Page:The Great Encyclical Letters of Pope Leo XIII.djvu/338



332 CATHOLICITY IN THE UNITED STATES.

nature. But it is very important to take heed with whom they are to associate, lest whilst seeking aid for the improvement of their condition they may be im- perilling far weightier interests. The most effectual pre- caution against this peril is to determine with themselves at no time or in any matter to be parties to the violation of justice. Any society, therefore, which is ruled by and servilely obeys persons who are not steadfast for the right and friendly to religion is capable of being extremely prejudicial to the interests as well of individuals as of the community; beneficial it cannot be. Let this conclusion, therefore, remain firm â€” to shun not only those associa- tions which have been openly condemned by the judg- ment of the Church, but those also which, in the opinion of intelhgent men, and especially of the bishops, are regarded as suspicious and dangerous.

Nay, rather, unless forced by necessity to do othenvise, Catholics ought to prefer to associate with Catholics, a course which will be very conducive to the safeguarding of their faith. As presidents of societies thus formed among themselves, it will be well to appoint either priests or upright laymen of weight and character, guided by whose counsels they should endeavor peacefully to adopt and carry into effect such measures as may seem most advantageous to their interests, keeping in view the rules laid down by Us in Our Encyclical, Rerum Novarum. Let them, however, never allow this to escape their memory: that whilst it is proper and desirable to assert and secure the rights of the many, yet this is not to be done by a violation of duty; and that these are very important duties; not to touch what belongs to another; to allow every one to be free in the management of his own affairs; not to hinder any one to dispose of his services when he please and where he please. The scenes of violence and riot which you witnessed last year in your own country sufficiently admonish you that America too is threatened with the audacity and ferocity of the