Our school principal purchased this edition of the Vulgate as a gift to our graduating Latin scholars. What was of great interest to me was the piece of paper inside the book’s cover. It included “Special Rules for Bibles or Books Containing Sacred Texts”. I thought our Gottesdienst readers would find them as interesting as I did; so here they are.

1. A Bible is not a ‘coaster’. Do not set drinks or food on a Bible.

2. Store in a clean, dry, and if possible, a prominent place so it is visible and easily accessed.

3. Avoid stacking books of lesser dignity on top of it.

4. When no longer of use to its owner, it should be given away or sold to another.

5. If it cannot be given away or sold, it should be thoroughly burned and the ashes buried in a suitable place. This will help prevent it from falling into the hands of those who might desecrate God’s Word. “Nolite dare sanctum canibus…Give not that which is holy to dogs…” (Matthew 7:6).

6. Do not ‘dog-ear’ or fold the pages to mark them. Use a thin strip of paper instead. Avoid using an excessive number of thick book marks or prayer cards. This puts stress on the binding.

7. Writing notes, underlining, or highlighting in a Bible is permissible if it is done discreetly and does not obscure the inspired text. Do not cross out words or cut and paste portions of the inspired text. If you do not like the the translation of your Bible - get a different one!