The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-02-24

piacale ana 10 Drlng uOWn the pleSs-
ings of heaven when to such prayers
bodily modification is added.
But if there be those who prefer to
form one body without the obligation
of the vows, let them pursue such
course. 1t is not new in the church
nor in anywise censurable. Let them
be careful however, not to set forth
such a state above that of religious
orders. But rather since mankind are
more disposed at the present time to
indulge themselves in pleasures, let
those be held in greater esteem, who,
having left all things, have followed
Christ
Final, do not delay too long; it is
stated that the way and method
hitherto in use among Catholics for
bringing back those who have fallen
away from the church should be left
aside and another one chosen, in waicn
matter it will suffice to note that it is
not the part of prudence to neglect
that which antiquity in its long ex~
perience has approved, and which IS
also taught by apostolic authority.
The Scriptures teach us that it is the
duty of all to be solicitious for the sal
walton of ones neighbor, according TO
the power and position of each. The
faithful do this by religdously discharg-
ing the duties of their state of life, by
the uprightness of their conduct, by
their works Of Christian charity and by
earnest and continuous prayer to Goa.
On the other hand, those who belong
to the clergy should do this by an en-
lightened fulfillment of their preaching
ministry. by the pomp and splendor of
their ceremonies especially, by setting
forth that sound form of doctrines
which ST. Paul inculcated upon Titus
and Timothy. But if, among the dit
ferent ways of preaching the word OF
God one sometimes seems to be prefer
able which is directed to nom Cathollcs'
not in churches, but in some suitable
place, in such wise that controversy rs
not sought by friendly conference such
a method is certainly without fault.
Rut let those who undertake such min
istry be set apart by the authority of
the Bishops, and let them be men whose
science and virtue have been previously
ascertained. For we think that there
are many in your country who are
separated from Catholic truth more by
ignorance than by i'll will, who might
perchance more easily be drawn to the
one fold of Christ if this truth be set
forth to them in friendly and familiar
way.
From the foregoing it is manifest,
beloved son, that we are not able to
give approval to those views, which
in their collective sense are called by
some 'Americanism.' But if by this
name are to be understood certain
endowments of mind which belong TO
the American people, just as other
characteristics belong to various other
nations; and if, moreover, by it is des-
ignated your political condition and
the laws and customs by which you
are governed, there is no reason ,c
take exception to the name. But II
this is to be so understood that the
doctrines which have been adverted 20
above are not only indicated, but ex-
allied, there can be no manner of doubt
that our venerable brethren, the Bish-
ops of America, would be the first to
repudiate and condemn it as being
most injurious to themselves and to
their country; for it would give rise to
the suspicion that there are among you
some who conceive and would have
the church in America to be different
world.
But the true church is one as by
unity of doctrine so by unity of gov
eminent, and she is Catholic also.
Since God has placed the center and
foundation of unity in the chair OF
blessed Peter, she is rightly called the
Roman Church, for where Pier is there
is the church. Wherefore, if anybody
wishes to be considered real Cath
Ole he ought to be able to say from
his heart the selfsame words Whlcn
Jerome addressed to Pope Damascus:
I. acknowledging no other leader than
Christ am bound in fellowship with
your holiness; that is. with the char
of Peter 1 know that the church was
built upon him as it's rock, and that
whatsoever gathereth not with you
scattereth.'
I'VE have thought it fitting. beloved
son. in view of your office, that thls
letter should be addressed specially 10
YOU. 1t will also be our care to see
that copies are sent to the Bishops OF
the United States, tsetifying again
that love by which we embrace your
whole country, a country which in past
times has done so much for the cause
of religion. and which will by the D1-
vine assistance continue to DO sun
greater things To you, and to all the
faithful of America, we grant most
lovingly. as a pledge of Divine assist
ance our apostolic benediction.
"Giyen at Rome, from st. Peters,
the ood day of January, 1899, and the
tbirty-frst Of our pontificate.
LEO Kill