ÏO THE PRINCES AND NATIONS

LEO XIII POPE

To all Princes and Nations, G-reeting and Peace in the Lord :

During the entire course of the past year we hâve received from all quarters splendid gratulatory démonstrations on the occasion of our episcopal jubilee, and recently there was added a conspicuous proof ot the loyalty of the Spanish people. We rejoiced in this chiefly because in that sirailarity and harmony ot' disposition the unity of tbe Church and the close connection of the faithful with the Pope was clearly evinced. Tn those days the Catholic world, forgetting as it were all things else, turned a single heart and a single eye toward the Vatican. Princely embassies, nuraerous pilgrimages, messages fuli of dévotion, ecclesiastical célébrations — all thèse things proved that Catholics are but of one mind in their attachment to the Holy See. This gratifies us the more because it thoroughly accords with our plans and enterprises. Appreciating the drift of the times and mindful of our office we hâve, during the entire term of our Pontificate turned our attention and in precepts as well as in deeds directed to the best of our ability all our labors to the end that we might bring all the nations into closer touch with us and that we might show forth how fruit fui of blessings in all directions has been the mission of

the Papacy. We give, therefore, above al], thanks to the goodness of God, vvhich has permitted us to reach such an âge and theu we îvturn thanks to the princes, to the Bishops, to the elergy, and to ail those who by many proofs of their loyalty and obédience hâve sought to honor our person and our dignity and who hâve proffered their consolation especially when the times seemed to demand it.

There was, however, much lacking to afFord us a complète consolation, for even while we were witnessing the démonstrations of joy and of loyalty there was a great number who had no share in the harmonious and joyous démonstration, either because they hâve no part in the evârigelic truth or because they are eut off from the Catholic faith, though bearinîr the name of Christians. This has saddened us and saddens us ver y much indeed, for we cannot, without feeling a little sorrow, think of so large a portion of mankind, which is drifting away from us, following as it were the paths or error. Beiug as we are the Vicar on earth of Almighty G-od, who desires that ail raen should be saved and led to the knowledge of truth, and being brought near to the end of our earthly career. not only through our great âge, but also through much grievous sorrow, we want to follow the example of our Redeemer and Master, Jésus Christ who a short time before his ascension to heaven did must fervently ask of G-od the Father to make his apostles and disciples one in mind and soûl. " I pray that they ail ma y be one, as Thou Father, art in me and I in Thee, even as We are one." This divine prayer not only embraced those wrho, at that time, believed in Jésus Christ, but it included ail those who would believe in Him in the future, and thus we hâve a sound reason to tell you with hope and confidence of our wish and to use ail our efforts to call and urge ail

men regardles of their nationality or their place of abode tojoin the unity of iaith.

Sympathizing love hastens ahove ail to help where help is most necessary. Thefeïoré our thoughts first of ail seàrch out ihose m'U'st uufortunate of nations, which hâve never received the Grospel or which having received it either through indifférence or forge tfulness hâve suppressed the glad tidings and which, therefore, know not Grod, and live in deepest error. As ail salvation proceeds from Christ, for there is no other naine by which we shall be saved — it is our first wish that the holy name of Jésus penetrate and fill the entire wTorld. In this respect the Church has never neglected the mission which G-od had entrusted her, for what object has she pursued for nineteen centuries with a more constant zeal than to bring to the nations the truth and the institutions of Christianity ?' Even to-day messengers of the Grospel, acting under our cornmand, often cross the seas to seek the most remote régions, and day after day we pray to Grod and ask Him that He may graciously increase the number of those dispensers of the holy sacraments, who are worthy of the apostolic office and who would willingly sacrifice their fortunes, their health, and even their very lives in orcler to extend the kingdom of Christ.

