The Program of the Papacy

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 30, 1905

The Program of the Papacy

A NATION'S extremity is the papacy's opportunity. So it was in those terrible times which witnessed the fall of the Roman empire. “Most marvelous and astonishing it truly was,” says Dr. J. A. Wylie, “that at a time when Rome was placed in most imminent jeopardy, and society itself was perishing around her, she [the papacy] should lay the foundations of her power, and by her prompt interposition save herself and the world from the dissolution to which both appeared to be tending.”

In the present troublous times in this country the same papacy evidently recognizes another great opportunity to build herself up by playing the role of the preserver of the peace.

We have expected this as the direct fulfilment of prophecy, and now the Catholic program is beginning to be announced. As indicating what this program is, we quote the following paragraphs from an editorial in the New World (Roman Catholic) of October 21:—

There has never been a period in American history when the church's opportunity has been so close to her. To a great extent the antagonisms have died. Protestantism is disintegrating before our eyes. There are millions seeking light, unknowing where to turn. There are tens of thousands shelterless, waiting the Shepherd's voice. The great Catholic races of Europe are pouring down upon us, and these must be housed and fed with the Bread of life. The unshielded non-Catholic poor are beginning to look toward the church for justice. The vast property interests of the country, alarmed at the growth of the various cults of destruction, at last are beginning to see that she is the one supreme force that makes for social order—the last hope of existing civilization. All eyes are now upon her, and even ancient enemies to-day are praying that she may not fail.

The moment is ripe to build a Catholic America, broader and stronger, and nobler and truer, than any empire the world has yet seen, and strong men are now laying the foundations. To-morrow you may see the walls rising; look forward a hundred years, and you will see the vast edifice complete, extending from the first rays of the morning sun to the twilight splendor of the evening star. Those who lay the corner-stones may not live to behold their work stand finished, but unborn generations will bless them for the courage they had, and for the holy purpose with which they toiled.

With this view of the papacy's opportunity as presented by this Roman Catholic writer in A. D. 1905 compare the foreview presented by John the revelator in A. D. 96. Of this prophetic vision he writes:—

And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I wondered with a great wonder. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou wonder? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and the ten horns. The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss, and to go into perdition. And they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, they whose name hath not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast, how that he was, and is not, and shall come.

In this connection it will also be profitable to read the following testimony borne through the spirit of prophecy:—

The Protestant churches are in great darkness, or they would discern the signs of the times. The Roman Church is far-reaching in her plans and modes of operation. She is employing every device to extend her influence and increase her power in preparation for a fierce and determined conflict to regain control of the world, to re-establish persecution, and to undo all that Protestantism has done.

Catholic America! This is the hope of the papacy. And we do not wonder that from the Catholic standpoint the moment seems ripe for the realization of this hope. The principles of Protestantism and republicanism are fast being set aside, and the way is being prepared for the papacy to assert her old-time claims to both civil and ecclesiastical dominion. What does all this mean to us? We ought to recognize in these developments a trumpet call to hasten the work of giving the message against the beast and his image. The way of the papacy is being prepared; the way of the Lord must also be prepared.