The Constitution ?Apostolicae Sedis Moderationi? Explained

Indeed, it appears to me that there are many theological questions besides the Constitution which I am about to ex plain, such, for instance, as Probabilism, the Sacrament of Penance, the Sacrament and Sacrifice of the Eucharist, Vows, Oaths, &c., which, if discussed in English in a some· what familiar style, but still with scholastic precision, would be read with deep interest by many priests, by ecclesiastical students, and by educated laymen. Perhaps some willing hands may be found to join and work with a common purpose, in bringing out a series of short theological Tracts written in English on these and kindred subjects. This would certainly render more popular a science the importance of which no one denies, but the study of which many, who are engaged in the busy occupations of life, regret, is not brought sufficiently within their reach. This want must be particularly felt with regard to the Constitution which I have undertaken to explain. What I proposed to myself in this First Part is to consider the general bearings of the different parts of the Constitution on one another, and to lay down the general lines on which the interpretation of each part must proceed. In doing so I shall, of necessity, have to explain a few of the fundamental principles of the Censure Tract. But it is unnecessary to add, that this work of mine lays no claim, and makes no pretence, to be in any sense a Treatise on Censures. Indeed, such a lengthened exposition as this, of anyone Constitution, no matter how important, would be altogether out of place in a general Tract on Censures. Such a Tract, "De Censuris' in Genere," worthy of his other works, has been for many years written, though not as yet published, by my learned colleague, Dr. Murray, our Senior Professor of Theology. Through his kindness I have read it through, and it is needless to say that I found in it most valuable and accurate information. I can only hope that he will soon find time to complete it by the addition of the Censures in Specie, and that he will then give to the world what will b'e a complete and an exhaustive Tract on Censures.