New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-01-24
TO THE BISHOPS or NORTH GERMANY.
A LETTER FROM THE PLrNARY COUNCIL OF BALI
MORE


BALTIMORE, Jan. 23.-The letter to the
Catholic Archbishops and Bishops in North Germany
by the Plenary Council recently in session in
Baltimore has just been made public The letter. which
ia signed by Archbishop Gibbons, has been kept secret
until time. 80 that all danger OF the original being
stopped by the German Government IN transmission
might be avoided Its publication has already been pro-
hibited In Germany The letter is signed by Archbishop
Gibbons Apostolic Delegate 1t expresses the deepest
sympathy with the German bishops In their contest with
the Imperial Government You have loved justice and
hated inquity write the American bishops therefore
one your number suffered glorious death In exile In
which, alas two others still remain separated from
YOU Your splendid words and examples have
from the beginning Of the painful struggle
produced the most salutary fruits; for
them Is chiefly due that admirable fidelity OF your
ocks and that nvincibe steadiastnoss OF your priests
well that grand and truly admirable hrnness OF
the layrnen who publicly defend religious and civil
liberty and by their fearessness and prudence. their
moderation and draw upon themselves tho
admiration OF the whole world. Had ever ono Of you
allowed himself to be ensnarod by the wiles and seduc
lions OF your enemies, terrified by their threats and
deeds of violence what JOY 1t would have been TO your
opponents, what the children OF the faith
How lamenable the confusion OF opinions and of rea-
tons! How IRE parable the loss Of faith and the injury
to moras But on the contrary, each ana all by
mistaken unity Of faith, unanimty OF opinions and
communion OF sucrngs have fortified the souls or the
believers in their faltn raised tncH
them In charity. You have defeated the aim OF the
enemy and shown 10 the world AS clear as ~ That you
are genuine apostles OF truth aud justice, and that the
church OF Christ Is the most solid basis or worldly power
and the safest brcastwork OF civil society.
OF the episcopacy worthy successors of Clenans August
and Martinis whom the fathers Of the fourth proYn-
cal council OF Baltimore, ia the year $780, salutod
the new Athanasiuses and Basils, permit 10 weep
with you In your and rejoice wi you In your
joys At time in this decennium have you been with
out 10y. You rejoice with the Joy OF the
apostles because you were found worthy
va mar
now h seems at last that your sorrows shall be
turned into 10y Many OF churches robbed OF their
Shepherds have changed the mourning robes OF their
wdowhood for the bright wedding garment Two Of
your number from the obscury OF Punishment, which
they sanched by every virtue. have returned again to
the clear light OF day and OF love Those OF you whom
precious OF the Saints have has not yet ad
mitted vision OF the Lord. and who are not kept
by gorious exile have gathered about the grave
the immortal apostle OF Germany VINO himself II Is
true maryred with IN. Gospel In his hand but who
be conquered in his followers Your invincibe
frmness has shown clearly once more that the church
oppressed is tho Church victorious : that 1T would
DO easier u oxtngush the sun than
to destroy the Church : that the eross
stands erect long earth continues to revore
May your Joy he perfect May the mighty once OF
the EARTH By seadastness and guided by
better advisers recall entirely those most unfortunate