THE LAST OF THE POPES by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 29, 1860

THE LAST OF THE POPES.

By James White

THE following striking passage is from Harper's Weekly of the 18th ult. It is but a fair expression, perhaps, of the opinion which the wisest entertain in relation to the fate of the Papacy. With the writer we agree that this generation will witness "the overthrow of an institution which claims to date from St. Peter," but we should probably go farther than he in the nature and extent of that overthrow; for we believe it will be no less than to be consumed with the Spirit of Christ's mouth and destroyed by the brightness of his coming. It is, however, but in accordance with prophecy, that human powers should prey upon the "man of sin," the "little horn," and take away his dominion and consume and destroy it unto the end; and this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.

"Matters stand thus at present. On New Year's eve Napoleon wrote the Pope a wise, calm, and temperate letter, advising him to submit to fate, and to recognize the independence of the Romagna. On New Year's day, Pius, in his speech to the French general, called Napoleon a hypocrite, and all the other hard words he could remember. The world, judging between the two, does not decide in favor of the Pope.

"As we said a few weeks since, the Papacy is a respectable institution, which many wise persons, out of regard for the past, would like to preserve from entire destruction. In his proper sphere the Pope can be of great use to civilization and Christianity. But if he can only be maintained by bombarding cities and slaughtering people who seek their mere rights; if the existence of his spiritual authority be inseparable from the perpetuation of the most loathsome and degrading despotism in Europe; it is not likely that the generous sentiments which induce men of all religions to feel sympathy for the Pope will stand the test, and our generation will probably see the overthrow of an institution which claims to date from St. Peter."

The following extract from a letter from Italy, reveals a singular tradition concerning the pontiff:

"Apropos of the Pope, there is, and has been for years, a curious tradition in Italy—that Pius the Ninth would be the last Pope, and in illustration of this, I will repeat an anecdote related to me by a friend of mine. Several years ago, in the Pontificate of Gregory XVI, this gentleman was in the Cathedral at Siena looking at the busts of the Popes, which are placed after their deaths in a niche devoted to that purpose. Two empty niches then alone remained. 'Why,' said my friend, 'there is only room for two more busts, you will have to make some niches for those of the future Popes.' 'Oh no, signor,' replied the cicerone, 'they say that after those two we shall never have any more Popes.' Gregory's bust now stands in one of those niches, the other is, I believe, empty."

MEETINGS AT TIPTON, IOWA.

SABBATH and first-day, March 10th and 11th, we spent with the friends at Tipton, Iowa. We spoke to the people five times, the last on the immortality question to a large and attentive congregation in Bagley's hall. We enjoyed good freedom, and have reason to hope that there will be several additions to the company of Sabbath-keepers in Tipton as the result of the meetings. It is desired that Bro. Cornell should visit them before tent season, also the church at Lisbon, and attend to the ordinance of baptism in both places.

At this place we learned facts relative to the Episcopalian church which has led to serious reflections. The church is composed of six members—the minister, his wife, their son, now a Sabbath-keeper, and beside the minister's family, one man and two women. They have a house of worship, built with eastern missionary funds, which cost about $800. And for the two years the minister has labored in his little parish, he has received at least $500 of missionary funds, making in all $1100. And there they are, six members all told, and one has become a Sabbath-keeper. The patience and perseverance and liberality of the Episcopalians is astonishing under such circumstances.

Thank God that a far brighter prospect is before us. Not more than $1000 has ever been expended in Iowa in the cause of present truth. And now there is an army of Sabbath-keepers scattered through certain portions of the State, ready to move out in the cause to far greater victories. Can it be a fact that sectarian bodies do make greater efforts to build up sectarianism, than commandment-keepers do to give the last message to sinners who must soon sink without the truth? It is a fact worthy of serious reflection, that in many cases they do. It should not be so. Ours is a living faith, which calls for tenfold the sacrifice and zeal and persevering efforts of those who labor to make men better with the doctrines of their musty creeds.

We are now at Iowa City, and have found rest at the houses of Bro. Curtis, Carver and Graham. Our meetings for the 17th and 18th are to be in the Universalist church. J. W.