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a fatal security, to be awakened only by the outpouring of the wrath
of God.
Saith the Lord God: “Judgment also will I lay to the line, and
righteousness to the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the
refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding-place. And
your covenant with death shall be disa
with hell shall not stand. When the overflowing scourge shall pass
through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.” [Isaiah 28:17, 18.]
Chapter 30—Character and Aims of the Papacy
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Romanism is now regarded by Protestants with far greater favor
than in former years. There is an increasing indifference concerning
the doctrines that separate the reformed churches from the papal
hierarchy; the opinion is gaining ground that, after all, we do not
differ so widely upon vital points as has been supposed, and that a
little concession on our part will bring us into a better understanding
with Rome. The time was when Protestants placed a high value
upon the liberty of conscience which has been so dearly purchased.
They taught their children to abhor popery, and held that to remain
at peace with Rome would be disloyalty to God. But how widely
different are the sentiments now expressed.
The defenders of popery declare that she has been maligned; and
the Protestant world is inclined to accept the statement. Many urge
that it is unjust to judge the Romish Church of today by the abomi-
nations and absurdities that marked her reign during the centuries
of ignorance and darkness. They excuse her horrible cruelty as the
result of the barbarism of the times, and plead that civilization has
changed her sentiments.
Have these persons forgotten the claim of infallibility for eight
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hundred years put forth by this haughty power? So far from relin-
quishing this claim, the church in the nineteenth century has affirmed
it with greater positiveness than ever before. As Rome asserts that
she has never erred, and never can err, how can she renounce the
principles which governed her course in past ages?
The papal church will never relinquish her claim to infallibility.
All that she has done in her persecution of those who reject her
dogmas, she holds to be right; and would she not repeat the same
acts, should the opportunity be presented? Let the restraints now
imposed by secular governments be removed, and Rome be re-
instated in her former power, and there would speedily be a revival
of her tyra
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256
The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
It is true that there are real Christians in the Roman Catholic
communion. Thousands in that church are serving God according to
the best light they have. They are not allowed access to his word,
and therefore they do not discern the truth. They have never seen the
contrast between a living heart-service and a round of mere forms
and ceremonies. But God looks with pitying tenderness upon these
souls, educated as they are in a faith that is delusive and unsatisfying.
He will cause rays of light to penetrate the dense darkness that
surrounds them. He will reveal to them the truth as it is in Jesus, and
they will yet take their position with his people.
But Romanism as a system is no more in harmony with the
gospel of Christ now than at any former period in her history. The
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Protestant churches are in great darkness, or they would discern
the signs of the times. The Roman Church is far-reaching in her
plans and modes of operation. She is employing every device to
extend her influence and increase her power in preparation for a
fierce and determined conflict to regain control of the world, to re-
establish persecution, and to undo all that Protestantism has done.
Catholicism is gaining ground in our country upon every side. Look
at the number of her churches and chapels. Look at her colleges
and seminaries, so widely patronized by Protestants. These things
should awaken the anxiety of all who prize the pure principles of the
gospel.
Protestants have tampered with and patronized popery; they have
made compromises and concessions which papists themselves are
surprised to see, and fail to understand. Men are closing their eyes to
the real character of Romanism, and the dangers to be apprehended
from her supremacy. The people of our land need to be aroused to
resist the advances of this most dangerous foe to civil and religious
liberty.
Many suppose that the Catholic religion is unattractive, and that
its worship is a dull, stupid round of ceremony. Here they mistake.
While Romanism is based upon deception, it is not a coarse and
clumsy imposture. The religious service of the Romish Church is a
most impressive ceremonial. Its gorgeous display and solemn rites
fascinate the senses of the people, and silence the voice of reason and
of conscience. The eye is charmed. Magnificent churches, imposing
processions, golden altars, jeweled shrines, choice paintings, and
Character and Aims of the Papacy
257
exquisite sculpture appeal to the love of beauty. The ear also is
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captivated. There is nothing to excel the music. The rich notes of
the deep-toned organ, blending with the melody of many voices as
it swells through the lofty domes and pillared aisles of her grand
cathedrals, ca
This outward splendor, pomp, and ceremony, that only mocks
the longings of the sin-sick soul, is an evidence of inward corruption.
The religion of Christ needs not such attractions to recommend it.
In the light shining from the cross, true Christianity appears so pure
and lovely that external decorations only hide its true worth. It is the
beauty of holiness, a meek and quiet spirit, which is of value with
God.
Brilliancy of style is not an index of pure, elevated thought. The
highest conceptions of art, the most delicate refinement of taste,
often spring from minds wholly earthly and sensual. They are often
employed by Satan to lead men to forget the necessities of the soul,
to lose sight of the future, immortal life, to turn away from their
infinite Helper, and to live for this world alone.
A religion of externals is attractive to the unrenewed heart. The
pomp and ceremony of the Catholic worship have a seductive, be-
witching power by which many are deceived; and they come to look
upon the Roman Church as the very gate of Heaven. None are proof
against her influence but those who have planted their feet firmly
upon the foundation of truth, and whose hearts are renewed by the
Spirit of God. Thousands who have not an experimental knowledge
of Christ will be swept into this deception. A form of godliness