PAPAL CONTROL OF THE PRESS.
FROM the invention of printing, about 1444, the Pope and the Church of Rome have sought to control the press. Sixtus IV., in 1472, commenced the crusade. Alexander VI., in 1501, ordained, under the severest penalties, that no books of any description should be published without the sanction of the Romish bishop of the diocese. Leo X. renewed the prohibition. The fifth Council of Lateran, at which Leo presided, 1515, decreed "that no book, whatever, should be printed without examination and license by the bishop, his deputy, or an inquisitor." The penalty for violating this decree was of the most terrible description. A committee was appointed by the Council of Trent, whose duty it was to prepare a list of prohibited books. It was published on the 24th of March, 1564, and called Index Prohibitorius. The committee was made permanent, and was called "the congregation of the index." The writings prohibited by this body include many of the standard works of literature, to which others are added constantly, as the labors of the committee are continued to this day. Among the books condemned are Milton's "Paradise Lost," Young's "Night Thoughts," "The Dairyman's Daughter," and the writings of Addison, Lord Bacon, Jeremy Taylor, Mosheim, Locke, Calvin, Luther, Wickliffe, Zwinglius, Melanchthon, Robertson, George Buchanan, Cave, Grotius, and a host of others. In Popish countries the index is posted up from time to time on the church doors. Besides this index there is another3called Index Expurgatorius, which includes books not entirely prohibited, but which have certain passages expurgated. Mendham's "Literary Policy of the Church of Rome" has a very full account of both catalogues. Pope Pius IV., in the bull issued in 1564, published ten rules, descriptive of the books to be condemned. - All books condemning Popes or Councils.
- All books upon religion, written by heretics, are totally condemned.
- Translations of the Bible, except for the use of learned men, at the discretion of the bishop.
- The Bible, translated even by Romish authors into the mother tongues, not allowed to be used except on permission in writing given by the bishop.
- Lexicons and other compilations must have the sanction of the priests.
- Books of controversy are subject to the same rules as the use of the Bible.
- The classics are permitted only to the aged.
- Books, in the main good, must be amended by the priests.
- Books on science must be carefully examined.
- Enjoins printers and booksellers and all other persons from having anything to do with the prohibited books, under severe pains and penalties executed at the will of the inquisitors. These rules conclude as follows: "Finally it is enjoined on all the faithful that no one presume to keep or read any books contrary to these rules, or prohibited by this index. But if anyone keep or read any books composed by heretics, or the writings of any author suspected of heresy or false doctrine, he shall instantly incur the sentence of excommunication; and those who read or keep works interdicted on another account besides the mortal sin committed, shall be severely punished at the will of the bishops."—Landmarks of Truth.