Let them gradually appoint to the more responsible
positions those whom practical experience will prove to be
more efficient. Above all things, the clergy should hold
to the rule that they are not to allow themselves to be
mixed up in party strifes. Although it is a maxim of
common law that he who fights for God should not be
involved in worldly pursuits, We deem it necessary that
men in Holy Orders in the present condition of affairs in
the Philippine Islands should avoid this in a special man-
ner. Moreover, since there is great power in harmony of
sentiment for accomplishing every great useful work for
the sake of religion, let all the priests, whether secular or
religious, cultivate it most zealously. It is certainly proper
that they who are one body of the one head Christ should
not envy one another, but be of one will, loving one another
with brotherly charity. To foster this charity and main-
tain a vigorous discipline the bishops are reminded how
very useful it is to convene a synod occasionally as time and
place may require. In this way there will easily be unity
in thought and action. To keep the first fervor of the priests
from cooling and to preserve and increase the virtues
which are worthy of the priesthood, the practice of the
spiritual exercises is most helpful. The bishops must
therefore see that all who have been called to the vine-
yard of the Lord should at least every third year go into
retreat in some suitable place to meditate on the eternal
truths, to remove the stains contracted by worldly con-
tamination and renew their ecclesiastical spirit. Effort
must be made to have the study of the sacred sciences
kept alive among the clergy by frequent exercise. For
the lips of the priest shall keep knowledge, which he can
teach the faithful, who shall seek the law at his mouth}
For this purpose there is nothing better than to have
conferences frequently, both on moral and on hturgical
questions. If the difficulties of travelling, or the small
number of priests, or any other similar cause prevents
