Year: 1879

and to investigate the laws to which they are SUBJ
!ected as well as the principles which flow
selves. both the unity in variety and the mutual
affinity in their diversity. 1t is difficult to imagine
how much force. light and resources scholastic phil
osophy. sagely thought. can bring to this class of
research In this regard it is important to forearm
the intellect against the sovereign injustice done
this philosophy by accusing it of putting OBJ
stace to the progress and spread Of natural sciences
feelings of the Holy Father lay down Mt each stage
in anthropology that the understanding can only
elevate itself by tangible things to the knowledge Of
the incorporal and immateral. they themselves ad-
mitted the great utility for philosophy attentivey
to sound the secrets of nature. and to employ
heightened period in the assiduous study of physi
This. in short. is what 81. Thomas and other
princes OF the schools did; Tney did not permit
sophie contemplation to prevent them from de-
voting great care to the requirement of knowledge
order there Is than one OF their affirmations
and principles which are approved by living mas
ers who recognize the Justness OF their appreciation
Besides, in our own epoch several doctors Of physt
cal science. men OF great renown publicly testify
that between certain conclusions Of modern physics
and the philosophic principles Of tho schools there
exists In reality not IN atom OF contradiction.


While proclaiming that all wise thoughts and use
full discoveries should be received with good grace
and gratefulness no matter where they come.from.
we may exhort you. venerable brethren in the most
widely as possible for the defence and adornment Of
the Catholic faith for the welfare of society and for
the advancement m OF all the sciences the precious
doctrine OF st. Thomas We repeat the doctrine OF
st. Thomas. for il among the scholissts. any ques-
ton too subtle. any hasty aarmation. or anything.
doctrines of posterior ages. which is devoid of
prooabilty we by no means intend to set 1t up for
the imitation OF our century.


ExHonTING TO LABOR.


Let masters designated by your enlightened choice
labor to their disciples with the spirit Of the
doctrine OF st. Thomas Aq uinas, and be Jealous to
bring into relief the bodness with which he carries
away the palm from all others in solidity and ex-
cellence.


Let the academies which you have instituted, or
will in the future institute explain this doctrine,
defend it and employ it for the refutation of pre-
vailing errors. But to avoid the danger Of drink
ing adulterated water instead of pure water that is
troubled instead of that which Is clear be watchful
that the wisdom OF St. Thomas is drawn from its
true source ut least from those rivulets which,
branching from the source ITSELF still how fresh and
impld according to the assured and unanimous tes-
timony OF the fathers. But on the other hand take
special care that the spirit Of youth is not corrupted
Dv drinking at streams which affect to be derived
from the source, but in reality swollen by strange
and unhealthy waters.


But we know that all our efforts will be in vain il
our common enterprise. venerable brethren, is not
seconded by Him who is called in the divine writings
the God & Of al knowledge 1t is they also which
is from above, coming down from the Father of
Light" and. again. that III any of you want wis
dom. let him ask Of God who gives to all men abun
dantly and upbraideth not and it shall be given
him. Let also follow the example OF the Angelic
Doctor. who never applied himself to study COM
position until he mad propitated God by prayer and
who canddly avowed that he owed all he knew less
to study and his own than to divine IL
Elimination.


Let all, then join IN beseeching the Almighty.
with humble spirit and o unanimous heart, that
He will spread over the children Of His Church the
spirit Of knowledge and intelligence, and that He
will open their minds that they may perceive
wisdom. And in order to obtain in greater abun-
dance the fruits Of Divine goodness let implore
the very patronage ut the throne OF God OF
the blessed Virgin Mary who is called the Seat Of
Wisdom and have recourse at the same time to the
ntercession OF St. Joseph the chaste spouse of the
Virgin, well that Of the great Apostles Peter
and Paul. who renewed by truth the earth. corrupt
by the contagious of error, and filled 1t with the
splendor Of celestial wisdom.


In fine, sustained by the hope of divine aid and
confidence in your pastoral ZEAL we give you all.
venerable brethren, from the bottom of our heart,
as well as your clergy, and the people committed to
your care the apostolic benediction, pledge Of
heavenly gifts and proof Of special soicttude.
Given ut St. Peters. Rome. August, 1879.


LEO Kill, Pope.


Second year of our Pontifcate.