p. 4 | Marshalling the Forces for the Fray by C. M. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 14, 1907

Marshalling the Forces for the Fray

By C. M. S.

In view of the position now taken by many professed Protestants regarding the Church of Rome, it is necessary from time to time to refer to statements which Catholics make, outlining their true position. We are frequently told that the Roman Church of to-day is very different in her feelings toward those not of “the fold” from what she used to be; that she is far more liberal; that she would not to-day repeat her dark deeds of yesterday. Building on this belief, professed Protestants are drawing toward Rome, fondly imagining that Rome is deserting her past and drawing near to their standard. The motion they think they see is as unreal as the most deceptive mirage.

But we will let Rome speak for herself, and tell us what we might expect from her were she in power to-day. We take the following extract from Libre Parole, a Jesuit, anti-Jewish journal of Paris:—

“The anti-Semites [they are speaking of themselves] do not blame the Inquisition. . . . They are convinced it assured the grandeur and independence of Spain; and their first care, if they were in power, would be to establish a tribunal which should be, it is true, exclusively laic [carried out by the laity], but which would much resemble the Spanish Inquisition.”

That is to say, they would have an Inquisition carried out by the laity, in order to relieve the church of the charge of burning and torturing “heretics.” As in days gone by, the clerical conclave would declare a man a “heretic,” and the civil power would put him to death for being such. But the church would see to it that the state carried out its part of the program. The fact that the church, rather than the state, is advocating such a conspiracy against liberty and life, shows plainly who would be the actuating factor in the capital punishment that would result to the man who chose to think and worship as his conscience dictated. That church has long disavowed its responsibility for the death of the millions of Christians who suffered during the Dark Ages. That church would make the state responsible for the whole transaction, disguising the fact that the state was but the tool of the church in it all. That church knew that its pronouncement of heresy against any person was the signal for the state to execute him.

In the light of this declaration of Libre Parole, is it any wonder that the French government to-day is seeking to teach the church its place? The wonder is that the nations of earth have submitted to her domination as long as they have; and that professed Protestants are to-day uniting with that power to bring about clerical interference with the affairs of this country and with the religious practises of its people. In the light of the facts the toadying of Protestants to Romanism is unexplainable. The gulf between the two bodies is narrowing so rapidly that it scarcely requires bridging to step across. Recently Father Esper, of the Roman Catholic church of St. Joseph, Mich., invited the ministers of the Protestant churches of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor to meet in his church in the interests of a campaign for better Sunday-keeping. They accepted, and a resolution was passed in harmony with that purpose. The National Reformers have expressed their willingness to join hands with Rome for Sunday enforcement. Recent reports from England state that the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of England, and the non-conformists have joined in a campaign for “better Sunday observance.” The labor unions and the churches are preparing for joint work along the line of compulsory Sunday rest.

In spite of the seeming setback which the Roman Church is now receiving in Europe, there are forces quietly working along definite lines, the result of which will be to bring the world under the domination of Rome. The present attitude of professed Protestantism in this country and certain developments in Great Britain are directly along this line; and the influence of Rome in politics at the present time is an indication of her aim and an earnest of her success in bringing the world to her feet. An apathy, both dangerous and deceptive, has come over the Protestant world. Barriers are melting away which will eventually throw formal Protestantism into the arms of Rome. This is not the dream of an alarmist. It is what is coming—coming with a swift and powerful current, and coming soon. And he only is safe who refuses allegiance to the rapidly forming confederacy, keeping “the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

When tempted, under stress of great trial, to lose heart and hope, remember the promise of God: “I, Jehovah, have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thy hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles.” Isa. 42:6, 7

C. M. S.