The Hand of Rome Again by R. M. Kilgore

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 14, 1910

The Hand of Rome Again

By R. M. Kilgore

R. M. KILGORE

The scheme now on foot in the Kentucky legislature to launch another legal holiday, and to take this and other days of like character out of the realm of the secular, and make them sacred and religious days with penalties to be inflicted for their violation, is another link in the chain of evidence that we are on the home-stretch heavenward.

It requires no discerning spirit to see the power behind the throne dictating the policy. Other countries dominated by the same power are burdened with its numerous holidays, and in the celebration and marchings of the various orders and societies, the people who witness the scenes are required to bare and bow their heads, and stand hat in hand, while the procession is passing.

This reverence for man, and man-made feasts, holy days, ceremonies, and institutions is but the offspring of the Roman Church, whose first-born was the Sunday, or Lord’s day.

Well may we be alarmed at these encroachments upon our liberties, and this demand for legislative enactments to compel obedience to, and reverence for, human religious laws and days, under severe penalties.

The following editorial, under the above heading, which appeared recently in the Christian Observer, sounds a note which is refreshing to those who see in these movements a fulfilment of prophecy:—

“Last week reference was made in these columns to a bill introduced in the Kentucky Senate making October 12 a legal holiday, to be known as ‘Columbus day.’ It has already passed the Kentucky Senate. Doubtless similar bills will be introduced in due time in all the State legislatures.

“The bill is so adroitly drawn, and is so innocent looking on the face of it, that it is probable it may slip through the legislative body without its real purpose and its far-reaching consequences being known. It has the loyal support of the ‘Knights of Columbus,’ a secret society of the Roman Catholic Church.

“Since our issue of last week, information has been received that another bill, known as ‘House Bill No. 317,’ is closely related to this and hides much of its significance. The bill provides a penalty of from two to fifty dollars for any person who is found at his trade or calling on any legal holiday, specifically the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving day, or Christmas day.

“It is bad enough for the State to endeavor to compel by penalty the observance

of certain days. But the cunning hand of Rome is seen in the provision of the ‘Columbus day’ bill, which declares that October 12 shall be ‘recognized, classed, and treated’ as other legal holidays. In other words, Rome wants the State to say to her people, ‘You can not do your usual work on “Columbus day” under penalty of a fine, but you must stand by and watch the parade of the “Knights of Columbus,” a Roman Catholic secret organization, whether you want to or not.’ Will our people indorse such a shrewd, pseudo-patriotic, church-state-alliance law as this? All Protestants should write to their senators and representatives protesting against these laws. We have been informed since last week that Columbus is not yet a ‘saint’ of the Roman Church, but the prominence given to him as the patron of their secret order indicates that he most probably will be made a saint.”

Dickson, Tenn.