatican Synod when renewing the Tridentine Decree con. cerning the interpretation of the Inspired Written Word, “it declared that its meaning was that in matters of Faith and morals pertaining to the promotion of Christian doctrine that is to be considered the true sense of the Sacred Neripture which Holy
Mother Church has held and holds, whose province it is to judge respecting the true sense and interpretation of the Sacred Scriptures; and therefore no One ijs permitted to interpret the Sacred Scriptures contrary to this sense, or even contrary to the unanimous consensus of the Fathers," (Ness. ITI., 'ap. lI, de Revel. of Cone Trid. Sess IV , decr. de edit. et usu Sacr libr ) By this law, full of wisdom, the Church does not at all retard or check the investigation of Biblical science, but rather exhibits it free from error and greatly furthers its true progress, For a wide field is open to each private teacher in Which, pursuing sate methods, he may by his own industry in interpreting brilliantly and usefully enter into rivalry with the Church, Indeed in the parts of Divine Seriptore which yet require a fixed and definite exposition such measures can be taken that in the design of God’s loving providence the Judgment of the Church may be hastened, as it were, by this diligent investigation; and in points already defined the private teacher can be equall of service if'he places them before the faithful in a clearer light and before the learned. with greater ability, or if he proves himself more successful in repelling adversaries,
Wherefore, let it be the sacred and primary duty of the Catholic interpreter to see that those testirnonies of the Scripture, of which the sense has been authentically declared either through sacred authors with the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, as is the case in many ports of the New Testament, or through the Church with the assistance of the same Holy Spirit, “either by a solemn decision or by the ordinary and universal magisterium” (Cone. Vat. Sees, iii, 8, de fide), are explained by him in the same sense ; and with the aid of his knowledge let him show that interpretation alone can be rightly appro. ved of according to the laws of sound hermeneutic
e DEM
[n otk ed an:
thorit
stand:
aere
Churc
canno
from { terpre
Which One al
the CI ment | tally a to be 3 ers, D ed by
St, À:
study,
under:
ter pre to lear [Ad H felt ar Father Seripty the w:
who t interpr licel, i by wh:
parte:
the Ho 10, 87], testime faith o way ;
ment - H
province interpre.
refore no Scriptures the una- III, cap.
de edit, dom, the ' investiis it free progress, acher in his own usefully 1 in the e a fixed ye taken ence the d, as it n points equally ful in a greater ssful in
ry duty testinois been authors | is the hrough ie. Holy ie ordit. Sees, » same let him approleutics,
In other things the analogy of Faith is to be followed and the Catholic doctrine as accepted by the authority of the Church can be taken as the supreme standard) for as the same God is the Author of the Sacred Books and of the doctrine deposited with the Churen a different sense to that which she adopts cannot by any legitimate interpretation be deduced from those books. Whence it appears that that interpretation is to be rejected as false and absurd which places the inspired authors at variance with one another, or which is opposed to the doctrine of the Church. It also behooves teachers in the department of religious education to be so endowed mentally as to have a thorough grasp of all theologv and to be well versed in the commentaries of the Fathers, Doctors, and best interpreters. This is inculcated by St. Jerome (ibid., 6, 7] and emphatically by St. Augustine, who justly complains * if every study, however humble and easy in order to be understood requires a teacher or master, what greater presumption can there be than to be unwilling to learn the inspired books from their interpreters ” [Ad Honorat, de utilit. cred. xvii, 35]. This was lelt and confirmed by the example of the other Fathers “who sought to understand the Divine Scriptures, not by their own presumption, but from the writings and authority of their predecessors, who themselves, it is certain, received the rule of interpretation by Apostolic succession ” (Rufin, Hist. Keel, ii, 9]. Now, as the authority of the Fathers, by whose labors * after the time of the Apostles as ene waterers, builders, pastors and nourishers, the Holy Church increased " [St. Aug , c. Julian. ii. 10, 87], is supreme, as often as there is any public testimony from them pertaining to doctrines of faith. or morals, let all explain it in the fame Way ; for it is quite clear from their agree. ment that it was so handed down by the Apos- H
tles according to the Catholic faith. The view of
the Fathers is also to be considered as of great weight, when, as it Were, In a private Way they discharge the ollice of teachers in these matters, inasmuch as they are men whom not only the science of revealed religion and the knowledge of many things uselul for the understanding of the Apostolic books Strongly commend, but whom as persons distin: guished by sanctity of life and zeal for the truth God
Himself has assisted with the more ample safeguards of His own Light. "Therefore, let the interpreter make their exposition his own; let him reverently
lollow in their lootsteps, and let him by an intelligent choice of their opinions make use of their labors. Nor need he think on this account that he is hindered when a just cause arises from proceeding further in inquiry and expounding. provided he religiously observes the instruction wisely given by Augustine, namely, that the literal and, as it were, Obvious sense js by no means to be departed from unless reason prevents it from being held, or necessity compels its abandonment (De Gen ad litt, 1 viii, c. 7-18), and this instruction is to be lollowed the more steadfastly, because of the danger of erroy Owing to the great desire lor novelties and the license of opinion, Let him take care not to neglect those allegorical and similar interpretations of the Fathers when they depart from the literal meaning and are supported by the authority of many, For such a method of interpretation the Church received from the Apostles, and has approved of by her own example, as is evident lrom the liturgy ; not that the Father this way strove to prove dogmas of faith, but because they well knew it to be Iruitful in nourishing virtue and plety, "The authority of the othef Catholic interpreters is loss indeed, but since the study of the Bible has inade a certain continuous progress in the Church their commentaries must
also work refut culti any ( whic show shou.
