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Liberty of Conscience Threatened
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has been a change; but the change is not in the papacy. Catholi-
cism indeed resembles much Protestantism that now exists because
Protestantism has so greatly degenerated since the days of Reform-
ers.
The Protestant churches, seeking the favor of the world, be-
lieve good of all evil, and as the result they will finally believe evil
of all good. They are now, as it were, apologizing to Rome for
their uncharitable opinion of her, begging pardon for their “bigotry.”
Many urge that the intellectual and moral darkness prevailing during
the Middle Ages favored the spread of Rome’s superstitions and
oppression; and that the greater intelligence of modern times and
the increasing liberality in matters of religion forbid a revival of
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intolerance. The thought that such a state of things will exist in this
enlightened age is ridiculed. But it should be remembered that the
greater the light bestowed, the greater the darkness of those who
pervert and reject it.
A day of great intellectual darkness has been favorable to the
success of the papacy. A day of great intellectual light is equally
favorable. In past ages when men were without the knowledge of
the truth, thousands were ensnared, not seeing the net spread for
their feet. In this generation many discern not the net and walk into
it as readily as if blindfolded. When men exalt their own theories
above the Word of God, intelligence can accomplish greater harm
than ignorance. Thus the false science of the present day will prove
successful in preparing the way for acceptance of the papacy, as did
the withholding of knowledge in the Dark Ages.
Sunday Observance
Sunday observance is a custom which originated with Rome,
which she claims as the sign of her authority. The spirit of the
papacy—of conformity to worldly customs, the veneration for hu-
man traditions above the commandments of God—is permeating the
Protestant churches and leading them to the same work of Sunday
exaltation which the papacy has done before them.
Royal edicts, general councils and church ordinances sustained
by secular power were the steps by which the pagan festival attained
its position of honor in the Christian world. The first public measure