第16章

TheprophetIsaiahbringstoviewthefearfuldeceptionwhichwillcomeuponthewicked，causingthemtocountthemselvessecurefromthejudgmentsofGod:"Wehavemadeacovenantwithdeath，andwithhellareweatagreement；

whentheoverflowingscourgeshallpassthrough，itshallnotcomeuntous:

forwehavemadeliesourrefuge，andunderfalsehoodhavewehidourselves。"Isaiah28:15。Intheclassheredescribedareincludedthosewhointheirstubbornimpenitencecomfortthemselveswiththeassurancethatthereistobenopunishmentforthesinner；thatallmankind，itmattersnothowcorrupt，aretobeexaltedtoheaven，tobecomeastheangelsofGod。Butstillmoreemphatically561

arethosemakingacovenantwithdeathandanagreementwithhell，whorenouncethetruthswhichHeavenhasprovidedasadefensefortherighteousinthedayoftrouble，andaccepttherefugeofliesofferedbySataninitsstead——thedelusivepretensionsofspiritualism。

Marvelousbeyondexpressionistheblindnessofthepeopleofthisgeneration。ThousandsrejectthewordofGodasunworthyofbeliefandwitheagerconfidencereceivethedeceptionsofSatan。Skepticsandscoffersdenouncethebigotryofthosewhocontendforthefaithofprophetsandapostles，andtheydivertthemselvesbyholdinguptoridiculethesolemndeclarationsoftheScripturesconcerningChristandtheplanofsalvation，andtheretributiontobevisitedupontherejectersofthetruth。Theyaffectgreatpityformindssonarrow，weak，andsuperstitiousastoacknowledgetheclaimsofGodandobeytherequirementsofHislaw。Theymanifestasmuchassuranceasif，indeed，theyhadmadeacovenantwithdeathandanagreementwithhell——asiftheyhaderectedanimpassable，impenetrablebarrierbetweenthemselvesandthevengeanceofGod。Nothingcanarousetheirfears。Sofullyhavetheyyieldedtothetempter，socloselyaretheyunitedwithhim，andsothoroughlyimbuedwithhisspirit，thattheyhavenopowerandnoinclinationtobreakawayfromhissnare。

Satanhaslongbeenpreparingforhisfinalefforttodeceivetheworld。ThefoundationofhisworkwaslaidbytheassurancegiventoEveinEden:"Yeshallnotsurelydie。""Inthedayyeeatthereof，thenyoureyesshallbeopened，andyeshallbeasgods，knowinggoodandevil。"Genesis3:4，5。

Littlebylittlehehaspreparedthewayforhismasterpieceofdeceptioninthedevelopmentofspiritualism。Hehasnotyetreachedthefullaccomplishmentofhisdesigns；butitwillbereachedinthelastremnantoftime。Saystheprophet:"Isawthreeuncleanspiritslikefrogs；……theyarethespiritsofdevils，workingmiracles，whichgoforth562

untothekingsoftheearthandofthewholeworld，togatherthemtothebattleofthatgreatdayofGodAlmighty。"Revelation16:13，14。ExceptthosewhoarekeptbythepowerofGod，throughfaithinHisword，thewholeworldwillbesweptintotheranksofthisdelusion。Thepeoplearefastbeinglulledtoafatalsecurity，tobeawakenedonlybytheoutpouringofthewrathofGod。

SaiththeLordGod:"JudgmentalsowillIlaytotheline，andrighteousnesstotheplummet:andthehailshallsweepawaytherefugeoflies，andthewatersshalloverflowthehidingplace。Andyourcovenantwithdeathshallbedisannulled，andyouragreementwithhellshallnotstand；whentheoverflowingscourgeshallpassthrough，thenyeshallbetroddendownbyit。"Isaiah28:17，18。

(563)

Chapter35

LibertyofConscienceThreatenedRomanismisnowregardedbyProtestantswithfargreaterfavorthaninformeryears。InthosecountrieswhereCatholicismisnotintheascendancy，andthepapistsaretakingaconciliatorycourseinordertogaininfluence，thereisanincreasingindifferenceconcerningthedoctrinesthatseparatethereformedchurchesfromthepapalhierarchy；theopinionisgaininggroundthat，afterall，wedonotdiffersowidelyuponvitalpointsashasbeensupposed，andthatalittleconcessiononourpartwillbringusintoabetterunderstandingwithRome。ThetimewaswhenProtestantsplacedahighvalueuponthelibertyofconsciencewhichhadbeensodearlypurchased。

TheytaughttheirchildrentoabhorpoperyandheldthattoseekharmonywithRomewouldbedisloyaltytoGod。Buthowwidelydifferentarethesentimentsnowexpressed！

Thedefendersofthepapacydeclarethatthechurchhasbeenmaligned，andtheProtestantworldareinclinedtoacceptthestatement。Manyurgethatitisunjusttojudgethechurchoftodaybytheabominationsandabsurditiesthatmarkedherreignduringthecenturiesofignoranceanddarkness。Theyexcuseherhorriblecrueltyastheresultofthebarbarismofthetimesandpleadthattheinfluenceofmoderncivilizationhaschangedhersentiments。

564

Havethesepersonsforgottentheclaimofinfallibilityputforthforeighthundredyearsbythishaughtypower？Sofarfrombeingrelinquished，thisclaimwasaffirmedinthenineteenthcenturywithgreaterpositivenessthaneverbefore。AsRomeassertsthatthe"churchnevererred；norwillit，accordingtotheScriptures，evererr"(JohnL。vonMosheim，InstitutesofEcclesiasticalHistory，book3，centuryII，part2，chapter2，section9，note17)，howcansherenouncetheprincipleswhichgovernedhercourseinpastages？

Thepapalchurchwillneverrelinquishherclaimtoinfallibility。Allthatshehasdoneinherpersecutionofthosewhorejectherdogmassheholdstoberight；andwouldshenotrepeatthesameacts，shouldtheopportunitybepresented？LettherestraintsnowimposedbyseculargovernmentsberemovedandRomebereinstatedinherformerpower，andtherewouldspeedilybearevivalofhertyrannyandpersecution。

Awell-knownwriterspeaksthusoftheattitudeofthepapalhierarchyasregardsfreedomofconscience，andoftheperilswhichespeciallythreatentheUnitedStatesfromthesuccessofherpolicy:

"TherearemanywhoaredisposedtoattributeanyfearofRomanCatholicismintheUnitedStatestobigotryorchildishness。SuchseenothinginthecharacterandattitudeofRomanismthatishostiletoourfreeinstitutions，orfindnothingportentousinitsgrowth。Letus，then，firstcomparesomeofthefundamentalprinciplesofourgovernmentwiththoseoftheCatholicChurch。

"TheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesguaranteeslibertyofconscience。

Nothingisdearerormorefundamental。PopePiusIX，inhisEncyclicalLetterofAugust15，1854，said:`Theabsurdanderroneousdoctrinesorravingsindefenseoflibertyofconscienceareamostpestilentialerror——apest，ofallothers，mosttobedreadedinastate。’Thesamepope，inhisEncyclicalLetterofDecember8，1864，anathematized`thosewhoassertthelibertyofconscienceandofreligious565

worship，’also’allsuchasmaintainthatthechurchmaynotemployforce。’

"ThepacifictoneofRomeintheUnitedStatesdoesnotimplyachangeofheart。Sheistolerantwheresheishelpless。SaysBishopO’Connor:

’ReligiouslibertyismerelyendureduntiltheoppositecanbecarriedintoeffectwithoutperiltotheCatholicworld。’……ThearchbishopofSt。

Louisoncesaid:’Heresyandunbeliefarecrimes；andinChristiancountries，asinItalyandSpain，forinstance，whereallthepeopleareCatholics，andwheretheCatholicreligionisanessentialpartofthelawoftheland，theyarepunishedasothercrimes。’……

"Everycardinal，archbishop，andbishopintheCatholicChurchtakesanoathofallegiancetothepope，inwhichoccurthefollowingwords:’Heretics，schismatics，andrebelstooursaidlord(thepope)，orhisaforesaidsuccessors，Iwilltomyutmostpersecuteandoppose。’"——JosiahStrong，OurCountry，ch。5，pars。2-4。

ItistruethattherearerealChristiansintheRomanCatholiccommunion。

ThousandsinthatchurchareservingGodaccordingtothebestlighttheyhave。TheyarenotallowedaccesstoHisword，andthereforetheydonotdiscernthetruth。[*PUBLISHEDIN1888AND1911。SEEAPPENDIX。]Theyhaveneverseenthecontrastbetweenalivingheartserviceandaroundofmereformsandceremonies。Godlookswithpityingtendernessuponthesesouls，educatedastheyareinafaiththatisdelusiveandunsatisfying。Hewillcauseraysoflighttopenetratethedensedarknessthatsurroundsthem。HewillrevealtothemthetruthasitisinJesus，andmanywillyettaketheirpositionwithHispeople。

ButRomanismasasystemisnomoreinharmonywiththegospelofChristnowthanatanyformerperiodinherhistory。TheProtestantchurchesareingreatdarkness，ortheywoulddiscernthesignsofthetimes。TheRomanChurchisfar-reachinginherplansandmodesofoperation。Sheisemployingeverydevicetoextendherinfluenceandincreaseherpowerinpreparationforafierceanddetermined566

conflicttoregaincontroloftheworld，tore-establishpersecution，andtoundoallthatProtestantismhasdone。Catholicismisgaininggrounduponeveryside。SeetheincreasingnumberofherchurchesandchapelsinProtestantcountries。LookatthepopularityofhercollegesandseminariesinAmerica，sowidelypatronizedbyProtestants。LookatthegrowthofritualisminEnglandandthefrequentdefectionstotheranksoftheCatholics。Thesethingsshouldawakentheanxietyofallwhoprizethepureprinciplesofthegospel。