soul ment Cath their inter of the at the many vil, 1 Tertu 19, 1) nowh given not r at the It ij the ] teachi such, wuishe action prove and ef as we fiction ineani Nor w mind | among canno
ie view of
s of great y they distters, Inasscience of any things lie books ns distintruth God afeguards iterpreter everently ' an intelof their it that he 'oceeding vided he oiven by sit were, ‘ted from T 1ecesstt. 1 viii, wed the of error and the neglect s of the meaning y. For received er own not that rmas of utful in of the t since linuous 3 must
also receive their own share of honor, from which works many things may be opportunely sougth for refuting contrary opinions and unravelling difficulties. And, indeed, it is really discreditable that any one, ignoring or despisiag the excellent works which have been left in abundance by Catholics, should prefer the Writings of the heterodox, and should seek from them—with imminent danger to sound doctrine, and not unfrequently to the detriment of Faith—the explanation of passages to which Catholies have already most effectively devoted their abilities and labors For although the Catholic interpreter can be sometimes assisted by the studies of the heterodox prudently used, let him remember at the same time a fact which is also evident from many ancient documents (Ctr. Clem. Alex. Strom, vil. 19; Orig de Prine, iv, 8; in Levit. hom. 4,8; Tertull. de praescr, 15 seqq.: 5. Hilar. Pict. in Math. 13, 1) that the pure sense of the Sacred Scripture is nowhere found outside the Church and cannot be given by those who, Wanting the True Faith, do not reach the marrow of the Scriptures but nibble at the bark,
It is most desirable and necessary that the use of the Devine Scripture should permeate the whole teaching of theology and be almost its very soul ; such, in every age, the Fathers and most distinguished theologians regarded it, as evince by their actions, For they endeavored to point out and to prove by the Divine writings what are the objects and effeets of Faith, and from these writings also, as well as from Divine t ‘adition, to refute the novel fictions of heretics and to search out the reason, meaning, and connecting links of Catholic dogmas, Nor will anyone be surprised at this who bears in mind that the Divine Books must hold, such place amongst th. fountains of Revelation that theology cannot be treated properley and according to its
dignity except by their study and assiduous employment. For although it is right that youth should be 80 trained in the academies and schools as to obtain an understanding and knowledge of dogmas by arguing from articles of Faith to other things to be deduced from them, according to the rules of approved and solid philosophy, still a serious and erudite theologian must by no means neglect the demonstration of dogmas drawn by Biblical authorities, for “theology dues not accept its principles from other sciences but immediately from God by Revelation, And, therefore, it takes not from other sciences as if they were superior to it, but it uses them as inferiors and handmaids." This method of treathing theology is taught and commended by Aquinas the prince of theologians, (Summ theol, p. 1, q. 1a, 6 ad 2, who, moreover, from this well-understood mode of dealing with Christian theology showed how a theologien can defend his own principles by arguing on those things which are received through Divine Revelation : as by the authority of the Sacred Scriptures we dispute against heretics and use one article against those who deny another, If, however, the adversary believes none of these things which have been Divinely revealed, the course then is not to prove the Articles of Faith by argument, but to solve any arguments he may bring forth against Faith (Ibidem. a. 8), Ibis. therefore, to be seen to that youths suitably instructed and prepared, should approach Biblical studies so that they should not disappoint just hopes or, what is Worse, incautiousl fall into the danger of error, carried away by the fallacies of rationalism and apparent erudition, The will, however, be most excellently prep the guidance of St, Thomas, they rel and understand philosophy
ared if, under igiously cultivate and theology in the
way We have inarked out and prescribed. Thus, let al knowledge and
them duly proceed both in Biblic
wha most Tc by a Sacri that name most fully living w hic.
