Great care is taken to have all books examined by men who are not only well versed in the subject matter, but who also understand thoroughly the language in which they happen to be written. Nor does the Congregation in important cases confine itself to its regular consultors; whenever it seems advisable, the services of other competent critics are enlisted. All the members of the Congregation are bound by oath to keep absolute secrecy with regard to every detail of the official transactions, no matter whether a book under discussion is finally condemned or not. By this means each feels more free in giving his opinion, and the reputation of the author is spared as long and as much as possible. 9. The Spirit of the Congregation of the Index. As to the spirit that should actuate the members of the Congregation of the Index, the rules laid down for its consultors by Benedict XIV in the Bull “Sollicita ac provida” are instructive. “_Ipsos ... monemus ac vehementer hortamur ut in examine iudicioque librorum 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: 1. 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 straightforwardness 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.