Thou, Redeemer and Father of mankind, hasten and delay not to carry out what Thou dids't once promise ; that Thou woulds't, when Thou wert iiited up from the earth draw everythin^ to Thee. Descend at last and show Thyself to the immense numbers who, as yet, hâve never partakén of those benefits that Thy blood has obtained for mankind. Wake up those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death in order that they may be one in Thee and through Thee, enlightened. through the rays of Thy wisdom and Thy virtue.

The thonght of the mystery of this unity leads our memory to ail those peoples whom, long ago, Divine love has led from labnrious eirors to the wisdom of the G-ospol. Nothing serves better the glory of Divine Providence than the remembrance of those ancient times, when the divineiy revealed faith was everywhere eonsidered as a comraon and indivisible good, when the Christian faith never failed to unité ail the civilized nations in matters of religion, no matter how they might difFer in their ways of living, in their opinions, in their customs, no mattei even if they might fight each other about other matters.

Unfavorable times hâve in the course of years, through exciting suspicions and enmity, taken great and flourishing nations from the fold of the Roman Church. However that may be — trusting to the grâce and mercy of the Almighty G-od, Who alone knows the right time for voachsafing His help, and in Whose power it lies to change the wills of men through His own chosen means, we now turn our attentions to those very nations and beg and exhort them to adjust their différences of opinion and then return to the unity of faith.

First we turn with loving eyes toward the Orient, whence in the beginning salvation went forth into ail the world. We cherish the glad hope. that the Eastern churches, distinguished through the faith of their fathers and throuirh their ancient glory, will return to the point from which they started, the more so because the matteis that separate us are not so very great ; on the contrary, so dissinctly and emphatically is with few exceptions our agreement, that often we cite proofs from the doctrine, the custom and the rituals of the Eastern churches in order to prove a point of Catholic doctrine. The main différence is in regard to the Primacy of the Pope. Let the:n look back to the beginning and see how

their ancestors thouçht, and what the earliest tradition was. Chrisl's divine utterance ' Thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build My Ohurch," receives its ernphatie confirmation through this very tradition in regard to the Popes of Rome. In the earliest times, there wete among the Popes not a few chosen ones from the Orient, above ail, Anacletus, Evaristns, Anicetus, Eleutherius, Zosimus, Agathon. Most ot thèse had the good fortune to end their wise and holy government of the Christian community with the shedding of their blood.

It is known when, why and through whom the unhappy dissension was caused Before that time, when man put asunder what G-od had joined together, the name of the Apostolic See was sacred to ail the nations ot the Christian world, and the Eastern churches, as well as the churches of the West, obeyed unanimously and without doubt the Pope of Rome, and acknowledged him to be the rightful successor of Peter, and therefore Christ's vicar on earth. G-oing back to the orinin of the séparation, we find that Photius himself lor that reason urged the sending of agents to Rome to act in his own matter ; on the other hand, Pope Nicholas I , without any protest bein«: raised, sent his représentatives out of Rome with the duty of carelully investigating the matter of the patriarch Iirnatius, and then submitt ing an accurate and truthiul account to the Apostolic See. Thus ail the events in history confirm the primacy of the Roman See, with which at that time the conflict arose. Finally every one knows that at the two great councils, at the second council of Lyons and the council of Florence, both the Latin and the Greek churches unanimously and with one accord confirmed the supremacy of the Popes of Rome as an article of l'aith.

We call thèse things to mind advisedly, because in a manner they suggest an invitation to a re-esta-

blishment of peace, the more so as there is at présent in the East a milder disposition toward the Catholics, who seem to be treated with more friendliness. This fact was especially shown récent 1 y, when pious pilgrims from the Occident met with an amiable and cordial réception. Our words are intended l'or you ail, whether you follow the Greek or some other Eastern liturgy, if you do not live in union with the Catholic Church. It is our earnest prayer that every one of you consider for himself those words full of love and dignity, which Bessarion addressed to your fathers : ' What answer would we hâve before God with which to excuse a séparation from our brothers ? Did not He Himself corne down from heaven, and was He not made flesh, and was He not crucified to unité the brethren and lead them into the one fold ? What defence can we offer to our descendants ? This we will not tolerate, noble fathers. This shall not be said of us. We must hâve a better care for ours and for ourselves."

