John 7:49

This people; the common people, to whom the Pharisees imputed criminal ignorance of the Scriptures. Tyrannical teachers and rulers fear the elevation and influence of the common people. They wish to keep them in ignorance, and are often opposed even to their reading the Bible, and judging of its meaning. They would themselves do the reading and judging, as well as the governing. If others undertake to exercise their inalienable rights, they are filled with wrath, and ready to pronounce them accursed. But such curses will rebound on their authors. Psalms 109:17.