TheprophetIsaiahbringstoviewthefearfuldeceptionwhichwillcomeuponthewicked，causingthemtocountthemselvessecurefromthejudgmentsofGod:\"Wehavemadeacovenantwithdeath，andwithhellareweatagreement；
whentheoverflowingscourgeshallpassthrough，itshallnotcomeuntous:
forwehavemadeliesourrefuge，andunderfalsehoodhavewehidourselves。\"Isaiah28:15。Intheclassheredescribedareincludedthosewhointheirstubbornimpenitencecomfortthemselveswiththeassurancethatthereistobenopunishmentforthesinner；thatallmankind，itmattersnothowcorrupt，aretobeexaltedtoheaven，tobecomeastheangelsofGod。Butstillmoreemphatically561
arethosemakingacovenantwithdeathandanagreementwithhell，whorenouncethetruthswhichHeavenhasprovidedasadefensefortherighteousinthedayoftrouble，andaccepttherefugeofliesofferedbySataninitsstead——thedelusivepretensionsofspiritualism。
Marvelousbeyondexpressionistheblindnessofthepeopleofthisgeneration。ThousandsrejectthewordofGodasunworthyofbeliefandwitheagerconfidencereceivethedeceptionsofSatan。Skepticsandscoffersdenouncethebigotryofthosewhocontendforthefaithofprophetsandapostles，andtheydivertthemselvesbyholdinguptoridiculethesolemndeclarationsoftheScripturesconcerningChristandtheplanofsalvation，andtheretributiontobevisitedupontherejectersofthetruth。Theyaffectgreatpityformindssonarrow，weak，andsuperstitiousastoacknowledgetheclaimsofGodandobeytherequirementsofHislaw。Theymanifestasmuchassuranceasif，indeed，theyhadmadeacovenantwithdeathandanagreementwithhell——asiftheyhaderectedanimpassable，impenetrablebarrierbetweenthemselvesandthevengeanceofGod。Nothingcanarousetheirfears。Sofullyhavetheyyieldedtothetempter，socloselyaretheyunitedwithhim，andsothoroughlyimbuedwithhisspirit，thattheyhavenopowerandnoinclinationtobreakawayfromhissnare。
Satanhaslongbeenpreparingforhisfinalefforttodeceivetheworld。ThefoundationofhisworkwaslaidbytheassurancegiventoEveinEden:\"Yeshallnotsurelydie。\"\"Inthedayyeeatthereof，thenyoureyesshallbeopened，andyeshallbeasgods，knowinggoodandevil。\"Genesis3:4，5。
Littlebylittlehehaspreparedthewayforhismasterpieceofdeceptioninthedevelopmentofspiritualism。Hehasnotyetreachedthefullaccomplishmentofhisdesigns；butitwillbereachedinthelastremnantoftime。Saystheprophet:\"Isawthreeuncleanspiritslikefrogs；……theyarethespiritsofdevils，workingmiracles，whichgoforth562
untothekingsoftheearthandofthewholeworld，togatherthemtothebattleofthatgreatdayofGodAlmighty。\"Revelation16:13，14。ExceptthosewhoarekeptbythepowerofGod，throughfaithinHisword，thewholeworldwillbesweptintotheranksofthisdelusion。Thepeoplearefastbeinglulledtoafatalsecurity，tobeawakenedonlybytheoutpouringofthewrathofGod。
SaiththeLordGod:\"JudgmentalsowillIlaytotheline，andrighteousnesstotheplummet:andthehailshallsweepawaytherefugeoflies，andthewatersshalloverflowthehidingplace。Andyourcovenantwithdeathshallbedisannulled，andyouragreementwithhellshallnotstand；whentheoverflowingscourgeshallpassthrough，thenyeshallbetroddendownbyit。\"Isaiah28:17，18。
(563)
Chapter35
LibertyofConscienceThreatenedRomanismisnowregardedbyProtestantswithfargreaterfavorthaninformeryears。InthosecountrieswhereCatholicismisnotintheascendancy，andthepapistsaretakingaconciliatorycourseinordertogaininfluence，thereisanincreasingindifferenceconcerningthedoctrinesthatseparatethereformedchurchesfromthepapalhierarchy；theopinionisgaininggroundthat，afterall，wedonotdiffersowidelyuponvitalpointsashasbeensupposed，andthatalittleconcessiononourpartwillbringusintoabetterunderstandingwithRome。ThetimewaswhenProtestantsplacedahighvalueuponthelibertyofconsciencewhichhadbeensodearlypurchased。