Consider sincerely our claims ; consider them in themselves as well as in the face of God. It is from no human motive, but purely from a spirit of love to God, and from a zeal for the coramon good, that we adyise a reconciliation and a connection with Ihe Church of Rome. We mean a full and complète connection. Such a connection is more than a certain agreement in regard to doumas and an exchange of brotherly love. The true union among Christians consists according to the institution and the will of Jésus Christ, the founder of the Church, in a unity of faith and of g< «ver n ment. You need not fear that we or any of our successors will in any way detract from your rights, from the patriarchal privilèges or from the particular ritual, customs of individual churches. It has always been the theory and the practise of the Holy See to leave a large measure of liberty to the particular customs of each people,

When once union with us is again established, then, with G-od's help, dignity und ornament will be the portion of your churches in a wonderful measure. May (xod then hear youi own supplication : " G-rant that the dissensions of the Church cease." (Liturgy of St. Basil). " Unité those that are separated, and lead back those that are in error and unité them with your holy, Catholic and Àpostolic Church. (Ibidem). In that way may you again be brought back to that one and holy faith, which has corne down from the earliest times to you and to us,which your fathers and superiors hâve preserved inviolate, which Athanasius, St. Basil, G-regory of Nazianz, John Chryostomos, the two Cyrillus, and many other great men, hâve glorified through the splendor of their virtues, through the sublimity of their spirit, and through their distinguished learning. The glory of thèse men is ôonimoh héritage of the East and the West.

Especially do we turn to you, ail you peoples of Slavonic origin, whose glory is attested by so many monuments of their deeds. You know the distinguished labors which hâve been rendered on hehalf of the Slavs by the holy fathers in the faith, Cyrillus and Methodius, whose memory we a iew years ago celebrated with due hoiior. Through their virtues and their labors they hâve brought civilization and salvation to very many of your tribes. Thus it happened that for a long lime there existed between the Slav countries and the Topes of Rome an exceedingly beautiful relation oi' mutual benefits, and of the most faithful loyalty. If the sad discontent of the times àlienated many of your ancestors from the creed of Home, considcr of what great value a return to the unity of faith woûld be. The Church continually invites you, too, to embrace her in order to offer you a manifold guarantee of salvation, of prosperity, and <jf greatness.

With not less love we look upon those nations which, in latter tiraes, extraordinary circumstances hâve separated from the Roman Church. May they forget the many incidents of times past ; may they raise their thoughts above ail worldly things, and may they. filled only with a désire for salvation and and a striving after truth, consider by themselves that it was Christ who founded the Church. If they compare with that Church their own societies, and if they remember to what pass religion has corne in them, then they must admit that in many very important matters they hâve forgotten the early traditions, and hâve in much error introduced innovation ; they must admit that ihere is not left one firm and well established article of faith out of the legacy of truth, which at the time of séparation the authors of the innovations hâve taken with them. On the contrary, it has come to such a state of things that many of them do not hesitate to overthrow the foundation upon which rests ail religion and ail the hope of mortal man, namely, the divine nature of the Saviour Jésus Christ. They deny the inspiration of the books of the Old and New Testament, which they formerly acknowledged. This was bound to happen after the right was given to every one to interpret the holy Scriptures according to his own sensé and judgment.

The conséquences are that the individual conscience is the only guide and standard of life, while every other rule of conduct is rejected ; that there arc mutually hostile opinions and seets, which lead us often to naturalisée and rationalistic views. Despairing of an agreement of opinions, the union of brotherly love is proclaimed and recommended. But how can perlect love unité the hearts, if the faith does not harmonize the minds ?

