A CONFUSION OF PRINCIPLES.
By Geo. B. Wheeler
SELF, which is the fundamental principle of the kingdom of Satan, and therefore entirely antagonistic to the controlling principle of Christ’s kingdom, which is love, is now held up before the world by the leading Christian denominations as a Christian principle. That which is satanic, and which represents Satan, is virtually declared to be Christian, representing Christ. The pope claims to represent God in the world, thus exalting self to God’s place, and as God claiming authority over all mankind. Archbishop Ireland was recently invited by the pope to address an assembly at the Vatican on matters in America and the relations of the outer world to the Holy See. An evening paper says of it: “Monsignor Ireland, who was frequently applauded during a speech of twenty minutes, spoke glowingly of the fidelity of American Catholics to the Roman Church and the Holy See. He described liberty under the American flag, and set forth the necessity of the pope, as the head of Christendom, being free and independent of any one civil power, so as to be, in fact as well as of right, the sovereign teacher and ruler of all nations and peoples.” According to this statement, it is a necessity that no restraint whatever be put upon whatever the pope may wish to do, in order that he shall be the sovereign teacher and ruler of all nations. All the leading religious denominations of America are demanding the enforced observance of Sunday as the Sabbath, by the nation. God declares that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord; while Sunday is the first day. They demand practically that God’s will shall be put aside, and theirs be recognized in the place of it. This is the same principle as is that of the papacy—self exalted to the place of God. And yet all this, which is satanic in character, is declared to be pure Christianity, representing Christ! And not only this, but to be the most prominent feature of Christianity! Satan destroys multitudes by making them believe that the things which belong to his kingdom, and which gratify self, are Christian in their character. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Now as never before ought everyone to learn to distinguish clearly between the things of God and those of Satan.