p. 386 | The Roman Question

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 3, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 21.

The Roman Question

In a recent article on “The Roman Question,” or rather on the restoration of the temporal power of the Pope, the Catholic American asks: “How can he (the Pope), without being independent in temporal affairs, have the assurance of being able to teach all nations?” We give it up; and we confess that we do not see how he could have that assurance even with temporal power. “How can they preach except they be sent?” says the apostle; and we are sure that the Pope has no authority at all, as Pope, to teach the gospel. The power of which he is the embodiment is called by the apostle, “the man of sin,” and “that wicked,” and “unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?” He “that as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God,” can have no divine “assurance of being able to teach all nations.”