For thèse reasons many of those of whom we are speaking hâve with a correct judgment and striving

after truth sought the safe way of life in the Catholic Church, for they recognized plainly that they could not be united with Jésus Christ as their head if they did not belong to His body, which is the Church. They knew they could not obtain the pure faith of Christ as long as they rejected His legitimate authority, which was transmitted to Peter and his successors. They hâve found in the Roman Church the picture of the true Church, easily to be recognized by the marks which Grod has set upon her.

Among them are many, who with a keen eye and a critical judgment in exploring the records of antiquity hâve shown in excellent books the apostolic origin of the Roman Church, the purity of its dogmas, and the firm tradition of its discipline. You, my brethren, who hâve for three centuries past been at issue with us in matters of faith, and you, who in later times hâve frorn whatever cause faDen away from us, ail of you, I ask to follow the example of those men, and of your own hearts, if my words do not move you. " Let us ail meet together in the unity of faith and in the knowledge of the Son of Grod." We reach out our hands lovingly to you to invite you to this unity, which was never lacking in the Catholic Church and never wTill be lacking. Long ago our common mother has called you back to its bosom, and ail Catholics long for you with a brother's love in order that you may worship Grod with us in holiness, and that we may be united together in perfect love through professing the same Gospel and through having one faith and one hope.

In order to bring about this unity must earnestly prayed for, and to perfect it in every way, we now address ourselves to those, as many as there are, on this, our globe, whose welfare is always an object of our spécial solicitude and of our ever watchful care, namely the Catholics who, according to their decla-

ration of faith, owe allegiance to the Holy See, and who are, thereforé, united in Christ. Since by the infinité grâce oi' Grod, they already belong to this holy unity there is no need of spécial measures to bring them to this true and holy state, but they should be admonished to avoid ail snares and périls, and partioularly indifférence and neglectfulness, which are invidious enemies of faith. Let them, thereforé, be guided in their thoughts as in their actions by the true teachings of the Church, as they hâve been promulgated by us from time to time. Let them ever remember that their obédience and submission to the ecclesiastical doctrines and the authority of the Church should be not that of a norrow-minded and doubting man but that of a trusting and sincère Christian, who obeys with his whole soûl.

On the présent occasion it is requisite to point out to them how the Christian unity is imperiied by various errors and hérésies, which hâve tended to cast shadows upon the true aims of the Church, in many cases perverting them entirely. According to the intention and the express words of her divine founder, the Church shall be a soeiety, perfect in its wTay, wThose particular mission it is to instruct mankind in the laws and the Grospel of G-od, and by exhorting men to lead a virtuous and upright life, to guide them toward that blessed state which every man may reach in Heaven. Being, as aforementioned, a perfect body, the Church has a vitality which émanâtes from no outside source, but which springs from its own inmost nature, according to the w7ill of Grod. From this very cause it follows that she has the power of making laws ; as a lawgiver she must enjoy perfect freedom, as she is indépendent in ail other things in her sphère or coming under her authority. This liberty cahnot cause jealousy or envy, since the Church seeks not worldly

power or influence. Nor is she guided by and interests foreign to her true calling. She knows but one aim, she is animated by but one thought, naraely, to induce ail men to lead virtuous and upright lives, thereby guiding them toward the goal of eternalbliss. She, therefore, very frequently feels constrained to be indulgent, like a true mother is to her children, sometimes even, in cases where it is advisable for the best interests of ail, refraining from from asserting rights she clearly possesses.

As an obvious proof of this, we may point to the Concordats, concluded between the Holy See and certain states. Far be it from the Church to encroach upon the temporal power of any potentate or state, but on the other haîid, the rights and privilèges of the Church should not be infringed upon by those possessing temporal power.

