“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”—Neh. 8:8.
Lesson XIII.—Sabbath, December 28, 1895.
TRUE PROTESTANTISM.
WHEN IT AROSE.
1. From what does the word “Protestantism” come? Ans.—The word “protest.”
2. What is the meaning of the word “protest?” Ans.—To affirm in a public or formal manner, to declare solemnly; to make a solemn declaration expressive of opposition.”—Webster.
3. When did Protestantism arise? Ans.—In the early part of the sixteenth century.
4. Against what did the Protestants protest? Ans.—The assumed right of the church to use the power of the state, and the multitude of abuses growing out of it,—against a union of church and state.
5. In what language did the Christian princes of Germany couch their famous protest?
Ans.—“We protest by these presents, before God, who will one day be our judge, as well as before all men and all creatures, that we, for us and for our people, neither consent nor adhere in any manner whatsoever to the proposed decree, in anything that is contrary to God, to his holy word, to our right conscience, to the salvation of our souls, and to the last decree of Spires.” “We can not assert that when Almighty God calls a man to his knowledge, he dare not embrace that divine knowledge.” “We reject the yoke that is imposed on us.”—D’Aubigne’s History of the Reformation, book 13.
6. What did they further say? Ans.—“Let us reject this decree. In matters of conscience the majority has no power.”—D’Aubigne’s History of the Reformation, book 13.
7. What has been truthfully said of this protest?
Ans.—“One of the noblest testimonies ever uttered for the Reformation was the protest offered by the Christian princes of Germany at the Diet of Spires, in 1529. The courage, faith, and firmness of those men of God gained for succeeding ages liberty of thought and conscience. Their protest gave to the reformed church the name of Protestant; its principles are the very essence of Protestantism.”—Great Controversy, page 197.
UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLES.
8. Are these principles in harmony with the course pursued by the apostles and the teachings of Christ?
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29. See also Acts 4:19; Matt. 22:21.
9. Is the union of church and state wrong simply when the Romish Church is united to the state, or is it wrong in principle?
10. Do the same principles inhere and the same evils result when any other church or religion is united to the state? Ans.—They do. See note .
11. Have other churches persecuted when they sought and gained control of the power of the state? Ans.—They have. See note .
12. Therefore, what is it to be a true Protestant? Ans.—To protest against the union of church and state on principle, and the workings of it wherever found.
WHO ASK AND WHO REFUSE STATE SUPPORT.
13. What is a noteworthy fact? Ans.—That those who have the truth do not feel the need nor ask for the assistance of state laws in support of the doctrines they preach.
14. Do Baptists ask for a law enforcing baptism, or the disciples a law enforcing the Lord’s Supper, or the Seventh-day Adventist a law enforcing the observance of the seventh day?
15. Why do such not feel the need of state laws in these matters? Ans.—Because they find a plain “Thus saith the Lord” in the Bible for all these, and that is sufficient.
16. Who is it, then, that calls for aid of the state? Ans.—The men who defend those institutions which are not founded on God’s word are the ones who call for state legislation. The lack of divine command is supplied by oppressive enactments.
“God never forces the will or the conscience, but Satan will employ the most cruel measures to control the consciences of men, and to secure worship to himself. And this work of compulsion is always in favor of human creeds and laws, and in defiance of God’s holy law.”—Great Controversy, old edition, p. 444.
17. On which side of the controversy, therefore, do true Protestants naturally stand? Ans.—On the side of God’s word.
PROTESTANT APOSTASY.
18. What do the Scriptures say in regard to the professed Christian world in the last days?
“And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Rev. 14:8.
“And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Rev. 18:1, 2. See also 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
19. What position will the Papacy then hold, and how will it be regarded?
“And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed; and all the world wondered after the beast.” “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Rev. 13:3, 8.
20. When Romanism and apostate Protestantism so far unite as to constitute the great Babylon of Rev. 18:1-8, what warning is due?
“And they worshiped the dragon which gave power unto the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?” Verse 4.
21. How will Babylon regard her condition then?
“How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.” Rev. 18:7.
22. Why do not the Protestant churches see what the Papacy is aiming at? Ans.—They are blinded by Rome’s errors. See note .
23. What do the people need? Ans.—They need to be warned. See note .
24. And what is this? Ans.—The warning of the third angel’s message, the closing work of the “everlasting Gospel” to men.
“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” Rev. 14:6-10.
THE TIME’S DEMAND.
“God give us men! A time like this demands
Great hearts, strong minds, true faith, and willing hands;
Men whom the lust of office does not kill;
Men whom the spoils of office can not buy;
Men who possess opinions and a will;
Men who have honor, men who will not lie;
For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds,
Their large professions and their little deeds,
Wrangle in selfish strife—lo! Freedom weeps,
Wrong rules the land, and waiting Justice sleeps.”
—O. W. Holmes.