Protestantshavetamperedwithandpatronizedpopery；theyhavemadecompromisesandconcessionswhichpapiststhemselvesaresurprisedtoseeandfailtounderstand。MenareclosingtheireyestotherealcharacterofRomanismandthedangerstobeapprehendedfromhersupremacy。Thepeopleneedtobearousedtoresisttheadvancesofthismostdangerousfoetocivilandreligiousliberty。

ManyProtestantssupposethattheCatholicreligionisunattractiveandthatitsworshipisadull，meaninglessroundofceremony。Heretheymistake。

WhileRomanismisbasedupondeception，itisnotacoarseandclumsyimposture。ThereligiousserviceoftheRomanChurchisamostimpressiveceremonial。Itsgorgeousdisplayandsolemnritesfascinatethesensesofthepeopleandsilencethevoiceofreasonandofconscience。Theeyeischarmed。Magnificentchurches，imposingprocessions，goldenaltars，jeweledshrines，choicepaintings，andexquisitesculptureappealtotheloveofbeauty。Theearalsoiscaptivated。Themusicisunsurpassed。Therichnotesofthedeep-tonedorgan，blendingwiththemelodyofmanyvoicesasitswellsthroughtheloftydomesandpillaredaislesofhergrandcathedrals，cannotfailtoimpressthemindwithaweandreverence。

Thisoutwardsplendor，pomp，andceremony，thatonlymocksthelongingsofthesin-sicksoul，isanevidenceofinwardcorruption。ThereligionofChristneedsnotsuchattractionstorecommendit。Inthelightshiningfromthecross，trueChristianityappearssopureandlovelythatno567

externaldecorationscanenhanceitstrueworth。Itisthebeautyofholiness，ameekandquietspirit，whichisofvaluewithGod。

Brilliancyofstyleisnotnecessarilyanindexofpure，elevatedthought。

Highconceptionsofart，delicaterefinementoftaste，oftenexistinmindsthatareearthlyandsensual。TheyareoftenemployedbySatantoleadmentoforgetthenecessitiesofthesoul，tolosesightofthefuture，immortallife，toturnawayfromtheirinfiniteHelper，andtoliveforthisworldalone。

Areligionofexternalsisattractivetotheunrenewedheart。ThepompandceremonyoftheCatholicworshiphasaseductive，bewitchingpower，bywhichmanyaredeceived；andtheycometolookupontheRomanChurchastheverygateofheaven。Nonebutthosewhohaveplantedtheirfeetfirmlyuponthefoundationoftruth，andwhoseheartsarerenewedbytheSpiritofGod，areproofagainstherinfluence。ThousandswhohavenotanexperimentalknowledgeofChristwillbeledtoaccepttheformsofgodlinesswithoutthepower。Suchareligionisjustwhatthemultitudesdesire。

Thechurch’sclaimtotherighttopardonleadstheRomanisttofeelatlibertytosin；andtheordinanceofconfession，withoutwhichherpardonisnotgranted，tendsalsotogivelicensetoevil。Hewhokneelsbeforefallenman，andopensinconfessionthesecretthoughtsandimaginationsofhisheart，isdebasinghismanhoodanddegradingeverynobleinstinctofhissoul。Inunfoldingthesinsofhislifetoapriest，——anerring，sinfulmortal，andtoooftencorruptedwithwineandlicentiousness，——hisstandardofcharacterislowered，andheisdefiledinconsequence。HisthoughtofGodisdegradedtothelikenessoffallenhumanity，fortheprieststandsasarepresentativeofGod。Thisdegradingconfessionofmantomanisthesecretspringfromwhichhasflowedmuchoftheevilthatisdefilingtheworldandfittingitforthefinaldestruction。Yettohimwholovesself-indulgence，568

itismorepleasingtoconfesstoafellowmortalthantoopenthesoultoGod。Itismorepalatabletohumannaturetodopenancethantorenouncesin；itiseasiertomortifythefleshbysackclothandnettlesandgallingchainsthantocrucifyfleshlylusts。HeavyistheyokewhichthecarnalheartiswillingtobearratherthanbowtotheyokeofChrist。

ThereisastrikingsimilaritybetweentheChurchofRomeandtheJewishChurchatthetimeofChrist’sfirstadvent。WhiletheJewssecretlytrampleduponeveryprincipleofthelawofGod，theywereoutwardlyrigorousintheobservanceofitsprecepts，loadingitdownwithexactionsandtraditionsthatmadeobediencepainfulandburdensome。AstheJewsprofessedtoreverethelaw，sodoRomanistsclaimtoreverencethecross。

TheyexaltthesymbolofChrist’ssufferings，whileintheirlivestheydenyHimwhomitrepresents。

Papistsplacecrossesupontheirchurches，upontheiraltars，andupontheirgarments。Everywhereisseentheinsigniaofthecross。Everywhereitisoutwardlyhonoredandexalted。ButtheteachingsofChristareburiedbeneathamassofsenselesstraditions，falseinterpretations，andrigorousexactions。TheSaviour’swordsconcerningthebigotedJews，applywithstillgreaterforcetotheleadersoftheRomanCatholicChurch:"Theybindheavyburdensandgrievoustobeborne，andlaythemonmen’sshoulders；buttheythemselveswillnotmovethemwithoneoftheirfingers。"Matthew23:4。

ConscientioussoulsarekeptinconstantterrorfearingthewrathofanoffendedGod，whilemanyofthedignitariesofthechurcharelivinginluxuryandsensualpleasure。

Theworshipofimagesandrelics，theinvocationofsaints，andtheexaltationofthepopearedevicesofSatantoattractthemindsofthepeoplefromGodandfromHisSon。Toaccomplishtheirruin，heendeavorstoturntheirattentionfromHimthroughwhomalonetheycanfindsalvation。HewilldirectthemtoanyobjectthatcanbesubstitutedfortheOnewhohassaid:"ComeuntoMe，allyethatlaborand569

areheavy-laden，andIwillgiveyourest。"Matthew11:28。

ItisSatan’sconstantefforttomisrepresentthecharacterofGod，thenatureofsin，andtherealissuesatstakeinthegreatcontroversy。Hissophistrylessenstheobligationofthedivinelawandgivesmenlicensetosin。AtthesametimehecausesthemtocherishfalseconceptionsofGodsothattheyregardHimwithfearandhateratherthanwithlove。ThecrueltyinherentinhisowncharacterisattributedtotheCreator；itisembodiedinsystemsofreligionandexpressedinmodesofworship。Thusthemindsofmenareblinded，andSatansecuresthemashisagentstowaragainstGod。Bypervertedconceptionsofthedivineattributes，heathennationswereledtobelievehumansacrificesnecessarytosecurethefavorofDeity；andhorriblecrueltieshavebeenperpetratedunderthevariousformsofidolatry。

TheRomanCatholicChurch，unitingtheformsofpaganismandChristianity，and，likepaganism，misrepresentingthecharacterofGod，hadresortedtopracticesnolesscruelandrevolting。InthedaysofRome’ssupremacytherewereinstrumentsoftorturetocompelassenttoherdoctrines。Therewasthestakeforthosewhowouldnotconcedetoherclaims。Thereweremassacresonascalethatwillneverbeknownuntilrevealedinthejudgment。Dignitariesofthechurchstudied，underSatantheirmaster，toinventmeanstocausethegreatestpossibletortureandnotendthelifeofthevictim。Inmanycasestheinfernalprocesswasrepeatedtotheutmostlimitofhumanendurance，untilnaturegaveupthestruggle，andthesuffererhaileddeathasasweetrelease。

SuchwasthefateofRome’sopponents。Forheradherentsshehadthedisciplineofthescourge，offamishinghunger，ofbodilyausteritiesineveryconceivable，heart-sickeningform。TosecurethefavorofHeaven，penitentsviolatedthelawsofGodbyviolatingthelawsofnature。TheyweretaughttosunderthetieswhichHehasformedtoblessandgladdenman’searthlysojourn。Thechurchyardcontainsmillionsof570

victimswhospenttheirlivesinvainendeavorstosubduetheirnaturalaffections，torepress，asoffensivetoGod，everythoughtandfeelingofsympathywiththeirfellowcreatures。

IfwedesiretounderstandthedeterminedcrueltyofSatan，manifestedforhundredsofyears，notamongthosewhoneverheardofGod，butintheveryheartandthroughouttheextentofChristendom，wehaveonlytolookatthehistoryofRomanism。ThroughthismammothsystemofdeceptiontheprinceofevilachieveshispurposeofbringingdishonortoGodandwretchednesstoman。Andasweseehowhesucceedsindisguisinghimselfandaccomplishinghisworkthroughtheleadersofthechurch，wemaybetterunderstandwhyhehassogreatantipathytotheBible。IfthatBookisread，themercyandloveofGodwillberevealed；itwillbeseenthatHelaysuponmennoneoftheseheavyburdens。AllthatHeasksisabrokenandcontriteheart，ahumble，obedientspirit。

