Would Make the Pope Supreme
IN an interview in Cincinnati a short time ago, as reported in the Times-Star of that city, Cardinal Gibbons said: “The union of the scattered branches of Christendom is a consummation devoutly to be wished for, and I would gladly sacrifice the remaining years of my life in lending a helping hand toward this blessed result. The first essential requirement is the recognition of the sovereign pontiff.” Devout Catholics never compromise on the question of the recognition of the “sovereign pontiff.” They stoutly affirm that there should be a visible head to the church on earth, and this head should be the pope of Rome. This is a doctrine that is built solidly into the great papal structure. Protestants are becoming continually more lenient toward the papal church; and in their enthusiasm for church federation, they will yet reach the place where they will agree with the Catholic people themselves, and unite in making the pope the supreme arbiter and head of the federated churches. The prophetic declaration is, “All the world wondered after the beast,” and in unison they say again, “Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?” Rev. 13:3, 4. It is well for us to divest ourselves of prejudice, and study closely, in the light of God’s prophetic word, the trend of events in the increasing influence and power of the papacy.