TheytaughttheirchildrentoabhorpoperyandheldthattoseekharmonywithRomewouldbedisloyaltytoGod。Buthowwidelydifferentarethesentimentsnowexpressed！
Thedefendersofthepapacydeclarethatthechurchhasbeenmaligned，andtheProtestantworldareinclinedtoacceptthestatement。Manyurgethatitisunjusttojudgethechurchoftodaybytheabominationsandabsurditiesthatmarkedherreignduringthecenturiesofignoranceanddarkness。Theyexcuseherhorriblecrueltyastheresultofthebarbarismofthetimesandpleadthattheinfluenceofmoderncivilizationhaschangedhersentiments。
564
Havethesepersonsforgottentheclaimofinfallibilityputforthforeighthundredyearsbythishaughtypower？Sofarfrombeingrelinquished，thisclaimwasaffirmedinthenineteenthcenturywithgreaterpositivenessthaneverbefore。AsRomeassertsthatthe\"churchnevererred；norwillit，accordingtotheScriptures，evererr\"(JohnL。vonMosheim，InstitutesofEcclesiasticalHistory，book3，centuryII，part2，chapter2，section9，note17)，howcansherenouncetheprincipleswhichgovernedhercourseinpastages？
Thepapalchurchwillneverrelinquishherclaimtoinfallibility。Allthatshehasdoneinherpersecutionofthosewhorejectherdogmassheholdstoberight；andwouldshenotrepeatthesameacts，shouldtheopportunitybepresented？LettherestraintsnowimposedbyseculargovernmentsberemovedandRomebereinstatedinherformerpower，andtherewouldspeedilybearevivalofhertyrannyandpersecution。
Awell-knownwriterspeaksthusoftheattitudeofthepapalhierarchyasregardsfreedomofconscience，andoftheperilswhichespeciallythreatentheUnitedStatesfromthesuccessofherpolicy:
\"TherearemanywhoaredisposedtoattributeanyfearofRomanCatholicismintheUnitedStatestobigotryorchildishness。SuchseenothinginthecharacterandattitudeofRomanismthatishostiletoourfreeinstitutions，orfindnothingportentousinitsgrowth。Letus，then，firstcomparesomeofthefundamentalprinciplesofourgovernmentwiththoseoftheCatholicChurch。
\"TheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesguaranteeslibertyofconscience。
Nothingisdearerormorefundamental。PopePiusIX，inhisEncyclicalLetterofAugust15，1854，said:`Theabsurdanderroneousdoctrinesorravingsindefenseoflibertyofconscienceareamostpestilentialerror——apest，ofallothers，mosttobedreadedinastate。’Thesamepope，inhisEncyclicalLetterofDecember8，1864，anathematized`thosewhoassertthelibertyofconscienceandofreligious565
worship，’also’allsuchasmaintainthatthechurchmaynotemployforce。’
\"ThepacifictoneofRomeintheUnitedStatesdoesnotimplyachangeofheart。Sheistolerantwheresheishelpless。SaysBishopO’Connor:
’ReligiouslibertyismerelyendureduntiltheoppositecanbecarriedintoeffectwithoutperiltotheCatholicworld。’……ThearchbishopofSt。
Louisoncesaid:’Heresyandunbeliefarecrimes；andinChristiancountries，asinItalyandSpain，forinstance，whereallthepeopleareCatholics，andwheretheCatholicreligionisanessentialpartofthelawoftheland，theyarepunishedasothercrimes。’……
\"Everycardinal，archbishop，andbishopintheCatholicChurchtakesanoathofallegiancetothepope，inwhichoccurthefollowingwords:’Heretics，schismatics，andrebelstooursaidlord(thepope)，orhisaforesaidsuccessors，Iwilltomyutmostpersecuteandoppose。’\"——JosiahStrong，OurCountry，ch。5，pars。2-4。
ItistruethattherearerealChristiansintheRomanCatholiccommunion。
