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310
From Here to Forever
number of her churches. Look at the popularity of her colleges and
seminaries, so widely patronized by Protestants. Look at the growth
of ritualism in England and the frequent defections to the ranks of
the Catholics.
Compromises and Concessions
Protestants have patronized popery; they have made compro-
mises and concessions which papists themselves are surprised to
see. Men are closing their eyes to the real character of Romanism.
The people need to resist the advances of this dangerous foe to civil
and religious liberty.
While Romanism is based upon deception, it is not coarse and
clumsy. The religious service of the Roman Church is a most im-
pressive ceremonial. Its gorgeous display and solemn rites fascinate
the people and silence the voice of reason and conscience. The eye
is charmed. Magnificent churches, imposing processions, golden
altars, jeweled shrines, choice paintings, and exquisite sculpture
appeal to the love of beauty. The music is unsurpassed. 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, impress the mind with awe and reverence.
This outward splendor and ceremony mock the longings of the
sin-sick soul. The religion of Christ needs no such attractions. The
light shining from the cross appears so pure and lovely that no
external decorations can enhance its true worth.
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High conceptions of art, delicate refinement of taste, are often
employed by Satan to lead men to forget the necessities of the soul
and to live for this world alone.
The pomp and ceremony of Catholic worship has a seductive,
bewitching power by which many are deceived. They come to look
upon the Roman Church as the gate of heaven. None but those who
plant their feet firmly on the foundation of truth, whose hearts are
renewed by the Spirit of God, are proof against her influence. The
form of godliness without the power is what the multitudes desire.
The church’s claim to the right to pardon leads the Romanist to
feel at liberty to sin, and the ordinance of confession tends also to
give license to evil. He who kneels before fallen man and opens in