His, and let every one depart from iniquity who nameth the name of the Lord."[1]
Our very state, then, is the highest ground of confidence.
The state and work of priests and of pastors, if we are faithful to our Divine Master, is blessed everywhere throughout the universal Church. In the countries of the Old World, where the world is strong and corrupt, and faith and piety are weak, they who have the cure of souls have much to suffer. To watch a flickering and departing life is the saddest office of love and patience. The nations and people of the Old World for three hundred years have been descending, some rapidly and with violence, some slowly and insensibly but steadily, from the light and order of faith. Spurious reformation has generated revolution, and revolution has desecrated the sovereignties and states of Christendom, leaving the Church isolated as in the beginning. The pastors of the flock have many sorrows over souls that are rushing to perdition, and for the outrages wreaked upon the Church. It is a grievous thing to see a Catholic or a Christian people turning its back to the light. Nevertheless, faithful pastors have the peace of knowing that they are on God's side,
- ↑ 2 S. Tim. ii. 19.
