Finally, in 1595 the decrees embodying the statutes of the Church upon this topic were issued in print, together with a largely augmented catalogue of interdicted books.

This document will form the basis of what I have to say with regard to the Catholic crusade against literature.
Not without reason did Aonio Paleario call this engine of the Index 'a dagger drawn from the scabbard to assassinate letters'-- _sica districta in omnes scriptores_.[116] Not without reason did Sarpi describe it as 'the finest secret which has ever been discovered for applying religion to the purpose of making men idiotic.'[117] [Footnote 116: In his _Oratio pro se ipso ad Senenses_.

Printed by Gryphius at Lyons in 1552.] [Footnote 117: _1st.

del Conc.Trid_.

vol.ii.p.