Attributes of the Pope.
By D. M. Canright
1. He is the "Man of Sin" as he learns his subjects that the most solemn oaths taken by them, "which operate against ecclesiastical utility and the institution of the holy fathers are not to be called oaths, but rather perjurics," that the authority of the sacred and apostolic see (i. e. the pope) can absolve any one from his oath of fidelity;" and that "no faith is to be kept with heretics." Thus he commands them to lie to God and break his holy law. 2. He is "the son of perdition," as he has added to God's word, and taken from it; subverted morals and religion, and constantly violated his own most solemn engagements. 3. "He opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or worshipped," in that he claims superiority to all laws of right, and power to dispense with them, and pretend to forgive, not only past sins, but all that can possibly be committed in the future. He lays his hand on God's law and changes it to suit himself, thus saying, that he knows what is right better than the Almighty does. 4. "He as God sitteth in the temple of God shewing himself that he is God," as he claims to be the vicar (substitute) of God upon earth; and professes infallibility which belongs to God only. 5. "He opened his mouth in blasphemy against God and his temple and them that dwell in heaven," by erecting a rival temple on earth, and giving the sanction of God and angels to the most fiendish atrocities. 6. That "he made war with the saints and prevailed against them" is but too fearfully confirmed by the massacre of the Albigenses, Waldenses, and millions of others.