Chapter XXXII. Against curiosity in books

62. He taught that the testimony of God rather than value, and edification rather than beauty, should be sought in books. Still, he wished that a few should be kept, and that they should be adapted to the requirements of needy brethren: and so when a certain Minister asked that certain ambitious and very valuable books might be kept by his permission, this was what he heard in reply: "I am not going to lose the book of the Gospel, which I have promised to obey, for the sake of thy books. Do however what thou wilt: my permission shall not be made a snare."