Handbook of Notes on Theology

Andrew F. Browne, C.SS.R.

TWENTY-FIRST EDITION
(Thirty-third Thousand)

With important Appendix

ON DEALING WITH MEMBERS OF
ORIENTAL RITES

CATHOLIC TRADE SCHOOL

1916 OROQU IETA MANILA

LIGUORIAN PAMPHLET OFFICE
REDEMPTORIST FATHERS
LIGUORI, MO.
U. S. A.
 FOREWORD

"The proof of the pudding is in the eating." The

"Handbook of Notes on Theology" has stood the test of
seven years. Eight thousand copies issued and a call for a
new edition is evidence enough that it has satisfied many
priests engaged in practical work for the salvation of souls
and the growth of the Mystic Body of Christ.
I have been using the Handbook myself and have
been recommending it ever since its appearance. Its value,
as I see it, is unique. It does not and cannot supplant the
larger and more detailed works on Moral Theology; these
we shall always need, nor is there any intention of dis
couraging their use.
But in the hustle and bustle of priestly life, there is
a distinct place for a book of handy reference and quick
response in the problems that are apt to occur in every
day practice..
Three things are required especially for writing such
a Handbook. In the first place, experience, which enables
the author to know which are the questions that most
frequently come up. In the second place, good judgment,
in order to state as concisely as possible the best opinions.
And thirdly, restraint. For there is no doubt that a man
who knows his theology has many a temptation to add
and expand. We like to show how much we know.
IV FOREWOPThe demand for this Handbook
is evidence enough
that the author's experience is quite true and typical. It
vouches equally for the soundness of the opinions adopted. .While
the fact. this little book does not exceed a hundred pages is
proof of wise restraint. It is a Handbook of Notes.just that.
For these reasons the book appears as a unique
achievement, with a special value for the busy priest. And i t is

safe : every proposition in it was subjected to the closest

scrutiny. It is so concise, every word counts. The bold type
emphasis aids the reader to seize the salient idea
immediately. Here I believe is a little book of great value.
Aug. T. Zeller, C.Ss.R.,

Rector and Lector Theologiae Moralis,

Redemptorist Seminary,
Oconomowoc, Wisc. ..
..:..
.•. .•.
This Foreword was written by Father Zeller
in 1938.
Today, after twenty-two years, I reprint it with
only one
correction, - whereas Father Zeller wrote "eight
thousand
copies issued", today he would write "twenty-
eight thou
sand copies issued and a call for a new
edition", a proof
of the: continued appeal of the Handbook. I have
included
 in this edition principles concerning the use of
chemical
preparations for the physiological control of
fertility, -
principles which are permanent, and, I hope,
fairly com
prehensive.
Andrew F. Browne, C.Ss.R.