Tendency to Romanism

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 24, 1875

Tendency to Romanism.

IN the “Mysteries of Romanism,” it is stated that “among the late perverts to Rome of high degree, we find chronicled the name of Lady Georgiana Fullerton, sister to Lord Grenville.” While yet a Protestant she wrote the following: “There is a blessed communion in which we both believe, between those who rest in Heaven, and those who struggle on earth; you will pray for me when I am gone; and I will pray for you where I go.”

With such sentiments, who can wonder that this talented authoress has finally landed in that great city of mystery? The mystical doctrines of popular Protestantism have prepared the minds of the masses for a departure, and there is a rush toward the city of destruction on three routes, namely, Romanism, spiritualism, and infidelity. And Satan cares but little which of these gates men may choose; the first is about as fatal as the last. Those of a religious turn of mind who would be shocked with the uncovered blasphemy of spiritualists and infidels are easily caught in Satan’s other trap.

The same author, p. 23, tells us that a “court-lady, daughter of the Earl of Devonshire, having embraced the Catholic religion, was asked by Laud the reason of her conversion. ‘It is chiefly,’ said she, ‘because I hate to travel in a crowd.’ Being desired to explain her meaning, she replied: ‘I perceive your grace, and many others are making haste to Rome, and, therefore, in order to prevent being crowded, I have gone before you.’”

Multitudes of Protestants, in England and elsewhere, are going into Romanism, especially those of high standing. We see accounts of many more going to Catholicism than we do of those who are coming from that faith to Protestantism. The reason of this is because the barriers between the two are so slight, and it is easier going down hill than up. Had Protestants held on to the truth advocated by Martin Luther, that the doctrine of the immortality of the soul was from the “Roman dunghill of decretals,” they would have maintained their position. The truth is the only shield against fables and every fatal snare.