But what is the position of the Church in our days, viewing the things in their true light ? There are too many who approach her with distrust, who revile her institutions and who hâte and slander her. But, what is worse, strenuous efforts are made to bring her under the subjection of temporal powers. In order to attain this end her enemies hâve stripped her of her possessions, they hâve restricted her liberty to the utmost, they hâve thrown obstacles in the way of the éducation of her priests, they hâve made laws of unheard of severity against the clergy, they hâve caused the dissolution of the religious societies, justly considered among the principal pillais of the holy Church ; in short, they hâve resurrected the principles and the methods of the Regalists, but in a manner more severe and injurious to the Church. In this manner the most sacred rights of the Church are violated. This is followed by most serious conséquences to the States or Princes in question, since they directly antagonize the intentions of G-od, True, Grod, the Creator and E-uler of

the universe, intended by creating temporal and spiritual powers, that thèse powers be of a wholly différent nature, but it was in no way His intention that they should be at variance with each other. Not only the will of God, but also the welfare of the entire human race require imperatively that the policy of a temporal government should not be in opposition to the teachings of the Church. The State has its own duties and rights, but so has tbe Church, and the welfare of both requires that they co-operate with each other and that a strong bond of sympathy exi^t between them. Ail efforts to attain this end will surely dispel the clouds, casting their shadows over the relations of Church and State at présent.

The présent troublous state of afîairs, whieh every well-thinking person must consider unfortunate in the extrême, will then undoubtedly corne to an end. The subjects of the différent rulers and mankind in gênerai, seeing that the interests of both powers are neither confounded nor conflicting, will gladly render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to G-od the things that are God's.

Another great danger that is hostile to Christian unity is the sect called Free Masons, whose pernicious influence is especially felt among Catholic nations. Favored by the disturbances of our times, pointing with pride to its power, its vast means and its success, this seet is indefatigable in attempts to fortify and extend its rule. It has left its hidingplaces in our towns and cities already, yea. even in this city, the centre of the Catholic universe, this sect, bidding défiance to God, has taken up its abode. The most regrettable fact is that Free Masonry, wherever it raises its head, pénétrâtes into ail classes of the population ; it seeks to obtain influence in the councils of State and to dominate the ruler as well as the people. In truth, this is most déplorable, as

its reprehensible principles and its wicked designs are plain to everybody. Under the pretext to défend human rights and to regenerate society, it attacks the Christian religion in a hostile manner, rejects the doctrines promulgated by Grod, ridicules pious exercices and denounces dispensations, the holy Sacraments, and everything sacred to the Church. This sect strives to rob wedlock, family, and the éducation of the young of their Christian character and to tear out of the hearts of the people ail belief in authority, be this of human or of divine origin. It teaches its followers to worship nothing but nature and to turn to the création rather than to the Creator for the great principles of truth, morals, and justice. It is évident that thèse doctrines iead man back to paganism, and that, considering the progress of the times in the discoverv of new means for material enjoyment, heatbenish practices and customs must now be more licentious than ever before. Although, upon another occasion we hâve treated this matter at length, we feel it our Apostolic duty once again to call attention to this great danger. May G-od in His infinité wisdom prevent the further spreading ot the pernicious doctrines of Freemasonry,

The Christian world should be brought to understand that it must sooner or later make one mighty effort to throw off the yoke of this sect. Let the French and the Italians, the nations who suffer most, be the fîrst to emancipate themselves. The weapons to be used in this warfare and the manner in which this should be conducted hâve been repeatedly explained by us. Victory is certain for whosoever trusts in the divine guide who said, " I hâve overcome the world." John 16, 33.

If thèse dangers could be removed and the différent States brought back to the unitv of faith we would be possessed of the most powerful remedy for

ail «vils. What an abundance of blessings would bc bestowed on mankind ! Only a few of the principal advantages may be enumerated herein.

The Church, in the first place, would gain in dignity, and would be raised to a position which befits ils holy mission. Untrammelled and unfettered, she would ever point the true way to salvation, as she has done i'rom time immémorial. Having been set as a teacher and guide to mankind, the Church is better able to solve the most intricate questions of the time than an y other agency. She is the true exponent of the principles of right and justice, which are the very foundation-stones of the State.