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us employshould be to obtain las by arngs to be of approid erudite "^ demonsrities, for ‘om other evelation.
ices as if s inferiors ing theolinas the BJ sd derstood showed ciples by through e Sacred use one owever, | which n is not Ll, but to against seen to Should ild not tiously by the . They , under ltivate in the ius, let ye and
what is called positive theology, and they will make most gratifying progress in both.
To prove, expound and illustrate Catholic doctrine by a legitimate and skilful interpretation of the Sacred Books is a great deal ; but another task, and that of as great moment as it is laborious, remains, namely, that their integral authority should be most effectually defended. This, indeed, cannot be fully and generally done except by recourse to the living anl proper magisterium of the Church, which, in itself and on account of its admirable extension, its extraordinary sanctity, its inexhaustible fecundity in all good things, its Catholic unity and its invincible stability, is a great and perpetual motive of credibility, and an irrefragable testimony of its Divine mission (Cone, Vat., sess. iii, c. iii de fide). Since, however, the Divine, and infallible magisterium of the Church is also based on the authority of the Sacred Scripture we must, therefore, first of all, require and assume at least a human faith in the Scripture: in the books of Which, as in the language of most approved witnesses of antiquity, the Divinty and mission of Christ Our Lord, the establishment of the Hierarchy of the Church, and the primacy conferred on Peter and his successors, are surely and clearly to be found. It will be greatly conducive to this if a number of men from the sacred ministry are specially prepared to do battle for the faith in this field likewise, and to repel the attacks of the enemy, having been careful to put on the armor of God as the Apostle advises (Eph, vi 19, Sequ.), and being not unaccustomed to the enemy's new weapons and methods of warlare, This is beautifully enumerated by St. Chrysostom amongst the duties of priests in the following words :— " We must exert great zeal in order that the Word of Christ may dwell abundantly in us (Ofr. Col. iii., 16) ; and we should be prepared not for one kind of
combat alone, for the warfare is varied and varied are the enemies; and neither do all use the same Weapons, nor do they adopt merely one mode oí assailing us. He, then, who is to enter the field against all comers shonld be aware of the contrivances and stratagems of all; he should be at once an archer and slinger, a tribune and the leader of a cohort, a commander and a soldier, a member of the infantry and of the cavalry, an expert in naval and mural warfare; for unless every ert of warfare is known the devil knows how to take advantage of a single side, if that be neglected, and to carry off the sheep by sending in his plunderers” (De Sacerd , 1v., 4),
We have above indicated the various artifices and stratagems of the enemy in mal ing their attacks ; now let us point out what supports must be relied upon for the purposes of defence.
