When a dogma of the faith is to be treated either before the people or others, never propound the truth in a hypothetical form, which is fraught with danger. Thus, do not say:--"Does the soul die with the body or does it pass to another life?" ... "Is Jesus Christ a mere man; or is he the Son of God?" Always use the affirmative form:--"The soul does not die with the body; the soul will live for ever." ... "Jesus Christ is the Son of God; he is God Himself." Otherwise, you will seem to question those verities, and may give rise to doubts. Such was the result in the cause of an artisan, who remarked, after listening to a sermon:--"For my part, I was quite sure that there was another life; but I learn from what the preacher has stated to-day, that there is something to be said against as well as in favor of the doctrine." The people like a strong, self-reliant, and fearless affirmative, declared boldly and sincerely in the name of God, which admits of no buts, or ifs, but which descends from on high, claiming the ready assent of all without distinction. {125} Discussion is not the way to teach Christianity. It must be fully understood that the truth of the Gospel is not the conclusion of an argument; that it depends neither on the talents of the preacher, not yet on the acceptance of the hearer; that all such accidents do not affect it in any way. Christianity must be expounded just as it is; but in a noble and energetic manner, such as shall cause it to be readily understood and loved in spite of all opposition. Nevertheless, in condescension to human infirmity, you may occasionally justify God, as the Divine word says, by pointing out the fitness of a Catholic truth; but this must be by the way only. Resume quickly the high standing of a man who speaks in the name of God--_tanquam potestatem habens_--who is himself controlled by a truth which he cannot modify in the least degree. Call in frequently the aid of faith; prove, without stating that you are going to prove; and, in order the better to combat men's errors, confront human authority with the authority of God.