The Drift Romeward

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 21, 1916

The Drift Romeward

EVIDENCES have not been lacking for many years of the drift Romeward existing in the Protestant Episcopal Church. An additional proof of this tendency was seen in a recent general convention of that church. For the first time in its history it authorized the saying of prayers for the dead. Says the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) of October 26:—

“The house of deputies adopted, for the first time in the history of the church, a prayer for the dead. This action also is subject to the concurrence of the house of bishops. Heretofore, it was said, such prayers have been confined to the ritual of the Roman Catholic Church. Leaders of the convention said the changing sentiment is a direct result of the great death toll in Europe.

“Two prayers for the dead were submitted in the prayer book commission’s report, one being recommitted to the commission and the other adopted. The committee also approved proposals to include in the prayer book, for the first time, a blessing for graves and a special funeral office for children.”

It is difficult to understand how the large death toll of Europe at the present time necessitated this departure from the custom of the church, and it is still more difficult to understand by what process of reasoning it could be demonstrated that these proposed prayers will benefit those who have gone down in death. The Scriptures of truth plainly declare that the dead know not anything; they have no knowledge of the things which take place on this earth. Eccl. 9: 5, 6. Their account in the books of heaven was closed at their death. They have no power to do good or evil; to choose Christ as their Saviour or to reject him. Of what value, then, can be prayers in their behalf after they have passed into a state of unconsciousness?

Are the prayers for the purpose of expiating the wrath of God or of changing his attitude toward those who have gone down in death? The judgment of God is not based upon caprice, nor is it an expression of vindictiveness. All his ways are righteousness, and every decision will be based upon equity and justice. The great Judge can be neither bought nor bribed. Zeph. 1:18. Every man in the character in which he died must stand before the judgment bar. And whatever the decree rendered, we know it will be the only decree which could have been given in harmony with the principles of God’s eternal love and justice.