These consist, in the first place, in the study of the ancient languages of the East. ind, at the same time, in what is called the critical art. As the knowledge of both is no 'adays much prized and honored, if the clergyman possess it to a greater or less degree, according to the requirements of places and people, he will be the better able to sustain the dignity and carry out the duties of his position; for he ought to become * all things to all men ” (1 Cor, Ix., 29), being ready always to “ satisfy every one that asketh a reason of that hope which is in him” (1 Peter iii, 15). Therefore it is necessary lor professors of Sacred Scripture and becoming for theologians to understand those languages in which the canonical books were first penned by the hagiographical writers, and it will be most advantageous il they are cultivated by Church students, especially those who aspire to Degrees in theology. And provision should be made in all academies for what has alread y been most commendably established in some—that
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As the orized and greater or (ments of le to Ssusf his posi- | all men " isfy every ich is in necessary oming [or in which hagiograusi they ly those provision s alread y me—that
is, professorships of the other ancient languages likewise, especially the Semetic and of correlative branches of learning for the benefit above all of those who it is decided are to devote themselves to sacred literature On the same account these ought themselves to be particularly learned and skilled in true criticism ; for Wrongly and to the detriment of 'eligion the system honored with the name of the Higher Criticism has been introduced to bring out the origin, integrity and authority of every book ascertained alone by internal evidence as they term it; whereas, on the contrary, it is clear in questions of a historical character such as that respecting the origin and preservation of books, that historical proofs are of pre-eminent importance and that they should be most zealously procured and investigated, and that the internal evidence relerred to is not of sufficient value to be called to one's aid except by Way ol strengthening certain points. If another course is pursued, serious inconvenience will result, lor the enemies ol religion will have greater confidence in their work of attacking and destroying the authenticity of the Sacred Books. In fact, the meaning of the Higher Criticism, which is so much extolled, will come to this—that in interpreting each one Should follow uis own inclination and prejudiced opinions ; neither will it shed on the Scriptures the light sought for, nor will learning derive any advantage from it, but that sure mark of error, diversity and dissimilarity of view, will be apparent, as is already shown by the leaders of this new system themselves ; and most of them being infected with the maxims of a vain philosophy and ol rationalism, they will not hesitate to remove from the Sacred Books prophecies, miracles, and everything else that is above the natural order. In the second place, it Is necessary to meet the attacks of those who, abusing their knowledge of physical science, investigate
the Sacred Books with minute care in order that they may expose the ignorance displayed on this subject by the authors, and may vilify their writings. And since these contentions are concerned with sensible objects, they are all the more dangerous, falling, as they do, into the hands of the masses, and especially those of youth who are fond of literature, and who, when they have once lost their reverence for Divine Revelation in any of its parts, will easily give up all belief in the whole. It is beyond doubt that the more suitable natural science is, if rightly taught, for ensuring the perception of the glory of the great Maker stamped upon creation, the more effectually it may be employed if instilled in a wrong way into the minds of the young, :o uproot the first principles of sound philosophy and corrupt morals. Wherefore, a knowledge of natural science will atford valuable assistance to the teacher of Sacred Scripture by enabling him the more readil
to expose and refute the fallacies of this kind also which are brought forward » inst the authority of the Sacred Books, Indeed, no real difference can arise between the theologian and the physical scientist so long as each keeps to his own province, both, in aecordance with the warning of St. Augustine, being on their guard against “making any rash statement or asserting as known what is unknown " (In Gen. Op, Imperf IX, 80). But if there should be any disagreement as to how the theologian should act, St. Augustine also gives a rule com pendiously. “Let us show,” says he, “ that whatever they can demonstrate by true proofs respecting the nature of things is not contrary to Our Writings, but let Us likewise show that whatsoever they may have brought forth from any of their works in Opposition to our Writings, that is, to the Catholic faith, is in some sense false or that we consider it altogether unworthy of belief” (De Gen. ad. litt. I. 21. 41). In
con:
inn SUDO dee) (tha as t Aug ers, natu elthe lang pres ing.
are | like | Sacre lane men, with:
i5 ture expre ters ] their lived, physi erred by no interp what What set for holds, could, anothe serves ing wl and w
order that ed on this their writconcerned re dangerhe masses, nd of litertheir reyparts, will is beyond lence is, if on of the eation, the tilled in a -O uproot d corrupt al science eacher of 'e readily kind also thority of enee can cal scien- 1ce, both, ugustine, any rash known” e should in should ndiously, they can nature of it let Us ay have position ith, is in together 41). In
considering the justice of this rule, it must be borne in mind, first of all, that the sacred Writers, or rather “the Spirit of God which spoke through them, deemed it inadavisable to teach men these things (that is, the innermost constitution of visible objects) as they would not be conducive to salvation” (8. Aug. ib, n. 8, 20): and accordingly that these writers, iustead of duly entering in'o an investigation of nature sometimes described and treated. of affairs either in a certain figurative style or in the ordinary language, as is 'requently done in daily life at the
present day, even amongst men of the greatest learning. As in common language suitable expressions are first found for what falls under the senses, in like manner (as the Angelic Doctor reminds us), the sacred wiiter followed sensible impressions or the language which: God Himself used in addressing men, adopting the human mode of speech to be within the reach o: their i nderstanding.
