Foolish Protestants by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 4, 1912

Foolish Protestants

By Editor

UNDER this heading, the British American Citizen (Boston) of Dec. 31, 1910, published the following quotation from an English paper, with the introductory statement which we also give herewith:—

“In an English exchange we find the following truthful words, which apply to the United States even more than to the Protestant nations of Europe:—

“ ‘The new book “The Great Controversy” administers such a reasonable rebuke to Protestant indifference that I give it entire: “Romanism,” says the author, “is now regarded by Protestants with far greater favor than in former years. In those countries where [Roman] Catholicism is not in the ascendancy, and the papists are taking a conciliatory course in order to gain influence, there is an increasing indifference concerning the doctrines that separate the reformed churches from the papal hierarchy; the opinion is gaining ground that, after all, we do not differ so widely upon vital points as has been supposed, and that a

little concession on our part will bring us into a better understanding with Rome. The time was when Protestants placed a high value on liberty of conscience, which has been so dearly purchased. They taught their children to abhor popery, and held that to seek harmony with Rome would be disloyalty to God. But how widely different are the sentiments now expressed!

“ ‘ “The superficial school of ultra-liberal Protestants believe, or profess to believe, that the inhuman butcheries for which medieval Rome is responsible were an accident of time, and that Rome is now as gentle as a lamb.” On this point the author has weighty words to say: “The defenders of popery declare that the [popish] church has been maligned; and the Protestant world is inclined to accept the statement. Many urge that it is unjust to judge the church of to-day by the abominations and absurdities that marked her reign during the centuries of ignorance and darkness. They excuse her horrible cruelty as the result of the barbarism of the times, and plead that the influence of modern civilization has changed her sentiments. Have these persons forgotten the claim of infallibility put forth for eight hundred years by this haughty power?” ’ ”

Our readers will be quick to recognize that “the new book ‘The Great Controversy’” is one of Mrs. E. G. White’s books, of which so many thousands have been circulated in this country. It is interesting to note that some people are now seeing that the statements made in this book are plainly applicable to the present situation.