Page:The Great Encyclical Letters of Pope Leo XIII.djvu/586



580 REVIEW OF HIS PONTIFICATE.

opinions produce in fomenting divisions; and it will assist us in uniting all our efforts for attaining that higher end, namely, the triumph of Jesus Christ and His Church. Such is the duty of Catholics. As for her final triumph she depends upon Him who watches with wisdom and love over His immaculate spouse, and of whom it is written, Jesus Christ, yesterday, to-day and the same forever.^

It is therefore to Him, that at this moment we should lift our hearts in humble and ardent prayer, to Him who, loving with an infinite love our erring humanity, has wished to make Himself an expiatory victim by the sublimity of His martyrdom; to Him who, seated although unseen in the mystical bark of His Church, can alone still the tempest and command the waves to be calm and the furious winds to cease. Without doubt. Venerable Brethren, you with Us will ask this divine Master for the cessation of the evils which are overwhelming society, for the repeal of all hostile law, for the illumination of those who more perhaps through ignorance than through malice, hate and per- secute the religion of Jesus Christ; and also for the drawing together of all men of good will in close and holy union.

May the triumph of truth and of justice be thus has- tened in the world, and for the great family of men may better days dawn ; days of tranquillity and of peace.

Meanwhile as a pledge of the most precious and divine favor may the benediction which We give you with all Our heart, descend upon you and all the faithful com- mitted to your care.