It must not be concluded that hecause Holy Scripture is to be strenuonsly defended the opinons expressed by individ. «Js. or afterwards by interprefers in making it known, are to be equally upheld : their opinions being those of the age in which they lived, in explaining passages where questions of physical science arose they may sometimes have erred in judgment, so as to make statements which by no means meet with approval now. In their interpretations, therefore, we must carefully note What they really hand down respecting the faith or What is closely connected with it, and what they set forth with unanimous accord ; for, as St. Thomas holds, “in matters which ate not of faith the saints could, like ourselves, have different opinions," [n another passage St. Thomas also most wisely observes: “To me it appears safer that views respectheld a common opinion our faith should nei-
ing which philosophers have and which are not opposed to
ther be affirmed as doginas of faith, although they are sometimes put forward in the name of philosophers, nor be denied as contrary to faith lest the wise men of this world should be afforded an occa: sion of contemning the teaching of faith ” (Opus. x), Although the interpreter ought to show that the points which natural scientists have by certain argu. ments maintained as beyond doubt are nowise at variance with the Scriptures properly expounded, at the same time the fact should not be lost sight of that these men have sometimes claimed certitude for statements which have alterwards been called in question and repudiated, If Writers on physics, going beyond the confines of their own province, invade the domain of philosophy With perverse opinions, let the theological interpreter send them to the philosophers for refutation I] will be well to adopt the same course jn relereuce to cognate studies, especially history. For it is to he regretted that many laboriously investigate and bring to light the monuments of antiquity, the manners and institutions of nations, and other similar testimonies of the past, too often with the design of discovering mistakes in the Nacred Books, and thus w 'akening and damaging their authority every-where, This is done by some with a palpably hostile disposition, and withou Impartiality ol Judgment; and they rely on ancient secular books and documents as secu. rely as if the suspicion of error could not be met with in them, whilst ii they come across a supposed error in the books of the Sacred Scripture, without duly discussing it, they reluse to accord even a like measure of credibility to them, 1t may happen that copyists may make certain mistakes in writing out from manuscripts, though this must not be admitted unless where it has been considered and proved ; and it may also happen that the genuine meaning of some passage may remain in doubt. [n determining
it th SOTY eith Nac] him of tl kine ches besi (ques nuc the « book Can in al.
and ocen Itself exclu rend to be Th Chur cils o med | Coun “The entire deere:
tained reeely regare being then a they c being they | revel,)
ough they f philosoth lest the an occae (Opus. x), vo that the lain argunowise at unded, at st sight ol ‘ütude for called in physics, province, perverse nd them be well » COmnate regretted > to light nd instinonies of covering 'akening This is position, nd they AS SeCue be met upposed Without na like pen that ting out admitted proved ; aning of mining
it the most approved rules of interpretation will be serviceable, But it would be utterly mischievous either to restrict inspiration to some portions of Sacred Scripture or to admit that the Sacred author himself had erred, Nor can we tolerate the method ol those who free themselves from difficulties of this kind by not hesitating to grant that inspiration attaches to matters of faith and morals and nothing beside, for they lalsely imagine that when there is question of the truth of certain views We are not so much to search for what God has said as to consider the cause for which He has said it. For all the books which the Church has received as sacred and Canonical, have been written in their entirety and in all their parts at the dictation of the Holy Spirit, und so far is it from being possible for an error to occur in what has been divinely inspired that of Itself. inspiration. not only excludes all error but excludes and rejeets it with the same necessity that rend “rs it impossible for God, the Supreme Truth, to be che author of any error whatsoever,
This is the ancient and consent belief of the Church, defined by a solemn decision of the Councils of Florence and Trent and subsequently confirmed and more expressly proclaimed at the Vatican Council, by which it was absolntely decreed that " The books of the Old and New Testament in their entirety and in all their parts as enumerated in a decree of the same Council (of Trent) and as con: tuined in 7 atin in the old Vulgate edition, are to be received as sacred and Cunonical, The Church regards them as sacred and canonical, not because being arranged by human diligence alone they were then approved by her authority, nor merely because they contain revelations without error, but because being written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit they have God for their author” (Sess, iii., c. ii, de revel.) Accordingly, to assert that the Holy Ghost