ThousandsinthatchurchareservingGodaccordingtothebestlighttheyhave。TheyarenotallowedaccesstoHisword，andthereforetheydonotdiscernthetruth。[*PUBLISHEDIN1888AND1911。SEEAPPENDIX。]Theyhaveneverseenthecontrastbetweenalivingheartserviceandaroundofmereformsandceremonies。Godlookswithpityingtendernessuponthesesouls，educatedastheyareinafaiththatisdelusiveandunsatisfying。Hewillcauseraysoflighttopenetratethedensedarknessthatsurroundsthem。HewillrevealtothemthetruthasitisinJesus，andmanywillyettaketheirpositionwithHispeople。
ButRomanismasasystemisnomoreinharmonywiththegospelofChristnowthanatanyformerperiodinherhistory。TheProtestantchurchesareingreatdarkness，ortheywoulddiscernthesignsofthetimes。TheRomanChurchisfar-reachinginherplansandmodesofoperation。Sheisemployingeverydevicetoextendherinfluenceandincreaseherpowerinpreparationforafierceanddetermined566
conflicttoregaincontroloftheworld，tore-establishpersecution，andtoundoallthatProtestantismhasdone。Catholicismisgaininggrounduponeveryside。SeetheincreasingnumberofherchurchesandchapelsinProtestantcountries。LookatthepopularityofhercollegesandseminariesinAmerica，sowidelypatronizedbyProtestants。LookatthegrowthofritualisminEnglandandthefrequentdefectionstotheranksoftheCatholics。Thesethingsshouldawakentheanxietyofallwhoprizethepureprinciplesofthegospel。
Protestantshavetamperedwithandpatronizedpopery；theyhavemadecompromisesandconcessionswhichpapiststhemselvesaresurprisedtoseeandfailtounderstand。MenareclosingtheireyestotherealcharacterofRomanismandthedangerstobeapprehendedfromhersupremacy。Thepeopleneedtobearousedtoresisttheadvancesofthismostdangerousfoetocivilandreligiousliberty。
ManyProtestantssupposethattheCatholicreligionisunattractiveandthatitsworshipisadull，meaninglessroundofceremony。Heretheymistake。
WhileRomanismisbasedupondeception，itisnotacoarseandclumsyimposture。ThereligiousserviceoftheRomanChurchisamostimpressiveceremonial。Itsgorgeousdisplayandsolemnritesfascinatethesensesofthepeopleandsilencethevoiceofreasonandofconscience。Theeyeischarmed。Magnificentchurches，imposingprocessions，goldenaltars，jeweledshrines，choicepaintings，andexquisitesculptureappealtotheloveofbeauty。Theearalsoiscaptivated。Themusicisunsurpassed。Therichnotesofthedeep-tonedorgan，blendingwiththemelodyofmanyvoicesasitswellsthroughtheloftydomesandpillaredaislesofhergrandcathedrals，cannotfailtoimpressthemindwithaweandreverence。
Thisoutwardsplendor，pomp，andceremony，thatonlymocksthelongingsofthesin-sicksoul，isanevidenceofinwardcorruption。ThereligionofChristneedsnotsuchattractionstorecommendit。Inthelightshiningfromthecross，trueChristianityappearssopureandlovelythatno567
externaldecorationscanenhanceitstrueworth。Itisthebeautyofholiness，ameekandquietspirit，whichisofvaluewithGod。
Brilliancyofstyleisnotnecessarilyanindexofpure，elevatedthought。
Highconceptionsofart，delicaterefinementoftaste，oftenexistinmindsthatareearthlyandsensual。TheyareoftenemployedbySatantoleadmentoforgetthenecessitiesofthesoul，tolosesightofthefuture，immortallife，toturnawayfromtheirinfiniteHelper，andtoliveforthisworldalone。
Areligionofexternalsisattractivetotheunrenewedheart。ThepompandceremonyoftheCatholicworshiphasaseductive，bewitchingpower，bywhichmanyaredeceived；andtheycometolookupontheRomanChurchastheverygateofheaven。Nonebutthosewhohaveplantedtheirfeetfirmlyuponthefoundationoftruth，andwhoseheartsarerenewedbytheSpiritofGod，areproofagainstherinfluence。ThousandswhohavenotanexperimentalknowledgeofChristwillbeledtoaccepttheformsofgodlinesswithoutthepower。Suchareligionisjustwhatthemultitudesdesire。
