The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1879-01-26

duty cannot lawfully be postponed for
others are neglected since, by reason of
the perverted teaching and audacious
counseIs of per6dious men who have thrown
OF all restraint of law, religious, political,
and social order is seen to be threatened
with such grave destruction, that We should
hold Ourselves to be neglecting the duty
of Oar Apostolic Ministry, if We did not
provide for human society, 10 this most
dangerous crisis of it's existence, the eff ca
cious remedies which the Church has to
| oner. From this purpose, therefore, of
saving all, and particularly your nation,
Venerable Brother, no obstacles, from
whatever quarter they may be interposed,
will turn Us aside. For Our heart will
never be able to rest, as long ss, to the
great loss of souls, We see the Pastors of
the Church condemned OF exiled, the Min
istry of the priesthood fettered in every
way, the Religious Communities and pions
Congregations overthrow and ecattered,
and the education of youth, not even that
of the clergy being excepted. withdrawn
from the authority and watchful care of the
Bishops. And that this work of salvation
undertaken by Us may be more perfectly
and speedily accomplished We call upon
you, Venerable Brother, and the other
lllustrious Bishops of thoee your countries
to strive together with Us, with united de-
sires and efforts, doing your best that the
faithful committed to your charge may
show themselves more aud more docile to
the teachings of the Church, and may every
day more exactly observe the preecrip-
tions of the Divine law, Sd that "the COM
munication of their faith may b. more |
manifest in the acknowledgme of every |
good work. which ia in them in Christ
Jesus." (Philem. 6 J Thence it will result |
that by their moderation and obedience to !
the laws mot repuguaht to the faith and
duty of Catholic) they will chow them
selves worthy to receive the blessings of
peace and long to enjoy it's happy fruits.
But you are perfectly aware, Venerable
Brother, that Oar endeavors in SO grave
matter will be aitos sether vain, un!ess We
have the blessing aud help Of God for
''upless He build the house they have
labored in vain who build it," (Ps. cxxvi)
Him fervent supplications and prayers,
and earnestly beseech Him to enlighten
His Vicar on earth aud the Bishops with
heavenly light; and implore Him, since
the hearts of Kings are in His hand, Him
self to incline to moro gentle counsels the
linstrious and powerful Emperor of the
Germans, and the distinguished persenages
who are his advisers.
Lastly, since the prayer of many in one
accord offers kind of violence to the Di
7ine goodness, We desire that the Bishops
If Germany should by a common exhorta-
ion excite the focks over whom they pre-
ide to pray in united applications that |
he Divine help may be present and pro f
'itous to Oar efforts.
In the meanwhile, as an augnry of I
eavenly gifts and as a pledge of Oar love, l
We impart to you, Venerable Brother, !
nd also to the other Bishops of Germany, \
nd to the faithful entrusted to yonr aud
heir vigilance, with the deepest affection G
f heart in the Lord, the Apostolic Bene- G
iction.
Given at Rome at st. Peters the 24th
ay of December, 1878 In the frat year e
f Our Pontifcate. LEO PIP. XIII. q