Leo XII. declares of it “That it strolls with effrontery through the world, contemning the traditions of the Holy Fathers, and contrary to the well-known decree of the council of Trent, labours with all its might and by every means to translate or rather pervert the Holy Bible into the vulgar language of every nation, from which proceeding it is greatly to be feared that what is ascertained to have happened to some passages may also occur with regard to others: to wit that by a perverse interpretation the gospel of Christ is turned into a human gospel, or what is still worse into the gospel of the DEVIL.” To the same effect is the language of the present Pope in one of his Encyclical Letters. {8} But I acknowledge that all this does not apply to the main point which I desire to urge this evening. The question that now presents itself is “what is the practice of the Church of Rome in reference to the possession of the Scriptures by their people, even in their own received versions.” And one of the reasons why I am not satisfied with this document issued by the Romish Priests, is, that it would seem to imply—(I acknowledge it is not _stated_, but I ask any man of common sense what would be the impression produced on his mind on reading this acknowledgment) that the Church of Rome does circulate the Scriptures generally? I ask any candid man, would not you conclude and infer from their words, that the only objection of the Romish Church is to the circulation of _what they consider erroneous versions_, _but that they are endeavouring to circulate their own_? I appeal to your judgments whether what I say is not a fair and legitimate inference from their language. I believe, in my conscience, that it is intended to convey that impression.