The General Solution Requires Religion.'"

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 43, 31 July 1891, Page 2

The General Solution Requires Religion.'"

We approach the subject with confidence, and in the exercise of the rights which belong to Us. For no practical solution of this question will ever be iound without the assistance of Religion and of the Church. It is We who are the chief guardian of Religion and the chief dispenser ot what belongs to the Church, and We must not by silence neglect the duty which lies upon Us. Doubtless this most serious question demands the attention and the etforts of others besides Ourselves — of the rulers of States, of employers ot labour, of the wealthy, and of the working population themselves for whom We plead. But We affirm without hesitation, that all the striving ot me" w ill be vain it they leave out the Church. It is the Church that proclaims^ from the Gospel those teachings by which the conflict can be put .-in end to, or at the least made far less bitter; the Church uses its eitorts not only to enlighten the mind, but to direct by - bu Thomas, Summa Thtoloyica, 2a 2.v Q. x. Art. 12.

its precepts the life and conduct of men ; the Church improves and ameliorates the condition of the working man by numerous useful organisations ; does its best to enlist the services of all ranks in discussing and endeavouring to meet, in the most practical way, the claims of the working classes ; and acts on the decided view that for these purposes recourse should be had, in due measure and degree, to the help of the law and of State authority.