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Our Only Safeguard
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of ecclesiastical councils, the voice of the majority—not one of
these should be regarded as evidence for or against any doctrine.
We should demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Satan leads the
people to look to pastors, to professors of theology as their guides,
instead of searching the Scriptures for themselves. By controlling
these leaders, he can influence the multitudes.
When Christ came, the common people heard Him gladly. But
the chief of the priesthood and leading men incased themselves in
prejudice; they rejected the evidence of His Messiahship. “How
is it,” the people asked, “that our rulers and learned scribes do not
believe on Jesus?” Such teachers led the Jewish nation to reject their
Redeemer.
Exalting Human Authority
Christ had a prophetic view of the work of exalting human au-
thority to rule the conscience, which has been so terrible a curse in
all ages. His warnings not to follow blind leaders were placed on
record as an admonition to future generations.
The Roman Church reserves to the clergy the right to interpret
the Scriptures. Though the Reformation gave the Scriptures to all,
yet the same principle which was maintained by Rome prevents
multitudes in Protestant churches from searching the Bible for them-
selves. They are taught to accept its teachings as interpreted by the
church. Thousands dare receive nothing, however plain in Scripture,
that is contrary to their creed.
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Many are ready to commit their souls to the clergy. They pass
by the Saviour’s teachings almost unnoticed. But are ministers
infallible? How can we trust their guidance unless we know from
God’s Word that they are lightbearers? A lack of moral courage leads
many to follow learned men, and they become hopelessly fastened
in error. They see the truth for this time in the Bible and feel the
power of the Holy Spirit attend its proclamation, yet they allow the
clergy to turn them from the light.
Satan secures multitudes by attaching them by silken cords of
affection to those who are enemies of the cross of Christ. This
attachment may be parental, filial, conjugal, or social. Souls under
their sway have not courage to obey their convictions of duty.