The Papacy’s Present Outlook
By L. A. S.
Commenting on the present outlook for the papacy, the Missionary Review of the World says:— The recent conflict between France and the Vatican, due to the visit of President Loubet to the king of Italy and the arrogant pretensions of the pope, call to mind various facts which tend to alarm many Protestants in this and other countries. For example, the advances of the papacy in Great Britain are proceeding with amazing rapidity, and the public indifference to this is equally amazing. The increase of convents and monasteries is said to be tenfold within comparatively a few years, and the boldness of these Romanists, or Romanizers, in their advance is astonishing. The Missionary Review concludes, however, that since no Protestant country has become papal, and some papal countries show an increasing opposition to papal measures, while others have become decadent, the ecclesiastical power of the pope is on the wane. In estimating the strength of the papacy, however, account must be taken of the fact that human nature itself is its supporter in all lands. The Catholic religion is the religion of human nature. It is human nature to exalt self, to put man in the place of God, to demand and maintain a pope. There are other popes in the world besides the occupant of the Vatican. Papal principles are supported and practised by many who are Protestant in name. Of the papal power the word of inspired prophecy declares: “All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb.” The day is at hand when only two classes of people will exist on the earth,—those who worship Him that made heaven and earth,—the Creator,—and those who worship “the beast and his image.” The third angel’s message is rapidly developing these two classes. L. A. S.