Page:The Great Encyclical Letters of Pope Leo XIII.djvu/171



THE RIGHT ORDERING OF CHRISTIAN LIFE. 165

upon Us, and for the many consolations vouchsafed to Us in Our sorrows; and during all this time We have used every occasion of shownng Our gratitude to those to whom it was due. Now, however, the closing days of the year and of the Jubilee bid Us renew the recollection of benefits received; and, to Our very great satisfaction, the whole Church is joining with us in fresh thanksgi\'ing. At the same time We anxiously wish by this letter to declare publicly that as so many testimonies of devotion and kindness and love have done much to hghten Our burden, so too a grateful remembrance of them will live always in Our mind.

But a holier and higher duty yet remains. For, in this affectionate and extraordinary eagerness to show honor to the Roman Pontiff, We seem called upon to acknowledge the power and the design of God, who often draws, and alone can draw, the beginnings of great good from events of the smallest moment. For God, in His most loving providence, seems to have -vvashed to arouse faith in the midst of widespread disbehef, and to recall the Christian people to the pursuit of a higher life. Where- fore we must strive diligently that, laying the foundation of good, a favorable change may be inaugurated, and that the intentions of God may be both understood and put in practice. The obedience shown to the Apostolic See will indeed be full and perfect, if, joined with the admiration for Christian virtue, it lead to the salvation of souls â€” the only end worth seeking, and one which will abide forever.

In the exercise of the high Apostolic office bestowed upon Us by the goodness of God, We have many times, as in duty bound, undertaken the defence of truth, and have striven to expound particularly that teaching which seemed the most opportune for the public welfare, so that, in seeking the truth, all might watchfully and care- fully avoid the dangers of error. But now, as a lo\ing parent of his children, We wish to address all Christians,