303 Rome, the Antagonist of the Nation tinction, more evil than good arises, let the judgment of the bishop or inquisitor be abided by in this respect, so that, after consulting with the parish priest or the confessor, they may grant permission to read translations of the Scriptures, made by Catholic writers, to those whom they understand to be able to receive no harm, but an increase of faith and piety from such reading (which faculty let them have in writing). But whosoever shall presume to read these Bibles, or have them in possession without such faculty, shall not be capable of receiving absolution of their sins, unless they have first given up their Bibles to the ordinary.” This prohibition has been followed up by later declarations. Pope Leo XII, in an Encyclical dated May 3, 1824, addressed the Latin bishops thus: “We also, venerable brothers, in conformity with our apostolic duty, exhort you to turn away your flocks from these poisonous pastures [i. e., vernacular Bibles]. Reprove, entreat, be instant in season and out of season, that the faith ful committed to you (adhering strictly to the rules of the Congregation of the Index’) be persuaded that if the Sacred Scriptures be everywhere indiscriminately published, more evil than advantage will arise thence, because of the rashness of men.” And the way of the laity to the reading of the Holy Scriptures is further blocked by the second article in the creed of Pius IV : “I do admit the Holy Scriptures in the same sense that Holy Mother Church hath held and doth hold, whose business it is to judge the true sense and interpretation of them. Nor will I ever receive or interpret them except according to the unanimous consent of the Fathers.” As the “Holy Mother Church” publishes no commentaries on the Holy Scriptures, nor “authorized interpretation” o f Holy Writ; and as “the unanimous consent o f the Fathers” is im possible, they having commented freely, each according to his ability, the way of the laity io the Word of God is closed. The difference between Protestantism and Romanism is, the Bible is an open book to the one and a sealed book to the
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