Thechurch’sclaimtotherighttopardonleadstheRomanisttofeelatlibertytosin；andtheordinanceofconfession，withoutwhichherpardonisnotgranted，tendsalsotogivelicensetoevil。Hewhokneelsbeforefallenman，andopensinconfessionthesecretthoughtsandimaginationsofhisheart，isdebasinghismanhoodanddegradingeverynobleinstinctofhissoul。Inunfoldingthesinsofhislifetoapriest，——anerring，sinfulmortal，andtoooftencorruptedwithwineandlicentiousness，——hisstandardofcharacterislowered，andheisdefiledinconsequence。HisthoughtofGodisdegradedtothelikenessoffallenhumanity，fortheprieststandsasarepresentativeofGod。Thisdegradingconfessionofmantomanisthesecretspringfromwhichhasflowedmuchoftheevilthatisdefilingtheworldandfittingitforthefinaldestruction。Yettohimwholovesself-indulgence，568
itismorepleasingtoconfesstoafellowmortalthantoopenthesoultoGod。Itismorepalatabletohumannaturetodopenancethantorenouncesin；itiseasiertomortifythefleshbysackclothandnettlesandgallingchainsthantocrucifyfleshlylusts。HeavyistheyokewhichthecarnalheartiswillingtobearratherthanbowtotheyokeofChrist。
ThereisastrikingsimilaritybetweentheChurchofRomeandtheJewishChurchatthetimeofChrist’sfirstadvent。WhiletheJewssecretlytrampleduponeveryprincipleofthelawofGod，theywereoutwardlyrigorousintheobservanceofitsprecepts，loadingitdownwithexactionsandtraditionsthatmadeobediencepainfulandburdensome。AstheJewsprofessedtoreverethelaw，sodoRomanistsclaimtoreverencethecross。
TheyexaltthesymbolofChrist’ssufferings，whileintheirlivestheydenyHimwhomitrepresents。
Papistsplacecrossesupontheirchurches，upontheiraltars，andupontheirgarments。Everywhereisseentheinsigniaofthecross。Everywhereitisoutwardlyhonoredandexalted。ButtheteachingsofChristareburiedbeneathamassofsenselesstraditions，falseinterpretations，andrigorousexactions。TheSaviour’swordsconcerningthebigotedJews，applywithstillgreaterforcetotheleadersoftheRomanCatholicChurch:\"Theybindheavyburdensandgrievoustobeborne，andlaythemonmen’sshoulders；buttheythemselveswillnotmovethemwithoneoftheirfingers。\"Matthew23:4。
ConscientioussoulsarekeptinconstantterrorfearingthewrathofanoffendedGod，whilemanyofthedignitariesofthechurcharelivinginluxuryandsensualpleasure。
Theworshipofimagesandrelics，theinvocationofsaints，andtheexaltationofthepopearedevicesofSatantoattractthemindsofthepeoplefromGodandfromHisSon。Toaccomplishtheirruin，heendeavorstoturntheirattentionfromHimthroughwhomalonetheycanfindsalvation。HewilldirectthemtoanyobjectthatcanbesubstitutedfortheOnewhohassaid:\"ComeuntoMe，allyethatlaborand569
areheavy-laden，andIwillgiveyourest。\"Matthew11:28。
ItisSatan’sconstantefforttomisrepresentthecharacterofGod，thenatureofsin，andtherealissuesatstakeinthegreatcontroversy。Hissophistrylessenstheobligationofthedivinelawandgivesmenlicensetosin。AtthesametimehecausesthemtocherishfalseconceptionsofGodsothattheyregardHimwithfearandhateratherthanwithlove。ThecrueltyinherentinhisowncharacterisattributedtotheCreator；itisembodiedinsystemsofreligionandexpressedinmodesofworship。Thusthemindsofmenareblinded，andSatansecuresthemashisagentstowaragainstGod。Bypervertedconceptionsofthedivineattributes，heathennationswereledtobelievehumansacrificesnecessarytosecurethefavorofDeity；andhorriblecrueltieshavebeenperpetratedunderthevariousformsofidolatry。