took men as instruments to Write as if anything false could have come not indeed from the first autkor but from the inspired writers is of no consequence whatsoever, For He, by His s pernatural power, so stimulated and moved them to Write, and so assisted them when Writing that they properly conceived, desired to write with fidelity, and suitably expressed with infallible truth all those things —and only those—which He commanded ; otherwise He would not be the author of the whole of the Sacred Soripture, This was always the opinion of the Fathers : * When, then,’ (says St. Angustine, " they wrote what He pointed ont and said it should by no means be asserted. that He did not write seeing that His members did what they understood from the dictation of the Head” (De Consensu Evangel. 1, 1,c. 85). And St. Gregory the Great decl]. ares: “Tt is entirely superfluous to inquire, who Wrote these books, as the Holy Spirit is firmly believed to be their author, He wrote them Who dictated When they were being written ; he was the writer who was the inspirer of the work " [Praef in Job n. 2]. It follows that they who think anything false can be found in authentic parts of the Saered Books assuredly either pervert the Catholic idea of Divine inspiration or make God Himself the author of error, So thoroughly convinced were all the Fathers and Doctors that Holy Writ, as set forth by the sacred Writers, is entirely free lrom error, that they endeavored not less skilfully than religiously fo reconcile and harmonize the many passages which appeared to present any divergencies er contradictions (it is for the most part these passages that now form the groundwork ofthe objections raised in the name ol “the new science) ; und they unanimously declared that these hooks, both in their entirety and in thei) parts, are equally of Divine inspiration, and that God Hii I! having
spoken nothing œustine "-I* agi learned "eriptu reveren error w writing ings wi will eo ninnmusce not [oll to unde brius ali sanctity sciences lrom th It is to I who he sciences the past not now itis to b of faith, ter imp more nu that the versaries impressi the truth whe hav ol lite, À ly cease, to accuse saw, the distingui Since, |
ything ie. first conseiatural Le, and operly ] suitthings otherole of pinion istine, hould e see- 'stood jvündeclwho belietated vriter ob n.
false icred idea the were t, us free skilize any part f the 1C8) ; )oks, ally ving
spoken through the sacred authors could set down nothing whatever foreign to truth. Let what Augustine wrote to Jerome be of force everywhere : "I acknowledge to you, my friend, that I have learned to pay to those books alone of the Sacred Scriptures which are now called canonical such reverence and honor as to believe firmly that no error Whatever was committed by their authors in writing them, And it I should meet in these writings with anythin that appears contrary to truth, | will come to no other conclusion than that the manuscript Was wrong, or that the interpreter did not follow what was stated, or that I myself failed (o understand perfectly” (Ep. LXXXII. 1. et crebrius alibi). Now to strive fully to establish the sanctity of the Bible with every aid from the deeper sciences is far more than can be justly expected lrom the skill of interpreters and theologians alone, It is to be desired also that those amonest Catholics who have attained any reputation in external sciences should join and assist in this work. As in the past ability of this kind has never been, so it is not now, thank God, wanting to the Church ; and it is to be hoped that it will increase for the benelit of faith, For we ought to consider nothing of greater importance than that the Faith should have more numerous and more powerlul defenders and that they should understand the tacties ol her ad. versaries ; and nothing could be more effective in impressing upon the masses the duty of accepting the truth than to see it publicly prolessed by those Whe have gained distinction in any particular waik of lite, Nay, the ill-will of disparagere would quickly cease, or at least they would not dare so boldly lo accuse Faith of being the enemy of science if they saw, the highest honor and reverence paid to it by distinguished scientilie men Since, then, they who with their Catholicism have
received from a kindly Providence this happy talent eun do so much for the advantage. of religion, let
each, in the fierce cortroversy respecting those subjects which touch the Scriptures in any way, choose for himself a suitable sphere of study, and excelling in it, repel with distinction the attacks made on the Sacred Writings by a dishonest science, And here it is pleasant to commend as it deserves the action of some Catholics, who have formed societies and provided them with abundant funds that learned men may be enabled with every possible facility to engage in and promote these studies. This method of employing money is most excellent and suitable to the times. The less the hope of receiving aid from the State in such studies, the more ready and liberal should be the generosity of individual Catholies, so that those who have been favored by God with riches may use 1l for the protection of revealed truth.
That efforts of this character may be condueive to the advancement of true Biblical science, let the learned rely upon the principles We have above pointed out, and let them lirmly hold that God, the maker and ruler of all things, is the author of the Neriptures, and therelore that neither from nature nor from the monuments ol history ean anything be vathered that i opposed to them If such difficulty there should seem to be, it should be P'arefully disposed of by bringing to bea upon it the. prudent
udeimnent of theologians and interpreters as to the J
more probable and correct Ineuniny ol the passage and by earnestly examining the force of the argu. ments brought against it. Nor should we leave off I even then something tells against 1t, for, as truth cannot be opposed to truth, it is certain that a mis. fake must have oceurred either in the interpreta. tion of the sacred works or in some part of the dis. cussion; if it cannot be discovered in either of these,
furth tion ( from been have are ( belon have and W and t but * t, o8], he rig in wh things ZH De ex] mode) to be standa shares of slay Chr. n LU tl proper tructic their | prever they nr ol the | "nee (1 from tl Such caution linpart Let it | should the tha
'py talent ligion, let ne those any way, idy, and e attacks t science.
