will be seen from the supposition implied in the error condemned.
The supposition is, that denials of a truth are simply different forms of the same truth, and that two antago nistic systems maybe equally true, and alike the Word of God.
§ IV.—Secret Societies, Communism, etc.
As I find no propositions here, I may pass this heading over in silence. The reign of terror of Parisian Communism has more than justified the Pontifical censure passed on this class of errors.
§ V.—Errors concerning the Church and her rights.
§ VI.—Errors concerning the State considered both in itself and in its relations to the Church.
I put these two paragraphs together, as my prefatory remarks will apply to both alike. I may have to say over again something already said in a former pamphlet on the "Vatican Decrees," but shall study to be as short as possible. A few words on the Church in herself, and then on the Church in her relation to the State, will be a necessary introduction to my subject.
Is the Church a society, or body politic? If so, is she a perfect or an imperfect society?
First, let us define terms. A society is a body of men conspiring together by united efforts for the attainment of a common end. We have in this definition four elements; the multitude of human beings, their moral union, the means of attainment of the end, and
