The Roman Index of Forbidden Books (Betten)/Section I/Chapter 9
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 όlibrorum sequentes regulas diligenter inspiciant accurateque custodiant." "We wish to admonish and exhort them most urgently to study carefully and observe accurately the following rules for examining and judging books:
I. Let them not imagine that it is their duty to use every means to bring about the condemnation of the books submitted to them. They ought rather to study such books conscientiously, without passion or anxiety (sedato animo), in order to furnish such well-found observations, such objective reasons, as will enable the Congregation to pass a just verdict.
2. Should a consultor find that he is not competent to judge a book which he is asked to examine, let him know that he will not be free from guilt, either before God or man, unless he at once confesses his incompetence. Far from damaging his reputation with the pope or the cardinals, such an avowal will rather gain their esteem and praise for his straghtforwardness and honesty.
3. Let them set aside absolutely all prejudice in favor of nation, family, school or order; let them relinquish all party spirit, and keep before their minds the undoubted doctrine of the Church, as laid down in the decrees of the councils, in papal documents, etc., knowing that there are opinions that, while they seem certain to one nation, school, or order, are, with the knowledge of the Holy See, opposed by others; the Holy See leaving all these opinions in their degree of probability.
4. It must also be borne in mind that it is impossible to judge fairly the meaning of a passage, unless the entire book is studied, and unless the various statements found in different sections are compared with one another, and the whole purpose of the book is steadily kept in view.
5. If an author who enjoys the reputation of sound theological learning, has used expressions which might be understood in a wrong as well as in a right meaning, fairness demands that they be, as far as possible, interpreted in his favor.
These and similar rules . . . must be kept before the minds of the consultors, in order that they may have due regard for their own conscience, the good name of authors, the interests of the Church, and the welfare of souls."