ChristgivesnoexampleinHislifeformenandwomentoshutthemselvesinmonasteriesinordertobecomefittedforheaven。Hehasnevertaughtthatloveandsympathymustberepressed。TheSaviour’sheartoverflowedwithlove。Thenearermanapproachestomoralperfection，thekeenerarehissensibilities，themoreacuteishisperceptionofsin，andthedeeperhissympathyfortheafflicted。ThepopeclaimstobethevicarofChrist；buthowdoeshischaracterbearcomparisonwiththatofourSaviour？WasChristeverknowntoconsignmentotheprisonortherackbecausetheydidnotpayHimhomageastheKingofheaven？WasHisvoiceheardcondemningtodeaththosewhodidnotacceptHim？WhenHewasslightedbythepeopleofaSamaritanvillage，theapostleJohnwasfilledwithindignation，andinquired:"Lord，wiltThouthatwecommandfiretocomedownfromheaven，andconsumethem，evenasEliasdid？"JesuslookedwithpityuponHisdisciple，andrebukedhisharshspirit，saying:"TheSonofmanisnotcometodestroymen’slives，buttosavethem。"Luke9:54，56。Howdifferentfrom571

thespiritmanifestedbyChrististhatofHisprofessedvicar。

TheRomanChurchnowpresentsafairfronttotheworld，coveringwithapologiesherrecordofhorriblecruelties。ShehasclothedherselfinChristlikegarments；butsheisunchanged。Everyprincipleofthepapacythatexistedinpastagesexiststoday。Thedoctrinesdevisedinthedarkestagesarestillheld。Letnonedeceivethemselves。ThepapacythatProtestantsarenowsoreadytohonoristhesamethatruledtheworldinthedaysoftheReformation，whenmenofGodstoodup，attheperiloftheirlives，toexposeheriniquity。Shepossessesthesameprideandarrogantassumptionthatlordeditoverkingsandprinces，andclaimedtheprerogativesofGod。HerspiritisnolesscruelanddespoticnowthanwhenshecrushedouthumanlibertyandslewthesaintsoftheMostHigh。

Thepapacyisjustwhatprophecydeclaredthatshewouldbe，theapostasyofthelattertimes。2Thessalonians2:3，4。Itisapartofherpolicytoassumethecharacterwhichwillbestaccomplishherpurpose；butbeneaththevariableappearanceofthechameleonsheconcealstheinvariablevenomoftheserpent。"Faithoughtnottobekeptwithheretics，norpersonssuspectedofheresy"(Lenfant，volume1，page516)，shedeclares。Shallthispower，whoserecordforathousandyearsiswritteninthebloodofthesaints，benowacknowledgedasapartofthechurchofChrist？

ItisnotwithoutreasonthattheclaimhasbeenputforthinProtestantcountriesthatCatholicismdifferslesswidelyfromProtestantismthaninformertimes。Therehasbeenachange；butthechangeisnotinthepapacy。

CatholicismindeedresemblesmuchoftheProtestantismthatnowexists，becauseProtestantismhassogreatlydegeneratedsincethedaysoftheReformers。

AstheProtestantschurcheshavebeenseekingthefavoroftheworld，falsecharityhasblindedtheireyes。Theydonotseebutthatitisrighttobelievegoodofallevil，andastheinevitableresulttheywillfinallybelieveevilofallgood。

572

Insteadofstandingindefenseofthefaithoncedeliveredtothesaints，theyarenow，asitwere，apologizingtoRomefortheiruncharitableopinionofher，beggingpardonfortheirbigotry。

Alargeclass，evenofthosewholookuponRomanismwithnofavor，apprehendlittledangerfromherpowerandinfluence。ManyurgethattheintellectualandmoraldarknessprevailingduringtheMiddleAgesfavoredthespreadofherdogmas，superstitions，andoppression，andthatthegreaterintelligenceofmoderntimes，thegeneraldiffusionofknowledge，andtheincreasingliberalityinmattersofreligionforbidarevivalofintoleranceandtyranny。Theverythoughtthatsuchastateofthingswillexistinthisenlightenedageisridiculed。Itistruethatgreatlight，intellectual，moral，andreligious，isshininguponthisgeneration。IntheopenpagesofGod’sHolyWord，lightfromheavenhasbeenshedupontheworld。Butitshouldberememberedthatthegreaterthelightbestowed，thegreaterthedarknessofthosewhopervertandrejectit。

AprayerfulstudyoftheBiblewouldshowProtestantstherealcharacterofthepapacyandwouldcausethemtoabhorandtoshunit；butmanyaresowiseintheirownconceitthattheyfeelnoneedofhumblyseekingGodthattheymaybeledintothetruth。Althoughpridingthemselvesontheirenlightenment，theyareignorantbothoftheScripturesandofthepowerofGod。Theymusthavesomemeansofquietingtheirconsciences，andtheyseekthatwhichisleastspiritualandhumiliating。WhattheydesireisamethodofforgettingGodwhichshallpassasamethodofrememberingHim。Thepapacyiswelladaptedtomeetthewantsofallthese。Itispreparedfortwoclassesofmankind，embracingnearlythewholeworld——thosewhowouldbesavedbytheirmerits，andthosewhowouldbesavedintheirsins。Hereisthesecretofitspower。

Adayofgreatintellectualdarknesshasbeenshowntobefavorabletothesuccessofthepapacy。Itwillyetbe573

demonstratedthatadayofgreatintellectuallightisequallyfavorableforitssuccess。Inpastages，whenmenwerewithoutGod’swordandwithouttheknowledgeofthetruth，theireyeswereblindfolded，andthousandswereensnared，notseeingthenetspreadfortheirfeet。Inthisgenerationtherearemanywhoseeyesbecomedazzledbytheglareofhumanspeculations，"sciencefalselysocalled；"theydiscernnotthenet，andwalkintoitasreadilyasifblindfolded。Goddesignedthatman’sintellectualpowersshouldbeheldasagiftfromhisMakerandshouldbeemployedintheserviceoftruthandrighteousness；butwhenprideandambitionarecherished，andmenexalttheirowntheoriesabovethewordofGod，thenintelligencecanaccomplishgreaterharmthanignorance。Thusthefalsescienceofthepresentday，whichunderminesfaithintheBible，willproveassuccessfulinpreparingthewayfortheacceptanceofthepapacy，withitspleasingforms，asdidthewithholdingofknowledgeinopeningthewayforitsaggrandizementintheDarkAges。

InthemovementsnowinprogressintheUnitedStatestosecurefortheinstitutionsandusagesofthechurchthesupportofthestate，Protestantsarefollowinginthestepsofpapists。Nay，more，theyareopeningthedoorforthepapacytoregaininProtestantAmericathesupremacywhichshehaslostintheOldWorld。AndthatwhichgivesgreatersignificancetothismovementisthefactthattheprincipalobjectcontemplatedistheenforcementofSundayobservance——acustomwhichoriginatedwithRome，andwhichsheclaimsasthesignofherauthority。Itisthespiritofthepapacy——thespiritofconformitytoworldlycustoms，thevenerationforhumantraditionsabovethecommandmentsofGod——thatispermeatingtheProtestantchurchesandleadingthemontodothesameworkofSundayexaltationwhichthepapacyhasdonebeforethem。

Ifthereaderwouldunderstandtheagenciestobeemployedinthesoon-comingcontest，hehasbuttotracetherecordofthemeanswhichRomeemployedforthesame574

objectinagespast。IfhewouldknowhowpapistsandProtestantsunitedwilldealwiththosewhorejecttheirdogmas，lethimseethespiritwhichRomemanifestedtowardtheSabbathanditsdefenders。

Royaledicts，generalcouncils，andchurchordinancessustainedbysecularpowerwerethestepsbywhichthepaganfestivalattaineditspositionofhonorintheChristianworld。ThefirstpublicmeasureenforcingSundayobservancewasthelawenactedbyConstantine。(A。D。321；seeAppendix。)

Thisedictrequiredtownspeopletoreston"thevenerabledayofthesun，"

butpermittedcountrymentocontinuetheiragriculturalpursuits。Thoughvirtuallyaheathenstatute，itwasenforcedbytheemperorafterhisnominalacceptanceofChristianity。

Theroyalmandatenotprovingasufficientsubstitutefordivineauthority，Eusebius，abishopwhosoughtthefavorofprinces，andwhowasthespecialfriendandflattererofConstantine，advancedtheclaimthatChristhadtransferredtheSabbathtoSunday。NotasingletestimonyoftheScriptureswasproducedinproofofthenewdoctrine。Eusebiushimselfunwittinglyacknowledgesitsfalsityandpointstotherealauthorsofthechange。"Allthings，"hesays，"whateverthatitwasdutytodoontheSabbath，thesewehavetransferredtotheLord’sDay。"——RobertCox，SabbathLawsandSabbathDuties，page538。ButtheSundayargument，groundlessasitwas，servedtoemboldenmenintramplingupontheSabbathoftheLord。Allwhodesiredtobehonoredbytheworldacceptedthepopularfestival。

Asthepapacybecamefirmlyestablished，theworkofSundayexaltationwascontinued。Foratimethepeopleengagedinagriculturallaborwhennotattendingchurch，andtheseventhdaywasstillregardedastheSabbath。Butsteadilyachangewaseffected。ThoseinholyofficewereforbiddentopassjudgmentinanycivilcontroversyontheSunday。Soonafter，allpersons，ofwhateverrank，werecommandedtorefrainfromcommonlaboronpainofafineforfreemenand575

stripesinthecaseofservants。Lateritwasdecreedthatrichmenshouldbepunishedwiththelossofhalfoftheirestates；andfinally，thatifstillobstinatetheyshouldbemadeslaves。Thelowerclassesweretosufferperpetualbanishment。

