p. 1, para. 1 | Untitled article

Untitled article

Pacific Press Publishing Company · New York · March 23, 1893

The powers of evil, heretofore in the world's history, have used the grosser forms of force and violence, but now the subtlest deceptions conceivable by the mind of the master of all deceivableness, have been developed, and a capacity for a higher intensity of action has been gained. The results of this are already seen and will continue to be manifested to a greater and still to a greater degree. The seed which was sown by the wicked one long ago has grown under his fostering care so luxuriantly, and in such perfect semblance to the wheat itself, that many can not distinguish the tares from the good grain.

This is part of the plan of the great deceiver, that in this age the good ground should be so occupied by the tares, that in their rank growth they might overtop the wheat and seem the only and the rightful crop.

As a result of this satanic policy, ecclesiasticism has arisen and the nominal church become subject to its sway. This false church then, while professedly spiritual in character, purpose, and intent, has become a human organization for the exploitation of worldly pride and vainglory and the attainment of temporal sovereignty.

Ecclesiasticism, when in its infancy and weakness, in this country, was not only willing but glad to receive the support of the civil Government and depend upon it. As this established church has grown in power—and its tenets have become the accepted national religion, recognized as such by Government-appointed chaplains in camps; by lawyers, judges, and juries, in courts; by legislators, representatives, and senators, in legislative halls,—it still takes its dole from the national and State treasuries in Indian school appropriations and exemption from taxation. This shows the continuity of its existence, proves it to be the same ecclesiasticism which began with so full a dependence upon the State. It proves to a certainty, moreover, that it is an ecclesiasticism and not pure religion intact and free from the corruption of the world.