TheRomanCatholicChurch，unitingtheformsofpaganismandChristianity，and，likepaganism，misrepresentingthecharacterofGod，hadresortedtopracticesnolesscruelandrevolting。InthedaysofRome’ssupremacytherewereinstrumentsoftorturetocompelassenttoherdoctrines。Therewasthestakeforthosewhowouldnotconcedetoherclaims。Thereweremassacresonascalethatwillneverbeknownuntilrevealedinthejudgment。Dignitariesofthechurchstudied，underSatantheirmaster，toinventmeanstocausethegreatestpossibletortureandnotendthelifeofthevictim。Inmanycasestheinfernalprocesswasrepeatedtotheutmostlimitofhumanendurance，untilnaturegaveupthestruggle，andthesuffererhaileddeathasasweetrelease。
SuchwasthefateofRome’sopponents。Forheradherentsshehadthedisciplineofthescourge，offamishinghunger，ofbodilyausteritiesineveryconceivable，heart-sickeningform。TosecurethefavorofHeaven，penitentsviolatedthelawsofGodbyviolatingthelawsofnature。TheyweretaughttosunderthetieswhichHehasformedtoblessandgladdenman’searthlysojourn。Thechurchyardcontainsmillionsof570
victimswhospenttheirlivesinvainendeavorstosubduetheirnaturalaffections，torepress，asoffensivetoGod，everythoughtandfeelingofsympathywiththeirfellowcreatures。
IfwedesiretounderstandthedeterminedcrueltyofSatan，manifestedforhundredsofyears，notamongthosewhoneverheardofGod，butintheveryheartandthroughouttheextentofChristendom，wehaveonlytolookatthehistoryofRomanism。ThroughthismammothsystemofdeceptiontheprinceofevilachieveshispurposeofbringingdishonortoGodandwretchednesstoman。Andasweseehowhesucceedsindisguisinghimselfandaccomplishinghisworkthroughtheleadersofthechurch，wemaybetterunderstandwhyhehassogreatantipathytotheBible。IfthatBookisread，themercyandloveofGodwillberevealed；itwillbeseenthatHelaysuponmennoneoftheseheavyburdens。AllthatHeasksisabrokenandcontriteheart，ahumble，obedientspirit。
ChristgivesnoexampleinHislifeformenandwomentoshutthemselvesinmonasteriesinordertobecomefittedforheaven。Hehasnevertaughtthatloveandsympathymustberepressed。TheSaviour’sheartoverflowedwithlove。Thenearermanapproachestomoralperfection，thekeenerarehissensibilities，themoreacuteishisperceptionofsin，andthedeeperhissympathyfortheafflicted。ThepopeclaimstobethevicarofChrist；buthowdoeshischaracterbearcomparisonwiththatofourSaviour？WasChristeverknowntoconsignmentotheprisonortherackbecausetheydidnotpayHimhomageastheKingofheaven？WasHisvoiceheardcondemningtodeaththosewhodidnotacceptHim？WhenHewasslightedbythepeopleofaSamaritanvillage，theapostleJohnwasfilledwithindignation，andinquired:\"Lord，wiltThouthatwecommandfiretocomedownfromheaven，andconsumethem，evenasEliasdid？\"JesuslookedwithpityuponHisdisciple，andrebukedhisharshspirit，saying:\"TheSonofmanisnotcometodestroymen’slives，buttosavethem。\"Luke9:54，56。Howdifferentfrom571
thespiritmanifestedbyChrististhatofHisprofessedvicar。
TheRomanChurchnowpresentsafairfronttotheworld，coveringwithapologiesherrecordofhorriblecruelties。ShehasclothedherselfinChristlikegarments；butsheisunchanged。Everyprincipleofthepapacythatexistedinpastagesexiststoday。Thedoctrinesdevisedinthedarkestagesarestillheld。Letnonedeceivethemselves。ThepapacythatProtestantsarenowsoreadytohonoristhesamethatruledtheworldinthedaysoftheReformation，whenmenofGodstoodup，attheperiloftheirlives，toexposeheriniquity。Shepossessesthesameprideandarrogantassumptionthatlordeditoverkingsandprinces，andclaimedtheprerogativesofGod。HerspiritisnolesscruelanddespoticnowthanwhenshecrushedouthumanlibertyandslewthesaintsoftheMostHigh。
