Protestantism and the Papacy
By Editor
THERE is a strong leading, in the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the direction of the papacy. This is particularly the case in England. Some in that body have strongly urged that the word "Protestant" should be dropped from their name. This is partly because of the tendency to unite with Rome, and to some extent it may be due to the contention that the papacy is not entitled to the word "Catholic," the papal power making the claim that she is the one and only catholic or universal church. Without question, one of the greatest religious controversies of the ages is just before us. In this controversy, it will be an easy matter to allow prejudice and church affiliation to control, rather than the direct teaching of the word of God. God's word must be studied by each one for himself, because the whole ground of the claims of Protestantism as opposed to the papacy is about to be fought over again. If we are standing by the teachings of our church without knowing for ourselves what God's word says, we are not in a position to pass the definite tests of the Judgment-day. If things are said about us that appear to be unkind, we are not to allow them to enrage us. The appearance of unkindness may lie in the fact that they are true. We should study to know the truth, for issues of eternal moment are involved. EDITOR.