The Propaganda in France

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 11, 1909

The Propaganda in France

FREEDOM of the press, which Rome has never favored, and freedom of speech, which she has anathematized, are standing that church in good stead just now in France—if it can be said that anything which contributes to Rome’s success is a blessing to her. Rome has lost much in France by her method of riding over the rights of the people. Now she is earnestly endeavoring to regain her lost prestige by the very means which she has so often condemned; that is, freedom of the press and freedom of speech. Says The Presbyterian:—

The Roman Catholic Church in France is making great and apparently successful headway in regaining her influence over the people by means of periodical literature.

Two million copies of the papers are issued, and the priests make vigorous efforts to induce the people to take and read them. It may be noted, in passing, that had the papal church unrestricted sway, the general public would not be able to read these periodicals. In a work entitled “Liberalism and the Church,” by the Catholic historian, Dr. O. A. Brownson, he says, speaking of the Dark Ages:—

Always will the period from the sixth to the end of the fifteenth century stand out as the most glorious in the annals of the race.—Page 182.

If that be the case, then it is certain that Rome will never cease to do all in her power to bring back the conditions which characterized that period.