rofane
knowledge according to Jerome, and the threefold reason why it should be
acquired is shown: namely that it be not neglected, that it be not
unknown, that it may be refuted[X]. So we read some, as the Old and New
Testament, that we may not neglect them. Some we read (as the Arts) that
we may not be ignorant of them. Some, as the writings of the heretics,
that we may refute them. Some (we read) that they be not neglected, as
the Old Testament.

(_a_) For although of no use yet knowledge of them is necessary, as in
dist. VII. cap. ult.

(_b_) As the books of heretics. As XXIV. quaestio III. cap. ult.

(_c_) Geometry. He does not mention Astronomy because this subject has
fallen into disuse as XXVJ. quaest. II. Sec. his ita.

Those who are unwilling to partake of the table (_d_) [i.e. meat]
and wine of the king, that they may not be defiled, surely would
never consent to learn that which was unlawful if they knew that
(_e_) the wisdom and learning of the Babylonians was sinful. They
learn, however, not that they may conform thereto, but that they
may judge and convict. For example, if any one ignorant of
mathematics should wish to write against the mathematicians, he
would expose himself to ridicule; also in contending against the
philosophers, if he should be ignorant of the dogmas of the
philosophers. With this intent therefore they would learn the
wisdom of the Chaldeans just as Moses had learned all the wisdom
of the Egyptians. So too: If ever we are compelled to call to
mind profane literature, and from it to learn things we before
had omitted, it is not a matter of our personal desire, but, so
to speak, of the weightiest necessity,--in order that we may
prove that those events which were foretold (_f_) many ages ago
by the holy prophets are contained (_g_) in the writings of the
Greeks, as well as in those of the Latins and other Gentiles.

So, too, from the synod of Pope Eugene:

=Bishops should appoint teachers and instructors in suitable
places.=[Y]

The report has come to us with regard to certain regions that
neither teachers, nor care for the pursuit of letters, is found.
Therefore, in every way, care and diligence should be used by all
the bishops among the peoples subject to them, and in other
places where the necessity may arise, that teachers and
instructors b