[maryz]

but only after a license in writing was obtained from the proper ecclesiastical authority, a license which was given only in extremely rare cases.

In 17th century England, all books had to be licensed by the civil authorities before they could be printed. The practice is condemned (and so memorialized, in a sense) by Milton in his Areopagitica. The civil authorities were not persuaded.

[fortheDeclaration]

[but only after a license in writing was obtained from the proper ecclesiastical authority, a license which was given only in extremely rare cases.]

In 17th century England, all books had to be licensed by the civil authorities before they could be printed. The practice is condemned (and so memorialized, in a sense) by Milton in his Areopagitica. The civil authorities were not persuaded.

And that was Roman Catholic Policy as well.

So religious tyranny and secular tyranny both attack freedom-what a shock!