It is not surprising that the Congregation of the Index found difficulty in classifying the writings of Erasmus. The predecessors of Paul IV had held these writings in favourable consideration, and to certain works had given distinct approval; and they had in various instances extended to the author protection against attacks.[208] In 1516, Leo X praised his “sound morality, his rare scholarship, and his distinguished services,”[209] and had accepted the dedication of his New Testament. The second edition of the New Testament contains an appreciative letter from Leo, dated September 10, 1518. Adrian VI, writing in December, 1522, assures Erasmus that he gave no credence to those who described him as a follower of Luther, and exhorts him to continue the work of writing against the heretics. In January, 1523, the Pope thanks him for the gift of the _Arnobius_.[210] Paul III, in a brief of May, 1535, speaks of “having always held in esteem the honoured name of Erasmus,” and refers to his great learning and eloquence, and to his contests against the pernicious new errors.[211] In August, 1535 (a year before the death of Erasmus), Paul appointed him Provost of Deventer, by reason of his learning, his piety, and the great services he had rendered to the Curia in his sturdy fight with the apostates from the Faith.[212] Later, the Pope spoke of wishing to make him cardinal.[213] The chief opponent of Erasmus among the prelates of Rome was Aleander. Aleander prides himself on having, as he believes, disposed Erasmus favourably towards himself, because he hopes thus to be able to check Erasmus’s opportunities for working further mischief.[214] Another antagonist of Erasmus was Edward Lee, who, in 1532, became Archbishop of York. He wrote three treatises in criticism of the Erasmus edition of the New Testament. On the other hand, Erasmus found bitter assailants among such German Reformation leaders as Luther, v. Hutten, Bucer, Corvinus, and others. Some of the anti-Erasmus treatises of these writers find place in the Index. The ninth volume of the works of Erasmus is made up of the replies to his Protestant critics. From France, also, came sharp criticisms against the writings of Erasmus, but these were the work of orthodox authorities such as the theologians of the Sorbonne, and the inquisitor-general. The Sorbonne sent out, between 1525 and 1530, a number of condemnations of different books of Erasmus, but these continued to come into print in Paris, with or without “privilege.” In 1531, appeared, under the permission of King Francis, editions of the _Paraphrases_ and of the _Colloquia_.[215] In 1542, after the death of Erasmus, the Sorbonne issued a general condemnation of his writings, the list comprising fifteen titles.