![]() ![]() Many, indeed, are they who have tried to work out a plan of civil society based on doctrines other than those approved by the Catholic Church. The wicked proneness, however, to levy like charges and accusations has not been lulled to rest. Augustine, who, notably in his treatise, The City of God, set forth in so bright a light the worth of Christian wisdom in its relation to the public wealth that he seems not merely to have pleaded the cause of the Christians of his day, but to have refuted for all future times impeachments so grossly contrary to truth. This odious calumny, with most valid reason, nerved the genius and sharpened the pen of St. ![]() The Christian religion was moreover commonly charged with being the cause of the calamities that so frequently befell the State, whereas, in very truth, just punishment was being awarded to guilty nations by an avenging God. From the very beginning Christians were harassed by slanderous accusations of this nature, and on that account were held up to hatred and execration, for being (so they were called) enemies of the Empire. And yet a hackneyed reproach of old date is levelled against her, that the Church is opposed to the rightful aims of the civil government, and is wholly unable to afford help in spreading that welfare and progress which justly and naturally are sought after by every well-regulated State. ![]() ![]() All nations which have yielded to her sway have become eminent by their gentleness, their sense of justice, and the glory of their high deeds.Ģ. And, indeed, wherever the Church has set her foot she has straightway changed the face of things, and has attempered the moral tone of the people with a new civilization and with virtues before unknown. Yet, in regard to things temporal, she is the source of benefits as manifold and great as if the chief end of her existence were to ensure the prospering of our earthly life. The Catholic Church, that imperishable handiwork of our all-merciful God, has for her immediate and natural purpose the saving of souls and securing our happiness in heaven. To Our Venerable Brethren the Patriarchs, Primates,Īrchbishops, Bishops, and other Ordinaries in Peace and ![]()
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