Rome and Religious Liberty
By Editor
It has become unpopular to say a word nowadays against Roman Catholic doctrines or principles. Papers and men who do this are called bigoted, narrow-minded, prejudiced. Roman journals complain loudly and bitterly because of remarks sometimes made by a contemporary which has shown Rome in her true light. If past history, upon which Rome has left her indelible trademarks, is referred to, it is persecution. If facts of history are merely stated, it is Roman persecution. We wonder. Rome has set her face and power against all not of Rome. She did this in the past, she does it no less to-day. She is using all her power to overthrow everything not for her or with her, not only spiritually but politically. This is her avowed object, repeated over and over again. Just now she is tolerant in practice, because powerless, but her teachings are as subversive of religious liberty as ever. Is not her condemnation of others persecution to them? Is not Rome uncharitable when she anathematizes all who are not of her communion? And why should not Protestants find fault with those histories which speak of persecutions by Protestants? It would be just as well if Rome and Rome's admirers and apologists would look on both sides of the question.