Page:The Great Encyclical Letters of Pope Leo XIII.djvu/497



CHRISTIAN DEMOCRACY. 491

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maintained, it is essential that all refrain from giving any causes of dissension in hurting and ahenating the minds of others. Hence in newspapers and in speeches to the people, let them avoid subtle and useless questions which are neither easy to solve nor to understand except by minds of unusual ability and only after the most serious stud}'. It is quite natural for people to think differently in doubtful questions, but those who address themselves to these subjects in a proper spirit vnW preserve their mental calm and not forget the respect which is due to those who differ from them. If minds see things in another Hght it is not necessar}^ to become alienated forthwith. To whatever opinion a man's judgment may incline, if the matter is yet open to discussion let him keep it, provided his mental attitude is such that he is ready to yield if the Holy See should otherwise decide.

This Catholic action, of whatever description it may be, will work with greater effect if all of the various asso- ciations, while preserving their individual rights, move together under one primary and directive force.

In Italy We desire that this directive force should emanate from the Catholic Congresses and Reunions so often praised by Us, to further which Our predecessor and We Ourselves have ordered that these meetings should be controlled and guided by the bishops of the country. So let it be for other nations, in case there be any leading organization of this description to which this matter has been legitimately entrusted.

Now in all questions of this sort where the interests of the Church and the Christian people are so closely allied, it is evident what they who are in the sacred ministry should do, and it is clear how industrious they should be in inculcating right doctrine and in teaching the duties of prudence and charity. To go out and move among the people, to exert a healthy influence on them by adapt- ing themselves to the present condition of things is what