Free Thought in Literature—­Growth of the Index Librorum Prohibitorum—­Sanction given to it by the Council of Trent—­The Roman Congregation of the Index—­Final Form of the Censorship of Books under Clement viii.—­Analysis of its Regulations—­Proscription of Heretical Books—­Correction of Texts—­Purgation and Castration—­Inquisitorial and Episcopal Licenses—­Working of the System of this Censorship in Italy—­Its long Delays—­Hostility to Sound Learning—­Ignorance of the Censors—­Interference with Scholars in their Work—­Terrorism of Booksellers—­Vatican Scheme for the Restoration of Christian Erudition—­Frustrated by the Tyranny of the Index—­Dishonesty of the Vatican Scholars—­Biblical Studies rendered nugatory by the Tridentine Decree on the Vulgate—­Decline of Learning in Universities—­Miserable Servitude of Professors—­Greek dies out—­Muretus and Manutius in Rome—­The Index and its Treatment of Political Works—­Machiavelli—­Ratio Status—­Encouragement of Literature on Papal Absolutism—­Sarpi’s Attitude—­Comparative Indifference of Rome to Books of Obscene or Immoral Tendency—­Bandello and Boccaccio—­Papal Attempts to control Intercourse of Italians with Heretics

CHAPTER IV.

     The company of Jesus.

Vast Importance of the Jesuits in the Counter-Reformation—­Ignatius Loyola—­His Youth—­Retreat at Manresa—­Journey to Jerusalem—­Studies in Spain and Paris—­First Formation of his Order at Sainte Barbe—­Sojourn at Venice—­Settlement at Rome—­Papal Recognition of the Order—­Its Military Character—­Absolutism of the General—­Devotion to the Roman Church—­Choice of Members—­Practical and Positive Aims of the Founder—­Exclusion of the Ascetic, Acceptance of the Worldly Spirit—­Review of the Order’s Rapid Extension over Europe—­Loyola’s Dealings with his Chief Lieutenants—­Propaganda—­The Virtue of Obedience—­The Exercitia Spiritualia—­Materialistic Imagination—­Intensity and Superficiality of Religious Training—­The Status of the Novice—­Temporal Coadjutors—­Scholastics—­Professed of the Three Vows—­Professed of the Four Vows—­The General—­Control exercised over him by his Assistants—­His Relation to the General Congregation—­Espionage a Part of the Jesuit System—­Advantageous Position of a Contented Jesuit—­The Vow of Poverty—­Houses of the Professed and Colleges—­The Constitutions and Declarations—­Problem of the Monita Secreta—­Reciprocal Relations of Rome and the Company—­Characteristics of Jesuit Education—­Direction of Consciences—­Moral Laxity—­Sarpi’s Critique—­Casuistry—­Interference in Affairs of State—­Instigation to Regicide and Political Conspiracy—­Theories of Church Supremacy—­Insurgence of the European Nations against the Company

CHAPTER V.

     Social and domestic morals I part I.