The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-01-29
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council OF Baltimore had concluded It's
labors. the duty still remained OF put
ting, so 10 speak. a proper and becom-
ing crown upon the work. This, We per-
ccived, could scarcely be done in a moro
fitting manner than through the due
establishment by the Apostolic See OF an
American legation. Accordingly. as you
are well aware, we have done this. BY
this action, as we have elsewhere init
mated, We have wished. first OF all. TO
certify that In our judgment and affec-
tion America occupies the same place
and rights as other States, be they ever
SO mighty and imperial. In addition to
this, we had In mind TO draw more closely
the bonds OF duty and friendship which
connect you and so many thousands OF
Catholics with the Apostolic See.
AN APPEAL ron HARMONY.
But how unjust and base would be the
suspicion, should IL anywhere exist, that
the powers conferred on the Legate are
an obstacle to the authorities of the
bishops. Sacred TO us (more than any
other) are the rights of those whom the
Holy Ghost has placed as bishops TO rule
the Church OF God.
That these rights should remain intact
I'm every nation, In every part OF the
globe, we both desire and ought to desire,
the more so since the dignity OF the in-
dlviduai bishops is by nature so inter-
woven with the dignity OF the Roman
PontIff that any measure which benefits
the one necessarily protects the other.
Therefore. since II Is the Office ara func-
tion OF an Apostolic Legate. with what
soever powers he may be vested, TO exc
cute the mandates and interpret the viii
OF the Pontiff who sends him. far from his
being of any detriment the ordinary
power of the bishops he will rather bring
an accession OF stability and strength.
His authority will possess no slight
weight for preserving In the multitude
submissive spirit In the CLERGY discipline
and due reverence for the Bishops; ana
in the bishops mutual charity and an IN
innate union of souls. And since this
union. so salutary and desirable, consists
mainly in harmony of thought and ac-
tlon, he will no doubt brng IL to pass
that each one OF you shall persevere In
the dlligent administration Of his diocese
affairs: that one shall not impede aoother
in matters of government; that one shall
not pry into the counsels and conduct OF
another: finally. that with disagreement
eradicated and mutual esteem maintained.
you may all work together with combined
American Church and the general welfare.
1t is difficult to estimate the good results
which will flow from this concord OF the
bishops. our own people will receive edi-
fcation, and the force of the example
will have its effect on those without, who
will be persuaded by this argument alone
that the Divine Apostoiate has descended
by Inheritance to the ranks OF the Cath
olic Episcopate.
KEEP STEP WITH THE REPUBLIC.
Another consideration claims our earnest
attention. All intelligent men are agreed.
and we Ourselves have with pleasure
intimated II above, that America seems
destined for greater things. Now, IL Is
our wish that the Catholic Church should
not only share in, but help TO bring
about this prospective greatness. We
deem It right and proper that she should,
by awaiting herself ofN the opportunities
daily presented to her, keep equal step,
with the Republic in the march ef-s1
provement. at the same time striving to
the utmost, by her virtue and her In
stltutions, 10 aid In the rapid growth OF
the States. Now, she will attain both
these objects the more easily and abun-
danuy In proportion to the degree in
which the future shall find her consti-
tulon reflected But what Is the mean
ing Of the legation Of which we are
speaking, or what Is its ultimate aim.
except to bring it about that the consti-
tuition OF the Church shall be strengthen
ed, her discipline better fortified.
Wherefore we ardently desire that the
truth should sink day by day more deep
ly into the minds OF Catholics, namely,
that they can in no better way safe
guard their individual interest and the
common good than by yielding hearty
submission and obedience TO the Church.
The encyclical then afiirms the Chris
tian dogma of the unity and indissolus
bihty of marriage, and renews condem-
nation OF dlverce.
As regards civil affairs those Of the
clergy who are occupied with the In
structlon OF the multitude are eajoined
10 treat plainly the topic of the duties
OF the citizens, SO that all may under
stand and feel the necessity In political
life OF consciousness, self-restraint and
integrity, for that cannot be lawful In
law which Is unlawful In private affairs.
In like manner let the priests be per-
sistent in keeping before the minds OF
the people the enactments OF the third
council of Baltimore, practically those
which indicate the virtue Of temperance,
the frequent use OF the sacraments aud
the observance Of the just laws and In
stltutions Of the Republic.
INJUNCTION As TO SECRET SOCIETIES.
Now. with regard TO entering societies.
extreme care should be taken not 10 be
ensnared by error. Ana we wisn 10 D
understood as referring In a special man.
ner TO the working classes, VINO assuredly
have the right to unite In associations
for the promotion or their interestS-a
right acknowledged by the Church ana
unopposed by nature. But IL rs very I'M
nortant 10 take heed with whom they
are 10 be associated, else, whilst seeking
aids for the Improvement OF their con-
dltlon they may be imperiling far
weightier interests. The most effectual
precaution against this peril Is TO deter
mine with themselves at no time or IN
any matter 10 be parties 10 the violation
OF Justice Any society, therefore, WHICH
* ruled by and servilely obeys persons
who are not steadfast for the right ana
friendly TO religion is capable OF being
extremely prejudicial 10 the interests, as
well OF individuals as OF the community;
beneficial II cannot be- Let this conciu-
sion. therefore, remain iirfn, 10 shun not
only those associations wnich nave peen
onenly condemned by the judgments OF
the Church. but those also which. In the
opinion OF intelligent men, and especially
of the bishops, are regarded as suspicious
and dangerous.
Nav. rather. unless forced by necessity
10 do otherwise, Catholics ought to prefer
70 associate with Catholics, course
which will be very conducive 10 the SAFE
guarding OF their faith.
As presidents Of societies thus formed
among themselves, II would be well TO
appoint either priests OF upright laymen
OF weight and character. guided by whose
counsel. they should endeavor peacefully
TO adopt and carry into effect such