Basic HTML Version
Character and Aims of the Papacy
257
exquisite sculpture appeal to the love of beauty. The ear also is
[383]
captivated. There is nothing to excel the music. The rich notes of
the deep-toned organ, blending with the melody of many voices as
it swells through the lofty domes and pillared aisles of her grand
cathedrals, cannot fail to impress the mind with awe and reverence.
This outward splendor, pomp, and ceremony, that only mocks
the longings of the sin-sick soul, is an evidence of inward corruption.
The religion of Christ needs not such attractions to recommend it.
In the light shining from the cross, true Christianity appears so pure
and lovely that external decorations only hide its true worth. It is the
beauty of holiness, a meek and quiet spirit, which is of value with
God.
Brilliancy of style is not an index of pure, elevated thought. The
highest conceptions of art, the most delicate refinement of taste,
often spring from minds wholly earthly and sensual. They are often
employed by Satan to lead men to forget the necessities of the soul,
to lose sight of the future, immortal life, to turn away from their
infinite Helper, and to live for this world alone.
A religion of externals is attractive to the unrenewed heart. The
pomp and ceremony of the Catholic worship have a seductive, be-
witching power by which many are deceived; and they come to look
upon the Roman Church as the very gate of Heaven. None are proof
against her influence but those who have planted their feet firmly
upon the foundation of truth, and whose hearts are renewed by the
Spirit of God. Thousands who have not an experimental knowledge
of Christ will be swept into this deception. A form of godliness
[384]
without the power is just what they desire. The Romanist feels at
liberty to sin, because the church claims the right to pardon. To
him who loves self-indulgence, it is more pleasing to confess to a
fellow-mortal than to open the soul to God. It is more palatable to
human nature to do penance than to renounce sin. It is easier to
mortify the flesh by sackcloth and nettles and galling chains than
to crucify fleshly lusts. Heavy is the yoke which the carnal heart is
willing to bear rather than bow to the yoke of Christ.
There is a striking similarity between the church of Rome and
the Jewish church at the time of Christ’s first advent. While the
Jews secretly trampled upon every principle of the law of God, they
were outwardly rigorous in the observance of its precepts, loading