Question II: What sedition is

Sedition is a dissension of citizens, as it were some going apart by themselves.

It is indeed, of its kind, a mortal sin, since it is repugnant to the peace of the Republic: And it is against Charity, nay even against justice. See D. Thom. art. 2. and Tanner disp. 2. quaest. 6. dub. 7. num. 94.

Many Seditions, gravely punished by God, are related by S. Doctor in the Bibliis pauperum, cap. 50. especially against Moses. Exodus 15. 16. Num. 11. 21.

He relates the sedition of the Ephraimites against Jephte Judg. 12. and of the Jews against Roboam 3. Kings 12.

It is certain, however, that on the part of those who defend justice and truth, it is not a sin, as D. Thom. teaches art. 2. Caietan in summa, V. seditio, Valencia disp. 3. quaest. 17. puncto 2. Whence these are not properly to be called seditious.

Sedition moreover is a special sin against Charity, to which it is repugnant in a special way, differing from Discord, Schism, War, and Riot, as D. Thom. shows art. 1.

Discord indeed is only in the souls; sedition, however, breaks forth also outside.

Schism is opposed to the unity of the Church; sedition, however, to the political unity of the Republic.

War is between entire Republics; sedition, however, between the members of the same Republic.

Riot is between two, or a few; but Sedition is among very many. Wherefore the Apostle 2. Corinth. 2. enumerates seditions as sins distinct from others.

Sedition is therefore against the peace of Charity, but materially; it is also against justice, insofar as it inflicts damage on the Republic and its citizens. See Valencia.