Thepapacyisjustwhatprophecydeclaredthatshewouldbe，theapostasyofthelattertimes。2Thessalonians2:3，4。Itisapartofherpolicytoassumethecharacterwhichwillbestaccomplishherpurpose；butbeneaththevariableappearanceofthechameleonsheconcealstheinvariablevenomoftheserpent。\"Faithoughtnottobekeptwithheretics，norpersonssuspectedofheresy\"(Lenfant，volume1，page516)，shedeclares。Shallthispower，whoserecordforathousandyearsiswritteninthebloodofthesaints，benowacknowledgedasapartofthechurchofChrist？
ItisnotwithoutreasonthattheclaimhasbeenputforthinProtestantcountriesthatCatholicismdifferslesswidelyfromProtestantismthaninformertimes。Therehasbeenachange；butthechangeisnotinthepapacy。
CatholicismindeedresemblesmuchoftheProtestantismthatnowexists，becauseProtestantismhassogreatlydegeneratedsincethedaysoftheReformers。
AstheProtestantschurcheshavebeenseekingthefavoroftheworld，falsecharityhasblindedtheireyes。Theydonotseebutthatitisrighttobelievegoodofallevil，andastheinevitableresulttheywillfinallybelieveevilofallgood。
572
Insteadofstandingindefenseofthefaithoncedeliveredtothesaints，theyarenow，asitwere，apologizingtoRomefortheiruncharitableopinionofher，beggingpardonfortheirbigotry。
Alargeclass，evenofthosewholookuponRomanismwithnofavor，apprehendlittledangerfromherpowerandinfluence。ManyurgethattheintellectualandmoraldarknessprevailingduringtheMiddleAgesfavoredthespreadofherdogmas，superstitions，andoppression，andthatthegreaterintelligenceofmoderntimes，thegeneraldiffusionofknowledge，andtheincreasingliberalityinmattersofreligionforbidarevivalofintoleranceandtyranny。Theverythoughtthatsuchastateofthingswillexistinthisenlightenedageisridiculed。Itistruethatgreatlight，intellectual，moral，andreligious，isshininguponthisgeneration。IntheopenpagesofGod’sHolyWord，lightfromheavenhasbeenshedupontheworld。Butitshouldberememberedthatthegreaterthelightbestowed，thegreaterthedarknessofthosewhopervertandrejectit。
AprayerfulstudyoftheBiblewouldshowProtestantstherealcharacterofthepapacyandwouldcausethemtoabhorandtoshunit；butmanyaresowiseintheirownconceitthattheyfeelnoneedofhumblyseekingGodthattheymaybeledintothetruth。Althoughpridingthemselvesontheirenlightenment，theyareignorantbothoftheScripturesandofthepowerofGod。Theymusthavesomemeansofquietingtheirconsciences，andtheyseekthatwhichisleastspiritualandhumiliating。WhattheydesireisamethodofforgettingGodwhichshallpassasamethodofrememberingHim。Thepapacyiswelladaptedtomeetthewantsofallthese。Itispreparedfortwoclassesofmankind，embracingnearlythewholeworld——thosewhowouldbesavedbytheirmerits，andthosewhowouldbesavedintheirsins。Hereisthesecretofitspower。
Adayofgreatintellectualdarknesshasbeenshowntobefavorabletothesuccessofthepapacy。Itwillyetbe573
demonstratedthatadayofgreatintellectuallightisequallyfavorableforitssuccess。Inpastages，whenmenwerewithoutGod’swordandwithouttheknowledgeofthetruth，theireyeswereblindfolded，andthousandswereensnared，notseeingthenetspreadfortheirfeet。Inthisgenerationtherearemanywhoseeyesbecomedazzledbytheglareofhumanspeculations，\"sciencefalselysocalled；\"theydiscernnotthenet，andwalkintoitasreadilyasifblindfolded。Goddesignedthatman’sintellectualpowersshouldbeheldasagiftfromhisMakerandshouldbeemployedintheserviceoftruthandrighteousness；butwhenprideandambitionarecherished，andmenexalttheirowntheoriesabovethewordofGod，thenintelligencecanaccomplishgreaterharmthanignorance。Thusthefalsescienceofthepresentday，whichunderminesfaithintheBible，willproveassuccessfulinpreparingthewayfortheacceptanceofthepapacy，withitspleasingforms，asdidthewithholdingofknowledgeinopeningthewayforitsaggrandizementintheDarkAges。
