Unigenitus

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(so called from its first word, referring to the only-begotten Son), THE BULL, was an instrument which was issued by pope Clement XI, and made its appearance on. Sept. 8, 1713. It was directed against the, French translation of the New Test. with notes, published, by Quesnel, a celebrated Jansenist. In consequence of the disputes which this book had occasioned, it had previously been condemned in 1708; but, this steps being found ineffectual, Clement proceeded to condemn .one hundred and one propositions contained in the notes. The following may be taken as a specimen of the opinions denounced by this bull; "No graces are given except through faith." "The reading of the Sacred Scriptures is for all." "The obscurity of the Sacred Word is no reason for laymen to dispense themselves from reading it." The Lord's day ought to be sanctified by Christians for works of piety, and, above all, for the reading of, the sacred Scripture. It is damnable to wish to withdraw a Christian from this reading. "This bull procured by Louis XIV and the Jesuits, produced great commotions in France. Forty Gallican bishops accepted it; but it was opposed: by many others, especially by Noailles, bishop of Paris. Sixteen bishops, suspended the bull in their dioceses. They were supported by the universities of Paris Rheims, and Naintes, and by the Paris faculties of theology, law, and arts. Many of the prelates and other persons appealed in vain to a general council, and were for this reason called Appellants. A persecution was raised against those who adopted the principles of the Jansenist Quesnel, and many of them were obliged to flee their country. This bull, however, was overruled for good. It tended to confirm Protestants in their separation from Rome; and it affords a full and satisfactory answer to the falsehood put forth by popish priests, that they do not hide the, Scriptures from the people. See Blunt, Dict. of Theol s.v.; Farrar, Eccles. Dict. s.v.