Furthermore, it may be said that the différent nations of the earth would be brought in doser contact. This is most earnestly to be hoped and desired, as the terrors of wTar are now constantly before us. The situation in Europe is most grave and critical. Silice many years the peace of this part of the world has been but a sham. The différent nations, mistrusting each other, are incessantly preparing for war. The inexperienced youth of every land, being drafted for the army, is exposed to grave dangers, owing to the fact that the natural guardians, the parents, must be separated from the recruit. In the bloom and the vigor of their youth the young men are called from the fields, from their studies and from their commercial or industrial pursuits. The enormous expenses of the army empty the treasury of the State, they reduce the wealth of the nation bearing the burden, and rob the citizen of his substance. This armed peace cannot be borne much longer. Such a condition of society is unnatural. But we cannot escape the logical conséquences, we cannot reach enduring peace unless it be through the grâce of our Raviour Jésus < 'hrist. Noihing but the teachings of the Church can combat envy, false ambition and the lust for spoils— causes which genc-

rail y kindle the (orch of war — and only true Christian virtues, justice above ail, înay be depended on to put an end to the désire for war. Justice is the only hope of nations. If they hâve a due regard for the rights of their neighbors, and scrupulously refrain from violating existing treaties, the ties of human brotherhood will be strengthened and the différent nations will meet on a higher plane, as is said in Proverbs xiv., 34: " Righteousness exalteth a nation."

There wonld also created a guarantee against internai disorders much more safe and efficient than laws and arms can afford it. The dangers which threaten the public peace and the security of the citizens are growing every day, as is clearly shown by infamous acts and the conspiracies of the revolutionarv parties for the overthrow ot the rightfully constituted authorities, and even for the abolition of ail government. There are two questions discussed with increasing ardor, the social and the political questions, as they are called. They both are, no doubt, of the greatest importance. Much has been written and said looking towards the solution of thèse questions. There hâve been m an y attempts at reconciling the différent éléments to each other. Of more value than ail this, however, would be an earnest endeavor to instill a keener sensé of duty and justice into the minds of men, which can only be doue by spreading the true Christian religion.

As regards the social question, it has been treated by us at length some time ago, on which occasion we built upon the gospel and the natural reason as our foundation. Concerning the political question, we should aim to reconcile it with established governments. Our Christian philosophy affbrds sufficient means to solve this problem. Admitting, as everybody does, that ail authority émanâtes from God, regardless what the lorm of government in any

particular case raay be, it will be seen that, for instance, one man is very properly endowed with the right of command, while the oth*»r is, with no less cause, bound to obey. Such obédience is in no way detrimental to the dignity of a human being, as in the end Grod is the one whose commands are obeyed. Ou the other hand, has G-od declared that His judgment will be terrible upon those that are called upon to administer right and justice and prove unworthy of their charge. The liberty of the individual cannot be obnoxious to any man, asit carries no dangers with it and is no menace to the peace and weltare of the State. Taking into account what the Church is able to do as the mother and as the mediator between Princes and nations, serving both equally well with her advice and her good offices, it is clear that nothing would contribute more to the public welfare than the firm résolution of every people on the face of the earth to embraee the true Christian religion with ail their heart, and make open avowal of this, their décision.

While dwelling on this prospect and praying fervently for a realization of thèse hopes, a picture of the condition of things on earth after our prayers shall hâve been answered rises before our mind. Imagination is scarcely able to depict the blessings which are to corne. As soon as peace and quiet would be secure, the prosperity and the wealth of the nations of the earth would reach a point never touched before, arts and sciences would be promoted, and besides that, according to our instructions, associations of farmers, artisans, and industrial workers, on a Christian basis would be formed, by means of which usury could be abolished and new fîelds for labor opened.

The benign influence of such a blessed state of affairs would not be limited to the civilized nations, but would expand, like the rising waters of a river.