Miraclesalsowerecalledintorequisition。AmongotherwondersitwasreportedthatasahusbandmanwhowasabouttoplowhisfieldonSundaycleanedhisplowwithaniron，theironstuckfastinhishand，andfortwoyearshecarrieditaboutwithhim，"tohisexceedinggreatpainandshame。"——FrancisWest，HistoricalandPracticalDiscourseontheLord’sDay，page174。

LaterthepopegavedirectionsthattheparishpriestshouldadmonishtheviolatorsofSundayandwishthemtogotochurchandsaytheirprayers，lesttheybringsomegreatcalamityonthemselvesandneighbors。Anecclesiasticalcouncilbroughtforwardtheargument，sincesowidelyemployed，evenbyProtestants，thatbecausepersonshadbeenstruckbylightningwhilelaboringonSunday，itmustbetheSabbath。"Itisapparent，"saidtheprelates，"howhighthedispleasureofGodwasupontheirneglectofthisday。"Anappealwasthenmadethatpriestsandministers，kingsandprinces，andallfaithfulpeople"usetheirutmostendeavorsandcarethatthedayberestoredtoitshonor，and，forthecreditofChristianity，moredevoutlyobservedforthetimetocome。"——ThomasMorer，DiscourseinSixDialoguesontheName，Notion，andObservationoftheLord’sDay，page271。

Thedecreesofcouncilsprovinginsufficient，thesecularauthoritieswerebesoughttoissueanedictthatwouldstriketerrortotheheartsofthepeopleandforcethemtorefrainfromlaborontheSunday。AtasynodheldinRome，allpreviousdecisionswerereaffirmedwithgreaterforceandsolemnity。TheywerealsoincorporatedintotheecclesiasticallawandenforcedbythecivilauthoritiesthroughoutnearlyallChristendom。(SeeHeylyn，HistoryoftheSabbath，pt。2，ch。5，sec。7。)

576

StilltheabsenceofScripturalauthorityforSundaykeepingoccasionednolittleembarrassment。ThepeoplequestionedtherightoftheirteacherstosetasidethepositivedeclarationofJehovah，"TheseventhdayistheSabbathoftheLordthyGod，"inordertohonorthedayofthesun。TosupplythelackofBibletestimony，otherexpedientswerenecessary。A

zealousadvocateofSunday，whoaboutthecloseofthetwelfthcenturyvisitedthechurchesofEngland，wasresistedbyfaithfulwitnessesforthetruth；andsofruitlesswerehiseffortsthathedepartedfromthecountryforaseasonandcastabouthimforsomemeanstoenforcehisteachings。

Whenhereturned，thelackwassupplied，andinhisafterlaborshemetwithgreatersuccess。HebroughtwithhimarollpurportingtobefromGodHimself，whichcontainedtheneededcommandforSundayobservance，withawfulthreatstoterrifythedisobedient。Thispreciousdocument——asbaseacounterfeitastheinstitutionitsupported——wassaidtohavefallenfromheavenandtohavebeenfoundinJerusalem，uponthealtarofSt。Simeon，inGolgotha。But，infact，thepontificalpalaceatRomewasthesourcewhenceitproceeded。Fraudsandforgeriestoadvancethepowerandprosperityofthechurchhaveinallagesbeenesteemedlawfulbythepapalhierarchy。

Therollforbadelaborfromtheninthhour，threeo’clock，onSaturdayafternoon，tillsunriseonMonday；anditsauthoritywasdeclaredtobeconfirmedbymanymiracles。Itwasreportedthatpersonslaboringbeyondtheappointedhourwerestrickenwithparalysis。Amillerwhoattemptedtogrindhiscorn，saw，insteadofflour，atorrentofbloodcomeforth，andthemillwheelstoodstill，notwithstandingthestrongrushofwater。Awomanwhoplaceddoughintheovenfounditrawwhentakenout，thoughtheovenwasveryhot。Anotherwhohaddoughpreparedforbakingattheninthhour，butdeterminedtosetitasidetillMonday，found，thenextday，thatithadbeenmadeintoloavesandbakedbydivinepower。Amanwhobakedbreadaftertheninthhour577

onSaturdayfound，whenhebrokeitthenextmorning，thatbloodstartedtherefrom。BysuchabsurdandsuperstitiousfabricationsdidtheadvocatesofSundayendeavortoestablishitssacredness。(SeeRogerdeHoveden，Annals，vol。2，pp。528-530。)

InScotland，asinEngland，agreaterregardforSundaywassecuredbyunitingwithitaportionoftheancientSabbath。Butthetimerequiredtobekeptholyvaried。AnedictfromthekingofScotlanddeclaredthat"Saturdayfromtwelveatnoonoughttobeaccountedholy，"andthatnoman，fromthattimetillMondaymorning，shouldengageinworldlybusiness——Morer，pages290，291。

ButnotwithstandingalltheeffortstoestablishSundaysacredness，papiststhemselvespubliclyconfessedthedivineauthorityoftheSabbathandthehumanoriginoftheinstitutionbywhichithadbeensupplanted。Inthesixteenthcenturyapapalcouncilplainlydeclared:"LetallChristiansrememberthattheseventhdaywasconsecratedbyGod，andhathbeenreceivedandobserved，notonlybytheJews，butbyallotherswhopretendtoworshipGod；thoughweChristianshavechangedtheirSabbathintotheLord’sDay。"——

Ibid。，pages281，282。Thosewhoweretamperingwiththedivinelawwerenotignorantofthecharacteroftheirwork。TheyweredeliberatelysettingthemselvesaboveGod。

AstrikingillustrationofRome’spolicytowardthosewhodisagreewithherwasgiveninthelongandbloodypersecutionoftheWaldenses，someofwhomwereobserversoftheSabbath。Otherssufferedinasimilarmannerfortheirfidelitytothefourthcommandment。ThehistoryofthechurchesofEthiopiaandAbyssiniaisespeciallysignificant。AmidthegloomoftheDarkAges，theChristiansofCentralAfricawerelostsightofandforgottenbytheworld，andformanycenturiestheyenjoyedfreedomintheexerciseoftheirfaith。ButatlastRomelearnedoftheirexistence，andtheemperorofAbyssiniawassoonbeguiledintoanacknowledgmentofthepopeasthevicarofChrist。Otherconcessionsfollowed。

578

AnedictwasissuedforbiddingtheobservanceoftheSabbathundertheseverestpenalties。(SeeMichaelGeddes，ChurchHistoryofEthiopia，pages311，312。)ButpapaltyrannysoonbecameayokesogallingthattheAbyssiniansdeterminedtobreakitfromtheirnecks。AfteraterriblestruggletheRomanistswerebanishedfromtheirdominions，andtheancientfaithwasrestored。Thechurchesrejoicedintheirfreedom，andtheyneverforgotthelessontheyhadlearnedconcerningthedeception，thefanaticism，andthedespoticpowerofRome。Withintheirsolitaryrealmtheywerecontenttoremain，unknowntotherestofChristendom。

ThechurchesofAfricaheldtheSabbathasitwasheldbythepapalchurchbeforehercompleteapostasy。WhiletheykepttheseventhdayinobediencetothecommandmentofGod，theyabstainedfromlaborontheSundayinconformitytothecustomofthechurch。Uponobtainingsupremepower，RomehadtrampledupontheSabbathofGodtoexaltherown；butthechurchesofAfrica，hiddenfornearlyathousandyears，didnotshareinthisapostasy。

WhenbroughtundertheswayofRome，theywereforcedtosetasidethetrueandexaltthefalsesabbath；butnosoonerhadtheyregainedtheirindependencethantheyreturnedtoobediencetothefourthcommandment。(SeeAppendix。)

TheserecordsofthepastclearlyrevealtheenmityofRometowardthetrueSabbathanditsdefenders，andthemeanswhichsheemploystohonortheinstitutionofhercreating。ThewordofGodteachesthatthesescenesaretoberepeatedasRomanCatholicsandProtestantsshallunitefortheexaltationoftheSunday。

TheprophecyofRevelation13declaresthatthepowerrepresentedbythebeastwithlamblikehornsshallcause"theearthandthemwhichdwelltherein"toworshipthepapacy——theresymbolizedbythebeast"likeuntoaleopard。"Thebeastwithtwohornsisalsotosay"tothemthatdwellontheearth，thattheyshouldmakeanimagetothebeast；"and，579

furthermore，itistocommandall，"bothsmallandgreat，richandpoor，freeandbond，"toreceivethemarkofthebeast。Revelation13:11-16。IthasbeenshownthattheUnitedStatesisthepowerrepresentedbythebeastwithlamblikehorns，andthatthisprophecywillbefulfilledwhentheUnitedStatesshallenforceSundayobservance，whichRomeclaimsasthespecialacknowledgmentofhersupremacy。ButinthishomagetothepapacytheUnitedStateswillnotbealone。TheinfluenceofRomeinthecountriesthatonceacknowledgedherdominionisstillfarfrombeingdestroyed。Andprophecyforetellsarestorationofherpower。"Isawoneofhisheadsasitwerewoundedtodeath；andhisdeadlywoundwashealed:andalltheworldwonderedafterthebeast。"Verse3。Theinflictionofthedeadlywoundpointstothedownfallofthepapacyin1798。Afterthis，saystheprophet，"hisdeadlywoundwashealed:andalltheworldwonderedafterthebeast。"

