ciliatory tone" was recommended to all Jesuit teachers. Thus Father Nadal laid it down as a rule for all teachers that "both in the subject for written exercises and in the explanation of the catechism they should proceed with the greatest moderation. Especially in Germany, France, etc., they should not use any contumelious epithets against their opponents; nay they should not even style them heretics – although in truth they may be such –, but they should call those who adhere to the Augsburg Confession, Protestants, others Anabaptists etc.[1] How, then, is Mr. Painter justified in asserting that the Jesuit system fostered religious pride and intolerance?[2]
Father Canisius gave also beautiful instructions as to the motives and methods of teaching catechism. "We who are of the Society of Jesus," he writes, "wish to provide the little ones of Christ with the salutary milk of his doctrine. It is their welfare that we love and seek to promote. To this end has our Society been instituted, to instruct youth in piety as well as in learning, as far as with the grace of Christ we can accomplish."[3] One of the most essential qualities of a good catechist is kindness of heart and manners. This quality was a marked feature of Canisius' character, one which attracted the children to his instructions. The summary of the catechetical lectures which he gave in Augsburg has been pre-
- ↑ Mon. Paed., p. 113. Pachtler III, 470 (no. 12), 474 (no. 6). Several other documents inculcate the same moderation and spirit of Christian charity. See Janssen, l. c., p. 411, note 1.
- ↑ History of Education, p. 172; see above p. 252.
- ↑ Canisii Epistulae et Acta, vol. III, p. 777.
which do not bear translation here. See Janssen, l. c., pp. 411-413, 441-445.
