efficacious and sustained by mutual confidence.
 
     
 
 
We are fully aware of how stubborn the obstacles are that stand in the  
way of attaining this goal, and how they become daily more difficult to surmount.   
And if the friends of peace do not wish their labors to be in vain, they should  
visualize distinctly the seriousness of these obstacles, and the consequently  
slight probability of immediate success so long as the present state of the  
opposing forces remains essentially unchanged.
 
    
 
 
 As Vicar on earth of the Prince of Peace, from the first days of Our   
Pontificate We have dedicated Our efforts and Our solicitude to the purpose of  
maintaining peace, and afterwards of reestablishing it.  Heedless of momentary  
lack of success and of the difficulties involved, We are continuing to  follow  
along the path marked out for Us by Our Apostolic mission. As We walk this path,  
often rough and thorny, the echo which reaches Us from countless souls, both  
within and outside the Church, together with the consciousness of duty done, is  
for Us abundant and consoling reward.
 
     
 
 
And now that in this hour of world-wide pain and misgiving the Chief Magistrate  
of the great North American Federation, under the spell of the Holy Night of Christmas,  
should have taken such a prominent place in the vanguard of these who would promote  
peace and generously succor the victims of the war, bespeaks a providential help,  
which We acknowledge with grateful Joy and increased confidence. It is any exemplary  
act of fraternal and hearty solidarity between the New and the Old World in  
defence against the chilling breath of aggressive and deadly godless and anti-  
christian tendencies, that threaten to dry up, the fountainhead,