Paulstatesplainlythatthe"manofsin"willcontinueuntilthesecondadvent。2Thessalonians2:3-8。Totheverycloseoftimehewillcarryforwardtheworkofdeception。Andtherevelatordeclares，alsoreferringtothepapacy:"Allthatdwellupontheearthshallworshiphim，whosenamesarenotwritteninthebookoflife。"Revelation13:8。InboththeOldandtheNewWorld，thepapacywillreceivehomageinthehonorpaidtotheSundayinstitution，thatrestssolelyupontheauthorityoftheRomanChurch。

Sincethemiddleofthenineteenthcentury，studentsofprophecyintheUnitedStateshavepresentedthistestimonytotheworld。Intheeventsnowtakingplaceisseenarapidadvancetowardthefulfillmentoftheprediction。WithProtestantteachersthereisthesameclaimofdivineauthorityforSundaykeeping，andthesamelackofScripturalevidence，aswiththepapalleaderswhofabricatedmiraclestosupplytheplaceofacommandfromGod。TheassertionthatGod’sjudgmentsarevisiteduponmenfortheirviolationofthe580

Sunday-sabbath，willberepeated；alreadyitisbeginningtobeurged。AndamovementtoenforceSundayobservanceisfastgainingground。

MarvelousinhershrewdnessandcunningistheRomanChurch。Shecanreadwhatistobe。Shebideshertime，seeingthattheProtestantchurchesarepayingherhomageintheiracceptanceofthefalsesabbathandthattheyarepreparingtoenforceitbytheverymeanswhichsheherselfemployedinbygonedays。Thosewhorejectthelightoftruthwillyetseektheaidofthisself-styledinfalliblepowertoexaltaninstitutionthatoriginatedwithher。HowreadilyshewillcometothehelpofProtestantsinthisworkitisnotdifficulttoconjecture。Whounderstandsbetterthanthepapalleadershowtodealwiththosewhoaredisobedienttothechurch？

TheRomanCatholicChurch，withallitsramificationsthroughouttheworld，formsonevastorganizationunderthecontrol，anddesignedtoservetheinterests，ofthepapalsee。Itsmillionsofcommunicants，ineverycountryontheglobe，areinstructedtoholdthemselvesasboundinallegiancetothepope。Whatevertheirnationalityortheirgovernment，theyaretoregardtheauthorityofthechurchasaboveallother。Thoughtheymaytaketheoathpledgingtheirloyaltytothestate，yetbackofthisliesthevowofobediencetoRome，absolvingthemfromeverypledgeinimicaltoherinterests。

Historytestifiesofherartfulandpersistenteffortstoinsinuateherselfintotheaffairsofnations；andhavinggainedafoothold，tofurtherherownaims，evenattheruinofprincesandpeople。Intheyear1204，PopeInnocentIIIextractedfromPeterII，kingofArragon，thefollowingextraordinaryoath:"I，Peter，kingofArragonians，professandpromisetobeeverfaithfulandobedienttomylord，PopeInnocent，tohisCatholicsuccessors，andtheRomanChurch，andfaithfullytopreservemykingdominhisobedience，defendingtheCatholicfaith，andpersecutinghereticalpravity。"——JohnDowling，TheHistoryofRomanism，b。5，ch。6，sec。

581

55。ThisisinharmonywiththeclaimsregardingthepoweroftheRomanpontiff"thatitislawfulforhimtodeposeemperors"and"thathecanabsolvesubjectsfromtheirallegiancetounrighteousrulers。"——Mosheim，b。3，cent。11，pt。2，ch。2，sec。9，note17。(SeealsoAppendix。)

Andletitberemembered，itistheboastofRomethatsheneverchanges。

TheprinciplesofGregoryVIIandInnocentIIIarestilltheprinciplesoftheRomanCatholicChurch。Andhadshebutthepower，shewouldputtheminpracticewithasmuchvigornowasinpastcenturies。ProtestantslittleknowwhattheyaredoingwhentheyproposetoaccepttheaidofRomeintheworkofSundayexaltation。Whiletheyarebentupontheaccomplishmentoftheirpurpose，Romeisaimingtore-establishherpower，torecoverherlostsupremacy。LettheprincipleoncebeestablishedintheUnitedStatesthatthechurchmayemployorcontrolthepowerofthestate；thatreligiousobservancesmaybeenforcedbysecularlaws；inshort，thattheauthorityofchurchandstateistodominatetheconscience，andthetriumphofRomeinthiscountryisassured。

God’swordhasgivenwarningoftheimpendingdanger；letthisbeunheeded，andtheProtestantworldwilllearnwhatthepurposesofRomereallyare，onlywhenitistoolatetoescapethesnare。Sheissilentlygrowingintopower。Herdoctrinesareexertingtheirinfluenceinlegislativehalls，inthechurches，andintheheartsofmen。Sheispilingupherloftyandmassivestructuresinthesecretrecessesofwhichherformerpersecutionswillberepeated。Stealthilyandunsuspectedlysheisstrengtheningherforcestofurtherherownendswhenthetimeshallcomeforhertostrike。

Allthatshedesiresisvantageground，andthisisalreadybeinggivenher。

WeshallsoonseeandshallfeelwhatthepurposeoftheRomanelementis。

WhoevershallbelieveandobeythewordofGodwilltherebyincurreproachandpersecution。

(582)

Chapter36

TheImpendingConflictFromtheverybeginningofthegreatcontroversyinheavenithasbeenSatan’spurposetooverthrowthelawofGod。ItwastoaccomplishthisthatheentereduponhisrebellionagainsttheCreator，andthoughhewascastoutofheavenhehascontinuedthesamewarfareupontheearth。Todeceivemen，andthusleadthemtotransgressGod’slaw，istheobjectwhichhehassteadfastlypursued。Whetherthisbeaccomplishedbycastingasidethelawaltogether，orbyrejectingoneofitsprecepts，theresultwillbeultimatelythesame。Hethatoffends"inonepoint，"manifestscontemptforthewholelaw；hisinfluenceandexampleareonthesideoftransgression；

hebecomes"guiltyofall。"James2:10。

Inseekingtocastcontemptuponthedivinestatutes，SatanhaspervertedthedoctrinesoftheBible，anderrorshavethusbecomeincorporatedintothefaithofthousandswhoprofesstobelievetheScriptures。Thelastgreatconflictbetweentruthanderrorisbutthefinalstruggleofthelong-standingcontroversyconcerningthelawofGod。Uponthisbattlewearenowentering——abattlebetweenthelawsofmenandthepreceptsofJehovah，betweenthereligionoftheBibleandthereligionoffableandtradition。

Theagencieswhichwilluniteagainsttruthandrighteousnessinthiscontestarenowactivelyatwork。God’sholyword，whichhasbeenhandeddowntousatsuchacostof583

sufferingandblood，isbutlittlevalued。TheBibleiswithinthereachofall，buttherearefewwhoreallyacceptitastheguideoflife。Infidelityprevailstoanalarmingextent，notintheworldmerely，butinthechurch。

ManyhavecometodenydoctrineswhicharetheverypillarsoftheChristianfaith。Thegreatfactsofcreationaspresentedbytheinspiredwriters，thefallofman，theatonement，andtheperpetuityofthelawofGod，arepracticallyrejected，eitherwhollyorinpart，byalargeshareoftheprofessedlyChristianworld。ThousandswhopridethemselvesupontheirwisdomandindependenceregarditasanevidenceofweaknesstoplaceimplicitconfidenceintheBible；theythinkitaproofofsuperiortalentandlearningtocavilattheScripturesandtospiritualizeandexplainawaytheirmostimportanttruths。Manyministersareteachingtheirpeople，andmanyprofessorsandteachersareinstructingtheirstudents，thatthelawofGodhasbeenchangedorabrogated；andthosewhoregarditsrequirementsasstillvalid，tobeliterallyobeyed，arethoughttobedeservingonlyofridiculeorcontempt。

Inrejectingthetruth，menrejectitsAuthor。IntramplinguponthelawofGod，theydenytheauthorityoftheLaw-giver。Itisaseasytomakeanidoloffalsedoctrinesandtheoriesastofashionanidolofwoodorstone。BymisrepresentingtheattributesofGod，SatanleadsmentoconceiveofHiminafalsecharacter。Withmany，aphilosophicalidolisenthronedintheplaceofJehovah；whilethelivingGod，asHeisrevealedinHisword，inChrist，andintheworksofcreation，isworshipedbybutfew。ThousandsdeifynaturewhiletheydenytheGodofnature。Thoughinadifferentform，idolatryexistsintheChristianworldtodayasverilyasitexistedamongancientIsraelinthedaysofElijah。Thegodofmanyprofessedlywisemen，ofphilosophers，poets，politicians，journalists——thegodofpolishedfashionablecircles，ofmanycollegesanduniversities，evenofsometheologicalinstitutions——islittlebetterthanBaal，thesun-godofPhoenicia。

584

NoerroracceptedbytheChristianworldstrikesmoreboldlyagainsttheauthorityofHeaven，noneismoredirectlyopposedtothedictatesofreason，noneismoreperniciousinitsresults，thanthemoderndoctrine，sorapidlygainingground，thatGod’slawisnolongerbindinguponmen。Everynationhasitslaws，whichcommandrespectandobedience；nogovernmentcouldexistwithoutthem；andcanitbeconceivedthattheCreatoroftheheavensandtheearthhasnolawtogovernthebeingsHehasmade？Supposethatprominentministerswerepubliclytoteachthatthestatuteswhichgoverntheirlandandprotecttherightsofitscitizenswerenotobligatory——thattheyrestrictedthelibertiesofthepeople，andthereforeoughtnottobeobeyed；howlongwouldsuchmenbetoleratedinthepulpit？

