RELIGIOUS CONTROVERSY IN LOS ANGELES, CAL.
By E. E. Andross
EDITOR "SIGNS OF THE TIMES:" There has been quite a controversy here in Los Angeles through the leading daily, the Times, between the Catholics and American Protective Association. A Catholic priest, Father Hickey, delivered a lecture against the A. P. A., which was reported, or at least a synopsis of it given, in the paper. Then the A. P. A. took it up, and the Catholics responding, it was continued through the columns of the paper for about ten days. Some who were not members of the A. P. A. contributed also, and in the whole the Catholic question was quite fairly presented, though the spirit manifested by some was far from commendatory. The Catholics were about driven from the field before it ceased, and since then I understand that one or two anti-Catholic papers have been started, beside several branch A. P. A. societies organized, through the influence of the agitation of the subject. But, oh, that the people might see the true and only successful way of meeting this dreaded foe of liberty and all that is good! If they could only realize that the "weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds" (2 Cor. 10:4), "retire from Catholic territory, . . . cease to be squatters, and a living contradiction of their own principles," and being "translated into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Col. 1:13), "put on the whole armor of God," that they "may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil," having their "loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness," and their "feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace," which is the "power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16), "above all, taking the shield of faith," wherewith they would be "able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." Eph. 6:11-18. This, and this only, will enable them to stand, as it will us, against the workings of the "man of sin," which are coming to be so manifest in this once glorious republic. Since this conflict the Catholics ordered a second-hand book dealer to take in some printed matter which reflected somewhat on the pope and the Catholic Church; and I understand that in a letter which was addressed to him concerning it, some serious threats were made. This goes to show that the Catholics are now where they do not fear to be bold in their work. How much we need the power of the Holy Spirit, which "awaits our demand and reception"! E. E. ANDROSS. February 13, 1894.