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Chapter 30—Character and Aims of the Papacy
Romanism is now regarded by Protestants with far greater favor
than in former years. 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
upon the liberty of conscience which has been so dearly purchased.
They taught their children to abhor popery, and held that to remain
at peace with Rome would be disloyalty to God. But how widely
different are the sentiments now expressed.
The defenders of popery declare that she has been maligned; and
the Protestant world is inclined to accept the statement. Many urge
that it is unjust to judge the Romish Church of today by the abomi-
nations 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 civilization has
changed her sentiments.
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Have these persons forgotten the claim of infallibility for eight
hundred years put forth by this haughty power? So far from relin-
quishing this claim, the church in the nineteenth century has affirmed
it with greater positiveness than ever before. As Rome asserts that
she has never erred, and never can err, how can she renounce the
principles which governed her course in past ages?
The papal church will never relinquish her claim to infallibility.
All that she has done in her persecution of those who reject her
dogmas, she holds to be right; and would she not repeat the same
acts, should the opportunity be presented? Let the restraints now
imposed by secular governments be removed, and Rome be re-
instated in her former power, and there would speedily be a revival
of her tyranny and persecution.
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