Butisitagraveroffensetodisregardthelawsofstatesandnationsthantotrampleuponthosedivinepreceptswhicharethefoundationofallgovernment？

Itwouldbefarmoreconsistentfornationstoabolishtheirstatutes，andpermitthepeopletodoastheyplease，thanfortheRuleroftheuniversetoannulHislaw，andleavetheworldwithoutastandardtocondemntheguiltyorjustifytheobedient。WouldweknowtheresultofmakingvoidthelawofGod？Theexperimenthasbeentried。TerriblewerethescenesenactedinFrancewhenatheismbecamethecontrollingpower。ItwasthendemonstratedtotheworldthattothrowofftherestraintswhichGodhasimposedistoaccepttheruleofthecruelestoftyrants。Whenthestandardofrighteousnessissetaside，thewayisopenfortheprinceofeviltoestablishhispowerintheearth。

Whereverthedivinepreceptsarerejected，sinceasestoappearsinfulorrighteousnessdesirable。ThosewhorefusetosubmittothegovernmentofGodarewhollyunfittedtogovernthemselves。Throughtheirperniciousteachingsthespiritofinsubordinationisimplantedintheheartsofchildrenandyouth，whoarenaturallyimpatientofcontrol；andalawless，licentiousstateofsocietyresults。WhilescoffingatthecredulityofthosewhoobeytherequirementsofGod，585

themultitudeseagerlyacceptthedelusionsofSatan。Theygivethereintolustandpracticethesinswhichhavecalleddownjudgmentsupontheheathen。

ThosewhoteachthepeopletoregardlightlythecommandmentsofGodsowdisobediencetoreapdisobedience。Lettherestraintimposedbythedivinelawbewhollycastaside，andhumanlawswouldsoonbedisregarded。BecauseGodforbidsdishonestpractices，coveting，lying，anddefrauding，menarereadytotrampleuponHisstatutesasahindrancetotheirworldlyprosperity；buttheresultsofbanishingthesepreceptswouldbesuchastheydonotanticipate。Ifthelawwerenotbinding，whyshouldanyfeartotransgress？Propertywouldnolongerbesafe。Menwouldobtaintheirneighbor’spossessionsbyviolence，andthestrongestwouldbecomerichest。

Lifeitselfwouldnotberespected。Themarriagevowwouldnolongerstandasasacredbulwarktoprotectthefamily。Hewhohadthepower，would，ifhedesired，takehisneighbor’swifebyviolence。Thefifthcommandmentwouldbesetasidewiththefourth。Childrenwouldnotshrinkfromtakingthelifeoftheirparentsifbysodoingtheycouldobtainthedesireoftheircorrupthearts。Thecivilizedworldwouldbecomeahordeofrobbersandassassins；andpeace，rest，andhappinesswouldbebanishedfromtheearth。

AlreadythedoctrinethatmenarereleasedfromobediencetoGod’srequirementshasweakenedtheforceofmoralobligationandopenedthefloodgatesofiniquityupontheworld。Lawlessness，dissipation，andcorruptionaresweepinginuponuslikeanoverwhelmingtide。Inthefamily，Satanisatwork。Hisbannerwaves，eveninprofessedlyChristianhouseholds。Thereisenvy，evilsurmising，hypocrisy，estrangement，emulation，strife，betrayalofsacredtrusts，indulgenceoflust。Thewholesystemofreligiousprinciplesanddoctrines，whichshouldformthefoundationandframeworkofsociallife，seemstobeatotteringmass，readytofalltoruin。Thevilestofcriminals，whenthrownintoprisonfortheiroffenses，areoftenmadetherecipientsofgiftsand586

attentionsasiftheyhadattainedanenviabledistinction。Greatpublicityisgiventotheircharacterandcrimes。Thepresspublishestherevoltingdetailsofvice，thusinitiatingothersintothepracticeoffraud，robbery，andmurder；andSatanexultsinthesuccessofhishellishschemes。Theinfatuationofvice，thewantontakingoflife，theterribleincreaseofintemperanceandiniquityofeveryorderanddegree，shouldarouseallwhofearGod，toinquirewhatcanbedonetostaythetideofevil。

Courtsofjusticearecorrupt。Rulersareactuatedbydesireforgainandloveofsensualpleasure。IntemperancehasbecloudedthefacultiesofmanysothatSatanhasalmostcompletecontrolofthem。Juristsareperverted，bribed，deluded。Drunkennessandrevelry，passion，envy，dishonestyofeverysort，arerepresentedamongthosewhoadministerthelaws。"Justicestandethafaroff:fortruthisfalleninthestreet，andequitycannotenter。"

Isaiah59:14。

TheiniquityandspiritualdarknessthatprevailedunderthesupremacyofRomeweretheinevitableresultofhersuppressionoftheScriptures；butwhereistobefoundthecauseofthewidespreadinfidelity，therejectionofthelawofGod，andtheconsequentcorruption，underthefullblazeofgospellightinanageofreligiousfreedom？NowthatSatancannolongerkeeptheworldunderhiscontrolbywithholdingtheScriptures，heresortstoothermeanstoaccomplishthesameobject。TodestroyfaithintheBibleserveshispurposeaswellastodestroytheBibleitself。ByintroducingthebeliefthatGod’slawisnotbinding，heaseffectuallyleadsmentotransgressasiftheywerewhollyignorantofitsprecepts。Andnow，asinformerages，hehasworkedthroughthechurchtofurtherhisdesigns。ThereligiousorganizationsofthedayhaverefusedtolistentounpopulartruthsplainlybroughttoviewintheScriptures，andincombatingthemtheyhaveadoptedinterpretationsandtakenpositionswhichhavesownbroadcasttheseedsofskepticism。Clingingtothepapalerrorofnaturalimmortalityandman’s587

consciousnessindeath，theyhaverejectedtheonlydefenseagainstthedelusionsofspiritualism。ThedoctrineofeternaltormenthasledmanytodisbelievetheBible。Andastheclaimsofthefourthcommandmentareurgeduponthepeople，itisfoundthattheobservanceoftheseventh-daySabbathisenjoined；andastheonlywaytofreethemselvesfromadutywhichtheyareunwillingtoperform，manypopularteachersdeclarethatthelawofGodisnolongerbinding。ThustheycastawaythelawandtheSabbathtogether。

AstheworkofSabbathreformextends，thisrejectionofthedivinelawtoavoidtheclaimsofthefourthcommandmentwillbecomewell-nighuniversal。

Theteachingsofreligiousleadershaveopenedthedoortoinfidelity，tospiritualism，andtocontemptforGod’sholylaw；andupontheseleadersrestsafearfulresponsibilityfortheiniquitythatexistsintheChristianworld。

Yetthisveryclassputforththeclaimthatthefast-spreadingcorruptionislargelyattributabletothedesecrationoftheso-called"Christiansabbath，"andthattheenforcementofSundayobservancewouldgreatlyimprovethemoralsofsociety。ThisclaimisespeciallyurgedinAmerica，wherethedoctrineofthetrueSabbathhasbeenmostwidelypreached。Herethetemperancework，oneofthemostprominentandimportantofmoralreforms，isoftencombinedwiththeSundaymovement，andtheadvocatesofthelatterrepresentthemselvesaslaboringtopromotethehighestinterestofsociety；andthosewhorefusetounitewiththemaredenouncedastheenemiesoftemperanceandreform。Butthefactthatamovementtoestablisherrorisconnectedwithaworkwhichisinitselfgood，isnotanargumentinfavoroftheerror。Wemaydisguisepoisonbyminglingitwithwholesomefood，butwedonotchangeitsnature。Onthecontrary，itisrenderedmoredangerous，asitismorelikelytobetakenunawares。ItisoneofSatan’sdevicestocombinewithfalsehoodjustenoughtruthtogiveitplausibility。

TheleadersoftheSundaymovementmayadvocatereforms588

whichthepeopleneed，principleswhichareinharmonywiththeBible；yetwhilethereiswiththesearequirementwhichiscontrarytoGod’slaw，Hisservantscannotunitewiththem。NothingcanjustifytheminsettingasidethecommandmentsofGodforthepreceptsofmen。

Throughthetwogreaterrors，theimmortalityofthesoulandSundaysacredness，Satanwillbringthepeopleunderhisdeceptions。Whiletheformerlaysthefoundationofspiritualism，thelattercreatesabondofsympathywithRome。TheProtestantsoftheUnitedStateswillbeforemostinstretchingtheirhandsacrossthegulftograspthehandofspiritualism；

theywillreachovertheabysstoclasphandswiththeRomanpower；andundertheinfluenceofthisthreefoldunion，thiscountrywillfollowinthestepsofRomeintramplingontherightsofconscience。

AsspiritualismmorecloselyimitatesthenominalChristianityoftheday，ithasgreaterpowertodeceiveandensnare。Satanhimselfisconverted，afterthemodernorderofthings。Hewillappearinthecharacterofanangeloflight。Throughtheagencyofspiritualism，miracleswillbewrought，thesickwillbehealed，andmanyundeniablewonderswillbeperformed。AndasthespiritswillprofessfaithintheBible，andmanifestrespectfortheinstitutionsofthechurch，theirworkwillbeacceptedasamanifestationofdivinepower。