deserves
formed int funds j possible ies. This lent and [I recelvhe more of indive been the pro-
ucive to let the e above tod, the ry of the
nature thing be ilieulty uly disprudent sto the pussage 16 rete ave off us truth t à mis.
erpretathe dis- [ Lhese,
further patience must be exercised in the investigation of the meaning. For, many objections, drawn Irom all kinds of sciences, have for a long time past, been raised against the Scripture and, being empty, have turned out worthless In like manner, there are certam passages in Scripture [not properly belonging to the domain ol faith. or morals] which have at one time received various interpretations, and which later investigation has placed in a clearer and truer light. Time obliterates unsound views, but “truth remains and prevails forever" [iii, Esdr. HL 28]. Wherefore, as nobody should assume that he rightly understands the whole of the Neripture, in Which Augustine iwknowledged that there many things he did not understand [Ad Januar. Ep. lv. 21] il any point should he met with too difficult to be explained, let each. one adopt the prudence and moderation of the same doctor : “Itis better even lo be oppressed under unknown but serviceable standards than to place one's neck uselessly in the shares of error after it has been freed from the yoke of slavery in the work of interpretation” [De Doetr, Chr, m. 9, 18].
I! those who are engaged in these auxiliary labors properly and ‘modestly follow our advice and instructions, if in writing and teaching they direct their eflorts to refuting the enemies of truth, and preventing the loss of faith amongst the young, then they rejoice that they are performing a duty worthy of the Sacred Writings and rendering such asssistince to Catholicism as the Church rightly expects from the piety and learning of her children.
Such, venerable brethren, are the instructions and cautions we deem it opportune by God's grace to impart concerning the study of the Sacred Scripture, Let it be your care now to see that they are, as they should be, religiously obeyed and observed, so that the thanks due to God for having communicated the
words of his wisdom to the human race may be more signally rendered, and that the results we desire may be most successfully attained, to the advantage especially of youths who are undergoing ecclesiastical training, and who are our most earnest care.and the hope of the Church. Be instant by authority and exhortation in providing that these studies are held in due honor and prosper in the seminaries and academies subject to your jurisdic. tion, May they flourish happily and in the fullest measure under the direction of the Church in accordance with the wholesome teach ngs and examples of the Fathers and the laudable custom of our ancest. ors; und in the course of time may they make such progress as to be truly a support and glory for Catholic truth, which has been divinely given for the eternal salvation of the people.
Finally, with the paternal love, We urge all students and ministers of the Church to approach the Sacred Writings always in a mosi pious and reverent disposition : for they cannot be understood vith the requisite profit unless the pride of worldly
ee ts put aside and zeal be cultivated for the Wisaom Which is from on H igh. When the mind has once been applied to this (ud y, and enlightened and strengthened by it, it will be capable, in an extraordinary decree, of detecting and avoiding the deceptions of human science, oí recognizing genuine fruit, and of reckoning it amonest eternal possessions, Thus the soul will he greatly inflamed, and will struggle in a more eager spirit lor the promo. tion of virtue and Divine love : " Blessed are they that search His testimonies, that seek Him with their whole heart” (Ps, CXVIII. 9).
Now, relying on the hope of Divine aid and trust. ing to your pastoral geal, We most lovingly in the Lord and as a pledge of Heavently favors and a
mark of Our special good will, impart the Apostolic
Bene peopl
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may be -sults we d, to the dergoing st earnest nslant by hat these er in the jurisdicie {ullest hack ordum pies of r auncestike such lory for riven for
urge all pproach ous and derstood worldly | for the ie. mind ohtened le, in an ing the renuine possessed, and promore they m with
| trustin the s and a postolie
Benediction to you all and to all the clergy and yeople entrusted to your care.
j Given at St. Peters, Rome, on the 18th day of November, 1893, in the sixteenth year of our Pontificate.
LEO XIII, Pope
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5ième Série—No. 16.
CIRCULAIRE AU CLERGÉ
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ARCHEVÉCHÉ D'OTTAWA, ie 24 mars 1894,
