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 have for all an ill-omened meaning, a suspicious note.

History does not contradict itself. Socialism has its gospel, and that gospel, too, is accepted by upright and balanced consciences. And if, among the struggles and controversies through which it has arisen and has had to defend its existence, it has proceeded to excesses, these cannot be reduced by combating it as you are doing, by opposing to it another and a bastard Socialism. Two forces which are naturally opposed cannot be fused, and the struggle between them will endure until the younger and the stronger has destroyed the other. If you fear Socialism, let Catholics penetrate its organizations and institutions, and import into them the calm spirit of peace and of Christian love.

A bold step for the Church, one which requires an exact and clear perception of the position of modern society; and that, perhaps, you have not. Nor, we assure