ENCYCLICAL LETTER OP POPE LEO XTTT, 129
calls these contributions, given voluntarily by Christians in their assemblies, deposits of piety ; because, to cite his words, they were employed in feeding the needy, in Inirying them, in the support of boys and girls destitute of means and deprived of their parents, in the care of the aged and in the relief of the shipivrecked*
32. Thus by degrees came into existence the patrimony which the Church has guarded with religious care as the inheritance of the poor. Nay, to spare them the shame of begging, the common Mother of rich and poor has exerted herself to gather together funds for the support of the needy. The Church has stirred up everywhere the heroism of charity, and has established Congrega- tions of Religious and many other useful institutions for help and mercy, so that there might be hardly any kind of suffering which was not visited and relieved. At the present day there are many who, like the heathen of old, blame and condemn the Church for this beautiful char- ity. They would substitute in its place a system of State-organized relief. But no human methods will ever supply for the devotion and self-sacrifice of Chris- tian charity. Charity, as a virtue, belongs to the Church ; for it is no virtue unless it is drawn from the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ ; and he who turns his back on the Church cannot be near to Christ.
33. It cannot, however, be doubted that to attain the purpose of which We treat, not only the Church, but all human means must conspire. All who are concerned in the matter must be of one mind and must act together. It is in this, as in the Providence which governs the world ; results do not happen save where all the causes cooperate.
34. Let us now, therefore, inquire what part the State should play in the work of remedy and relief.
- Apologia Secunda, xxxix.
�� �
