The Holy Alliance 神圣同盟.docx

The Emperor Francis I of?/cathen/02121b.htmAustria, King?Frederick?William III of?/cathen/12519c.htmPrussia, and the Tsar?Alexander?I of?/cathen/13231c.htmRussia, signed a treaty on 26 September, 1815, by which they united in a Holy Alliance. Although a political?act, the treaty in its wording is a statement purely?religious?in?character. Having in?mind?the great events of the fall of /cathen/10687a.htmNapoleon, and in gratitude to?/cathen/06608a.htmGod?for the?/cathen/02599b.htmblessings?shown to their people, the three monarchs declared their fixed resolution to take as the only rule of their future administration, both in internal and foreign affairs, the principles of the?/cathen/03712a.htmChristian religion?—?/cathen/08571c.htmjustice,?/cathen/09397a.htmlove?and peace. They declared that, far from being of value only in?individual?life,?/cathen/03712a.htmChristian?morality?is also the best guide in public life. Accordingly the rulers declared their fraternal feeling towards one another, in virtue of which they would not only give support to, but?abstain?from /cathen/15546c.htmwar?with, one another, and would guide their subjects and their armies in a fatherly manner. They declared that they would administer to guide three great branches of the?/cathen/03699b.htmChristian family of nations; the rightful?Lord?of the nations, however, remains the one to whom belongs all power, our Divine?Saviour,?/cathen/08374c.htmJesus Christ. They also recommended their subjects with the tenderest solicitude to strengthen themselves daily in the principles and practice of the?/cathen/05215a.htmduties?which the?Saviour?taught, because this was the only way to attain the enduring enjoyment of that peace which arises from a?good?/cathen/04268a.htmconscience, and which is lasting. In conclusion they called upon all the Powers to become members of the alliance. In point of fact, Louis XVIII of?/cathen/06166a.htmFrance?joined it on 19 November and even the?Prince?Regent of?/cathen/054