Page:The Great Encyclical Letters of Pope Leo XIII.djvu/197



CHIEF DUTIES OF CHRISTIANS AS CITIZENS l&I

The life of Jesus Christ pervades, therefore, the entire framework of this body, cherishes and nourishes its every member, uniting each with each, and making all work together to the same end, albeit the action of each be not the same.^ Hence it follows that not only is the Church a perfect society far excelhng every other, but it is en- joined by her Founder that for the salvation of mankind she is to contend o^ an army drawn up in battle array. ^ The organization and constitution of Christian society can in no wise be changed, neither can any one of its members hve as he may choose, nor elect that mode of fighting which best pleases him. For in effect he scatters and gathers not, who gathers not with the Church and with Jesus Christ, and all who fight not jointly with him and with the Church are in very truth contending against God.3

To bring about such a union of minds and uniformity of action â€” not without reason so greatly feared by the enemies of Cathohcism, â€” the main point is that a perfect harmony of opinion should prevail; in which intent we find Paul the Apostle exhorting the Corinthians with earnest zeal and solemn weight of words: Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no schisms among you: but that you be perfectly in the same mind, and in the same judgment.*

The wisdom of this precept is readily apprehended. In truth, thought is the principle of action, and hence there cannot exist agreement of will, nor similarity of action, if people all think differently one from the other.

In the case of those who profess to take reason as their

' As in one body we have many members, but all the members have not the same office. â€” Rom. xii. 4, 5.

^ Canticles vi. 9.

^ Who is not with Me, is against Me, and he who gathereth not with Me, scattereth. â€” Luke xi. 22.


 * 1 Cor. i. 10.