(_n_) Whence Saint Gregory in his LXXXVI Division, and in many places.

(_o_) This entire section should be read with regard to profane
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. § 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