Preface to This Fourth Edition

This fourth edition, which, being occupied by various affairs, we could not prepare except after a rather long delay, seems to assume almost the character of a new work.

For the arrangement of the earlier editions has been thoroughly changed, since the matters are now distributed according to this plan: that after the general part we explain the several General Decrees, each in its own order. Yet, lest the usefulness of the former arrangement entirely perish, in the third part of the work, in a few pages, we give a summary of the decrees, conformable to the "logical" plan which we had previously kept.

Thus far concerning the order. But many things have been added. For since, during these years, not a few doubts or questions have been proposed to us, we have tried to meet all these in this new edition, which will thus give a fuller explanation of the subject. At the end of the work, we have transcribed both Constitutions of the law now in force: that of Leo XIII, Officiorum, and that of Benedict XIV, Sollicita.

Our commentaries, which were the first to appear shortly after the Constitution Officiorum had been issued, obtained many approvers, and also some imitators, even down to the very words.

Nevertheless, concerning some cases, men whom we greatly esteem have held different opinions. We have not failed to weigh their arguments with sincere mind; and if any seemed valid, we have willingly admitted them, so that we might thus offer to our readers the fruit of another's wisdom.

With a like zeal for truth, it has been necessary even now to put forward certain new judgments. If perhaps all things should not at once please someone, we nevertheless assure him that we have written nothing which we did not first maturely consider, and which we did not see confirmed by the vote of learned friends.

This one thing we desire: that this work, however small a thing of ours it may be, may be acceptable to God, and in some measure profitable to the Church and to the faithful.