ThelineofdistinctionbetweenprofessedChristiansandtheungodlyisnowhardlydistinguishable。Churchmemberslovewhattheworldlovesandarereadytojoinwiththem，andSatandeterminestounitetheminonebodyandthusstrengthenhiscausebysweepingallintotheranksofspiritualism。

Papists，whoboastofmiraclesasacertainsignofthetruechurch，willbereadilydeceivedbythiswonder-workingpower；andProtestants，havingcastawaytheshieldoftruth，willalsobedeluded。Papists，Protestants，andworldlingswillalikeaccepttheformofgodlinesswithoutthepower，andtheywillseeinthisunionagrandmovement589

fortheconversionoftheworldandtheusheringinofthelong-expectedmillennium。

Throughspiritualism，Satanappearsasabenefactoroftherace，healingthediseasesofthepeople，andprofessingtopresentanewandmoreexaltedsystemofreligiousfaith；butatthesametimeheworksasadestroyer。Histemptationsareleadingmultitudestoruin。Intemperancedethronesreason；

sensualindulgence，strife，andbloodshedfollow。Satandelightsinwar，foritexcitestheworstpassionsofthesoulandthensweepsintoeternityitsvictimssteepedinviceandblood。Itishisobjecttoincitethenationstowaragainstoneanother，forhecanthusdivertthemindsofthepeoplefromtheworkofpreparationtostandinthedayofGod。

Satanworksthroughtheelementsalsotogarnerhisharvestofunpreparedsouls。Hehasstudiedthesecretsofthelaboratoriesofnature，andheusesallhispowertocontroltheelementsasfarasGodallows。WhenhewassufferedtoafflictJob，howquicklyflocksandherds，servants，houses，children，weresweptaway，onetroublesucceedinganotherasinamoment。ItisGodthatshieldsHiscreaturesandhedgestheminfromthepowerofthedestroyer。ButtheChristianworldhaveshowncontemptforthelawofJehovah；andtheLordwilldojustwhatHehasdeclaredthatHewould——HewillwithdrawHisblessingsfromtheearthandremoveHisprotectingcarefromthosewhoarerebellingagainstHislawandteachingandforcingotherstodothesame。SatanhascontrolofallwhomGoddoesnotespeciallyguard。

Hewillfavorandprospersomeinordertofurtherhisowndesigns，andhewillbringtroubleuponothersandleadmentobelievethatitisGodwhoisafflictingthem。

Whileappearingtothechildrenofmenasagreatphysicianwhocanhealalltheirmaladies，hewillbringdiseaseanddisaster，untilpopulouscitiesarereducedtoruinanddesolation。Evennowheisatwork。Inaccidentsandcalamitiesbyseaandbyland，ingreatconflagrations，infierce590

tornadoesandterrifichailstorms，intempests，floods，cyclones，tidalwaves，andearthquakes，ineveryplaceandinathousandforms，Satanisexercisinghispower。Hesweepsawaytheripeningharvest，andfamineanddistressfollow。Heimpartstotheairadeadlytaint，andthousandsperishbythepestilence。Thesevisitationsaretobecomemoreandmorefrequentanddisastrous。Destructionwillbeuponbothmanandbeast。"Theearthmournethandfadethaway，""thehaughtypeople……dolanguish。Theearthalsoisdefiledundertheinhabitantsthereof；becausetheyhavetransgressedthelaws，changedtheordinance，brokentheeverlastingcovenant。"Isaiah24:4，5。

AndthenthegreatdeceiverwillpersuadementhatthosewhoserveGodarecausingtheseevils。TheclassthathaveprovokedthedispleasureofHeavenwillchargealltheirtroublesuponthosewhoseobediencetoGod’scommandmentsisaperpetualreprooftotransgressors。ItwillbedeclaredthatmenareoffendingGodbytheviolationoftheSundaysabbath；thatthissinhasbroughtcalamitieswhichwillnotceaseuntilSundayobservanceshallbestrictlyenforced；andthatthosewhopresenttheclaimsofthefourthcommandment，thusdestroyingreverenceforSunday，aretroublersofthepeople，preventingtheirrestorationtodivinefavorandtemporalprosperity。ThustheaccusationurgedofoldagainsttheservantofGodwillberepeatedandupongroundsequallywellestablished:"Anditcametopass，whenAhabsawElijah，thatAhabsaiduntohim，ArtthouhethattroublethIsrael？Andheanswered，IhavenottroubledIsrael；butthou，andthyfather’shouse，inthatyehaveforsakenthecommandmentsoftheLord，andthouhastfollowedBaalim。"1Kings18:17，18。Asthewrathofthepeopleshallbeexcitedbyfalsecharges，theywillpursueacoursetowardGod’sambassadorsverysimilartothatwhichapostateIsraelpursuedtowardElijah。

Themiracle-workingpowermanifestedthroughspiritualism591

willexertitsinfluenceagainstthosewhochoosetoobeyGodratherthanmen。CommunicationsfromthespiritswilldeclarethatGodhassentthemtoconvincetherejectersofSundayoftheirerror，affirmingthatthelawsofthelandshouldbeobeyedasthelawofGod。TheywilllamentthegreatwickednessintheworldandsecondthetestimonyofreligiousteachersthatthedegradedstateofmoralsiscausedbythedesecrationofSunday。Greatwillbetheindignationexcitedagainstallwhorefusetoaccepttheirtestimony。

Satan’spolicyinthisfinalconflictwithGod’speopleisthesamethatheemployedintheopeningofthegreatcontroversyinheaven。Heprofessedtobeseekingtopromotethestabilityofthedivinegovernment，whilesecretlybendingeveryefforttosecureitsoverthrow。Andtheveryworkwhichhewasthusendeavoringtoaccomplishhechargedupontheloyalangels。ThesamepolicyofdeceptionhasmarkedthehistoryoftheRomanChurch。IthasprofessedtoactasthevicegerentofHeaven，whileseekingtoexaltitselfaboveGodandtochangeHislaw。UndertheruleofRome，thosewhosuffereddeathfortheirfidelitytothegospelweredenouncedasevildoers；theyweredeclaredtobeinleaguewithSatan；andeverypossiblemeanswasemployedtocoverthemwithreproach，tocausethemtoappearintheeyesofthepeopleandeventothemselvesasthevilestofcriminals。Soitwillbenow。WhileSatanseekstodestroythosewhohonorGod’slaw，hewillcausethemtobeaccusedaslawbreakers，asmenwhoaredishonoringGodandbringingjudgmentsupontheworld。

Godneverforcesthewillortheconscience；butSatan’sconstantresort——togaincontrolofthosewhomhecannototherwiseseduce——iscompulsionbycruelty。Throughfearorforceheendeavorstoruletheconscienceandtosecurehomagetohimself。Toaccomplishthis，heworksthroughbothreligiousandsecularauthorities，movingthemtotheenforcementofhumanlawsindefianceofthelawofGod。

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ThosewhohonortheBibleSabbathwillbedenouncedasenemiesoflawandorder，asbreakingdownthemoralrestraintsofsociety，causinganarchyandcorruption，andcallingdownthejudgmentsofGodupontheearth。Theirconscientiousscrupleswillbepronouncedobstinacy，stubbornness，andcontemptofauthority。Theywillbeaccusedofdisaffectiontowardthegovernment。MinisterswhodenytheobligationofthedivinelawwillpresentfromthepulpitthedutyofyieldingobediencetothecivilauthoritiesasordainedofGod。Inlegislativehallsandcourtsofjustice，commandmentkeeperswillbemisrepresentedandcondemned。Afalsecoloringwillbegiventotheirwords；theworstconstructionwillbeputupontheirmotives。

AstheProtestantchurchesrejecttheclear，ScripturalargumentsindefenseofGod’slaw，theywilllongtosilencethosewhosefaiththeycannotoverthrowbytheBible。Thoughtheyblindtheirowneyestothefact，theyarenowadoptingacoursewhichwillleadtothepersecutionofthosewhoconscientiouslyrefusetodowhattherestoftheChristianworldaredoing，andacknowledgetheclaimsofthepapalsabbath。

Thedignitariesofchurchandstatewillunitetobribe，persuade，orcompelallclassestohonortheSunday。Thelackofdivineauthoritywillbesuppliedbyoppressiveenactments。Politicalcorruptionisdestroyingloveofjusticeandregardfortruth；andeveninfreeAmerica，rulersandlegislators，inordertosecurepublicfavor，willyieldtothepopulardemandforalawenforcingSundayobservance。Libertyofconscience，whichhascostsogreatasacrifice，willnolongerberespected。Inthesoon-comingconflictweshallseeexemplifiedtheprophet’swords:"Thedragonwaswrothwiththewoman，andwenttomakewarwiththeremnantofherseed，whichkeepthecommandmentsofGod，andhavethetestimonyofJesusChrist。"Revelation12:17。

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Chapter37

TheScripturesaSafeguard"Tothelawandtothetestimony:iftheyspeaknotaccordingtothisword，itisbecausethereisnolightinthem。"Isaiah8:20。ThepeopleofGodaredirectedtotheScripturesastheirsafeguardagainsttheinfluenceoffalseteachersandthedelusivepowerofspiritsofdarkness。SatanemployseverypossibledevicetopreventmenfromobtainingaknowledgeoftheBible；foritsplainutterancesrevealhisdeceptions。AteveryrevivalofGod’sworktheprinceofevilisarousedtomoreintenseactivity；heisnowputtingforthhisutmosteffortsforafinalstruggleagainstChristandHisfollowers。Thelastgreatdelusionissoontoopenbeforeus。Antichrististoperformhismarvelousworksinoursight。SocloselywillthecounterfeitresemblethetruethatitwillbeimpossibletodistinguishbetweenthemexceptbytheHolyScriptures。Bytheirtestimonyeverystatementandeverymiraclemustbetested。

