The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-03
THE POPEs ENCLYCLICAL.
Leo xIlIs End Of the Century Adj
dress to the Faithful

dress to the Faithful.
NEW YORK, Dec. There has Just
been received here from Rome copy OF
the Pope's encyclical on Jesus Christ the
Redeemer." The encyclical is intended by
the Pope as an end OF the century address
by him to the Catholic faithful. In this
country the Bishops will transmit the en-
cyclical to their priests, who, in turn. will
read it to the people,
Although it is not possible. the Pope
says, to look to the future without anx-
'ety and the dangers to be feared are
neither light nor few. the sources Of evil
private and public. being so many and so
'hveterate, still, through Gods goodness.
me end OF the century seems to afford
come ground for hope and comfort. At a
single sign from the, Roman Pontin a
great multitude OF pilgrims thronged
Rome during the Holy Year. Who, asks
the Pope, could fail to be moved by this
spectacle Of extraordinary devotion to-
ward the Saviour? Would, he says, that
those flames of the old Catholic piety
which had as it were. been bursting forth.
developed into great fire, and that the
excellent example set by many pilgrims
might move the rest of the world.
The Pope asserts that il they recognized
that nothing could be more wretched than
to have left the Redeemer of the world and
abandoned Christian customs and teach
ings, surely all would arise. and. changing
their course, seek to escape certain ruin.
To, preserve and extend the kingdom of
God on earth is the Office of the Church,
and now that special opportunities are Of
fered during the holy year. the knowl-
edge and the love of Jesus Christ should be
more largely dlffused by teaching. persuas-
len, and exhortation, directed not SO much
TO those who listen attentively as to all
those unhappy ones. who. while retaining
the Christian name. spend their lives with
out faith and without the love of Christ.
Christ's law. the Pope says, must be
sought absolutely from the Church; and,
accordingly. as Christ is the way for men.
SO also is the Church-he of himself and
by his nature: she by the office conferred
on her and the communication CT power.
Therefore. contends the Pope, whatsoever
look for salvation outside Of the Church
have gone astray, and are Iaboring In vain.
The case. he says. is almost the same with
States as with individuals: they. too. must
end disastrously il they depart from the
way.
The Pope next declares that by a con-
fusion Of ideas both rulers and subjects
hsF'V uCSu leu away the true pain,
for they needed what was wanting-a sure
guide and support. And. he asks. do we
not every day see States which have la
bored hard to ensure an increased public
distressed and suffering in |
many respects. and these OF the highest |
Importance?
True. 1t is asserted that civil society |
suffices for itself. that 1t can get on we'll |
enough without the aid OF Christian insti-
buttons and attain its end by it's own eff
forts alone. Hence it is sought to Iaicise |
The work of public administration. so that |
The traces Of the ancient religion are
laily becoming fewer in civil affairs and |
public life. But the Pope says. those who |
are responsible for this do not perceive
we'll enough the effects of what they are |
ioing. For the idea Of God judging what
IS good and what is evil being given up.
he laws must lose their chief authority |
md justice collapse-two bonds OF the
strongest kind which are essentially nee |
'ssary to human society.
In like manner. says the Pope. when the
lope and expectation Of eternal happiness
rave disappeared, there Is a disposition to
hirst eagerly for earthly goods. and every
me endeavOrs, by all the means in his
lower. to grab as much Of them as he can
or himself. Hence arise Jealous rivalry.
my. haired: then horrible schemes. the
esire to abolish all power. the design to
reate mad ruin everywhere. No tranquil
ity abroad, ne security at home; evil So
iety disfigured by crime. Christ. the Lord.
must be restored to human society as to
is possession.
All the members and parts OF the social
organization must draw and drink from
he fountain of life which proceeds from
in-tbe legal enactments. the national in
the universities and schools,
be marriage laws and the family. the pal
ces of the wealthy and the workshops of
he toilers. And let it be borne in mind
hat upon this largely depends that civili-
alton of the nations which is so much de-
ired.
The Pope begs of all Christians to do
hat they can to know their Redeemer as
e is. and he especially appeals to the
leroy to exert their zeal for this purpose
s far as possible in the pulpit and the
chools. and wherever opportunity offers.
a n