Romanism is now regarded
by Protestants with far greater favor than in former years. In those
countries where Catholicism is not in the ascendancy, and the papists
are taking a conciliatory course in order to gain influence, 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 had been so
dearly purchased. They taught their children to abhor popery and held
that to seek harmony with Rome would be disloyalty to God. But how
widely different are the sentiments now expressed!
The
defenders of the papacy declare that the church has been maligned, and
the Protestant world are inclined to accept the statement. Many urge
that it is unjust to judge the church of today by the abominations 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 the influence of modern
civilization has changed her sentiments...
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 reinstated in her
former power, and there would speedily be a revival of her tyranny and
persecution. GC pp. 563,564
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