ThosewhoendeavortoobeyallthecommandmentsofGodwillbeopposedandderided。TheycanstandonlyinGod。Inordertoendurethetrialbeforethem，theymustunderstandthewillofGodasrevealedinHisword；theycanhonorHimonlyastheyhavearightconceptionofHischaracter，government，andpurposes，andactinaccordancewiththem。NonebutthosewhohavefortifiedthemindwiththetruthsoftheBiblewillstandthroughthelastgreat594

conflict。Toeverysoulwillcomethesearchingtest:ShallIobeyGodratherthanmen？Thedecisivehourisevennowathand。AreourfeetplantedontherockofGod’simmutableword？ArewepreparedtostandfirmindefenseofthecommandmentsofGodandthefaithofJesus？

BeforeHiscrucifixiontheSaviourexplainedtoHisdisciplesthatHewastobeputtodeathandtoriseagainfromthetomb，andangelswerepresenttoimpressHiswordsonmindsandhearts。ButthediscipleswerelookingfortemporaldeliverancefromtheRomanyoke，andtheycouldnottoleratethethoughtthatHeinwhomalltheirhopescenteredshouldsufferanignominiousdeath。Thewordswhichtheyneededtorememberwerebanishedfromtheirminds；andwhenthetimeoftrialcame，itfoundthemunprepared。

ThedeathofJesusasfullydestroyedtheirhopesasifHehadnotforewarnedthem。SointhepropheciesthefutureisopenedbeforeusasplainlyasitwasopenedtothedisciplesbythewordsofChrist。Theeventsconnectedwiththecloseofprobationandtheworkofpreparationforthetimeoftrouble，areclearlypresented。Butmultitudeshavenomoreunderstandingoftheseimportanttruthsthaniftheyhadneverbeenrevealed。Satanwatchestocatchawayeveryimpressionthatwouldmakethemwiseuntosalvation，andthetimeoftroublewillfindthemunready。

WhenGodsendstomenwarningssoimportantthattheyarerepresentedasproclaimedbyholyangelsflyinginthemidstofheaven，Herequireseverypersonendowedwithreasoningpowerstoheedthemessage。Thefearfuljudgmentsdenouncedagainsttheworshipofthebeastandhisimage(Revelation14:9-11)，shouldleadalltoadiligentstudyofthepropheciestolearnwhatthemarkofthebeastis，andhowtheyaretoavoidreceivingit。Butthemassesofthepeopleturnawaytheirearsfromhearingthetruthandareturneduntofables。TheapostlePauldeclared，lookingdowntothelastdays:"Thetimewillcomewhentheywillnot595

enduresounddoctrine。"2Timothy4:3。Thattimehasfullycome。ThemultitudesdonotwantBibletruth，becauseitinterfereswiththedesiresofthesinful，world-lovingheart；andSatansuppliesthedeceptionswhichtheylove。

ButGodwillhaveapeopleupontheearthtomaintaintheBible，andtheBibleonly，asthestandardofalldoctrinesandthebasisofallreforms。

Theopinionsoflearnedmen，thedeductionsofscience，thecreedsordecisionsofecclesiasticalcouncils，asnumerousanddiscordantasarethechurcheswhichtheyrepresent，thevoiceofthemajority——notonenoralloftheseshouldberegardedasevidencefororagainstanypointofreligiousfaith。Beforeacceptinganydoctrineorprecept，weshoulddemandaplain"ThussaiththeLord"initssupport。

SatanisconstantlyendeavoringtoattractattentiontomanintheplaceofGod。Heleadsthepeopletolooktobishops，topastors，toprofessorsoftheology，astheirguides，insteadofsearchingtheScripturestolearntheirdutyforthemselves。Then，bycontrollingthemindsoftheseleaders，hecaninfluencethemultitudesaccordingtohiswill。

WhenChristcametospeakthewordsoflife，thecommonpeopleheardHimgladly；andmany，evenofthepriestsandrulers，believedonHim。ButthechiefofthepriesthoodandtheleadingmenofthenationweredeterminedtocondemnandrepudiateHisteachings。ThoughtheywerebaffledinalltheireffortstofindaccusationsagainstHim，thoughtheycouldnotbutfeeltheinfluenceofthedivinepowerandwisdomattendingHiswords，yettheyincasedthemselvesinprejudice；theyrejectedtheclearestevidenceofHisMessiahship，lesttheyshouldbeforcedtobecomeHisdisciples。TheseopponentsofJesusweremenwhomthepeoplehadbeentaughtfrominfancytoreverence，towhoseauthoritytheyhadbeenaccustomedimplicitlytobow。

"Howisit，"theyasked，"thatourrulersandlearnedscribesdonotbelieveonJesus？WouldnotthesepiousmenreceiveHimifHewere596

theChrist？"ItwastheinfluenceofsuchteachersthatledtheJewishnationtorejecttheirRedeemer。

Thespiritwhichactuatedthosepriestsandrulersisstillmanifestedbymanywhomakeahighprofessionofpiety。TheyrefusetoexaminethetestimonyoftheScripturesconcerningthespecialtruthsforthistime。

Theypointtotheirownnumbers，wealth，andpopularity，andlookwithcontemptupontheadvocatesoftruthasfew，poor，andunpopular，havingafaiththatseparatesthemfromtheworld。

ChristforesawthattheundueassumptionofauthorityindulgedbythescribesandPhariseeswouldnotceasewiththedispersionoftheJews。Hehadapropheticviewoftheworkofexaltinghumanauthoritytoruletheconscience，whichhasbeensoterribleacursetothechurchinallages。

AndHisfearfuldenunciationsofthescribesandPharisees，andHiswarningstothepeoplenottofollowtheseblindleaders，wereplacedonrecordasanadmonitiontofuturegenerations。

TheRomanChurchreservestotheclergytherighttointerprettheScriptures。OnthegroundthatecclesiasticsalonearecompetenttoexplainGod’sword，itiswithheldfromthecommonpeople。[*SEEAPPENDIXNOTEFOR

PAGE340。]ThoughtheReformationgavetheScripturestoall，yettheselfsameprinciplewhichwasmaintainedbyRomepreventsmultitudesinProtestantchurchesfromsearchingtheBibleforthemselves。Theyaretaughttoacceptitsteachingsasinterpretedbythechurch；andtherearethousandswhodarereceivenothing，howeverplainlyrevealedinScripture，thatiscontrarytotheircreedortheestablishedteachingoftheirchurch。

NotwithstandingtheBibleisfullofwarningsagainstfalseteachers，manyarereadythustocommitthekeepingoftheirsoulstotheclergy。Therearetodaythousandsofprofessorsofreligionwhocangivenootherreasonforpointsoffaithwhichtheyholdthanthattheyweresoinstructedbytheirreligiousleaders。TheypassbytheSaviour’steachingsalmost597

unnoticed，andplaceimplicitconfidenceinthewordsoftheministers。Butareministersinfallible？HowcanwetrustoursoulstotheirguidanceunlessweknowfromGod’swordthattheyarelightbearers？Alackofmoralcouragetostepasidefromthebeatentrackoftheworldleadsmanytofollowinthestepsoflearnedmen；andbytheirreluctancetoinvestigateforthemselves，theyarebecominghopelesslyfastenedinthechainsoferror。TheyseethatthetruthforthistimeisplainlybroughttoviewintheBible；andtheyfeelthepoweroftheHolySpiritattendingitsproclamation；yettheyallowtheoppositionoftheclergytoturnthemfromthelight。Thoughreasonandconscienceareconvinced，thesedeludedsoulsdarenotthinkdifferentlyfromtheminister；andtheirindividualjudgment，theireternalinterests，aresacrificedtotheunbelief，theprideandprejudice，ofanother。

ManyarethewaysbywhichSatanworksthroughhumaninfluencetobindhiscaptives。HesecuresmultitudestohimselfbyattachingthembythesilkencordsofaffectiontothosewhoareenemiesofthecrossofChrist。Whateverthisattachmentmaybe，parental，filial，conjugal，orsocial，theeffectisthesame；theopposersoftruthexerttheirpowertocontroltheconscience，andthesoulsheldundertheirswayhavenotsufficientcourageorindependencetoobeytheirownconvictionsofduty。

ThetruthandthegloryofGodareinseparable；itisimpossibleforus，withtheBiblewithinourreach，tohonorGodbyerroneousopinions。Manyclaimthatitmattersnotwhatonebelieves，ifhislifeisonlyright。Butthelifeismoldedbythefaith。Iflightandtruthiswithinourreach，andweneglecttoimprovetheprivilegeofhearingandseeingit，wevirtuallyrejectit；wearechoosingdarknessratherthanlight。

"Thereisawaythatseemethrightuntoaman，buttheendthereofarethewaysofdeath。"Proverbs16:25。Ignoranceisnoexcuseforerrororsin，whenthereiseveryopportunity598

toknowthewillofGod。Amanistravelingandcomestoaplacewherethereareseveralroadsandaguideboardindicatingwhereeachoneleads。Ifhedisregardstheguideboard，andtakeswhicheverroadseemstohimtoberight，hemaybeeversosincere，butwillinallprobabilityfindhimselfonthewrongroad。