It must be remembered, as already mentioned in the introduction, that innumerable people are awaiting since centuries the coming of him who shall guide them out of their darkness to the true light, who shall bring them the blessings of religion, and of true Christian civilization. True in questions affecting the salvation of mankind, the dispensations of divine Providence are beyond the understanding of man. However. we may safely say that the fact of many people being still in the bonds of heathenism may be, to a large extent, ascribed to religious wars. As far as human reason may be permitted to judge from the history of the past, it may be considered irréfutable that G-od has intrusted Europe with the work of carrying Christian civilization to ail other parts of the world.

The progress and ultimate success of this work, which had been commenced in former centuries, seemed to be assured, when, in the sixteenth century, the great religious war broke out. Christendom was split into hostile camps, Europe was torn by wars and battles, and the apostolic labors for reclaiming the heathen sufTered immeasurably. The cause of discord not being removed as yet, need we be surprised that the larger part of mankind is even at this présent hour the Mave of brutal passions and heathenish rites ?

Let us, therefore, commence with equal zeal the work of re-establishing Christian unity, and thereby further the public welfare. The présent time is very favorable to this project, as mankind was never before so moved with the spirit of human brotherhood as it is to-day, and at no time the spectacle of men seeking each other to get more intimately acquainted, with a view to benefit.the whole human race, has been more gênerai than now. Vessels and railways cover enormous distances with a speed formerly never dreamt of, and not only to trade and

commerce, and to the scientists are thèse n*»w inventions of great importance, but also l'or the spread ol' the GrOSpel ?

We are fullv aware of the tact th.it only by lonir and laborious woik we may hope t<> est;iblish the new order ol things we ail lonur for. Then, too, il may be possible that oui* views of the future appear to one or the other too rosy, as the new srate repeatedly described is an object of hope rather than of expectation. But we hope and trust in the Savionr of man, Jésus Christ, rememberintr the inestimable blessings He bestowed upon mankind, and the words He spoke while hanging at the cross.

We now pray and beseech the Princes and rulers of the earth to approaeh our propositions in a fiiendly spirit, to consider our ndvice infiuenced by no other considération than the w7elfare oi their subjects, and to support our endeavors by their power and influence. The end of the last century found Europe wTorn out and exhausted iïom th.? hardships and troubles it h ad p ssed throiiirh, trembling and fearin<r the future. Whv shouldn't the présent century, which is now rapidly nearina" its close, leave to mankind as a dear inheritance «lorious prospects of universal peace and good will, and ail the blessings followin»- the unity of lait h ? 11 only a small part of our hopes are realized we would be iustified in considering it a miirhtv advance, as sue.h a progress would mean that the destructive tendencies of the times that cause so much snfFering at présent, and fil 1 man with a dread oi' what the future might bring, hâve met a check and are arrested in their progress

May God, who is most mercifui, and who alone knows the day and the hour when we may see our hopes realized, look with favor upon our endeavors, and in His nnfathomable vvisdom «rrant that the words of Christ. •' There shall be one fold and one shepherd," be fulfilled speedily.

ôième Série — No. 19.

CIRCULAIRE AU CLERGÉ

Archevêché d'Ottawa, le 5 octobre 1894.

Lettre encyclique sur le Très- Saint Rosaire. Chers Cootérateurs,

Je m'empresse de vous communiquer le texte, en français et en anglais, de la nouvelle Encyclique du Souverain Pontife sur le Très-Saint Rosaire.

Vous en donnerez lecture à vos paroissiens, soit le dimanche, à la messe paroissiale, soit aux exercices, sur semaine, prescrits pendant ce mois —

Il vous sera facile de vous en servir comme d'un texte pour augmenter la piété de vos fidèles et pour les exciter à l'habitude de réciter le chapelet tous les jours.

Agréez, Chers Coopérateurs, l'assurance de mon entier dévouement en J. M. J.

t J. THOMAS, Archev. d'Ottawa.

LETTRE ENCYCLIQUE

DE