InthemovementsnowinprogressintheUnitedStatestosecurefortheinstitutionsandusagesofthechurchthesupportofthestate，Protestantsarefollowinginthestepsofpapists。Nay，more，theyareopeningthedoorforthepapacytoregaininProtestantAmericathesupremacywhichshehaslostintheOldWorld。AndthatwhichgivesgreatersignificancetothismovementisthefactthattheprincipalobjectcontemplatedistheenforcementofSundayobservance——acustomwhichoriginatedwithRome，andwhichsheclaimsasthesignofherauthority。Itisthespiritofthepapacy——thespiritofconformitytoworldlycustoms，thevenerationforhumantraditionsabovethecommandmentsofGod——thatispermeatingtheProtestantchurchesandleadingthemontodothesameworkofSundayexaltationwhichthepapacyhasdonebeforethem。
Ifthereaderwouldunderstandtheagenciestobeemployedinthesoon-comingcontest，hehasbuttotracetherecordofthemeanswhichRomeemployedforthesame574
objectinagespast。IfhewouldknowhowpapistsandProtestantsunitedwilldealwiththosewhorejecttheirdogmas，lethimseethespiritwhichRomemanifestedtowardtheSabbathanditsdefenders。
Royaledicts，generalcouncils，andchurchordinancessustainedbysecularpowerwerethestepsbywhichthepaganfestivalattaineditspositionofhonorintheChristianworld。ThefirstpublicmeasureenforcingSundayobservancewasthelawenactedbyConstantine。(A。D。321；seeAppendix。)
Thisedictrequiredtownspeopletoreston\"thevenerabledayofthesun，\"
butpermittedcountrymentocontinuetheiragriculturalpursuits。Thoughvirtuallyaheathenstatute，itwasenforcedbytheemperorafterhisnominalacceptanceofChristianity。
Theroyalmandatenotprovingasufficientsubstitutefordivineauthority，Eusebius，abishopwhosoughtthefavorofprinces，andwhowasthespecialfriendandflattererofConstantine，advancedtheclaimthatChristhadtransferredtheSabbathtoSunday。NotasingletestimonyoftheScriptureswasproducedinproofofthenewdoctrine。Eusebiushimselfunwittinglyacknowledgesitsfalsityandpointstotherealauthorsofthechange。\"Allthings，\"hesays，\"whateverthatitwasdutytodoontheSabbath，thesewehavetransferredtotheLord’sDay。\"——RobertCox，SabbathLawsandSabbathDuties，page538。ButtheSundayargument，groundlessasitwas，servedtoemboldenmenintramplingupontheSabbathoftheLord。Allwhodesiredtobehonoredbytheworldacceptedthepopularfestival。
Asthepapacybecamefirmlyestablished，theworkofSundayexaltationwascontinued。Foratimethepeopleengagedinagriculturallaborwhennotattendingchurch，andtheseventhdaywasstillregardedastheSabbath。Butsteadilyachangewaseffected。ThoseinholyofficewereforbiddentopassjudgmentinanycivilcontroversyontheSunday。Soonafter，allpersons，ofwhateverrank，werecommandedtorefrainfromcommonlaboronpainofafineforfreemenand575
stripesinthecaseofservants。Lateritwasdecreedthatrichmenshouldbepunishedwiththelossofhalfoftheirestates；andfinally，thatifstillobstinatetheyshouldbemadeslaves。Thelowerclassesweretosufferperpetualbanishment。
Miraclesalsowerecalledintorequisition。AmongotherwondersitwasreportedthatasahusbandmanwhowasabouttoplowhisfieldonSundaycleanedhisplowwithaniron，theironstuckfastinhishand，andfortwoyearshecarrieditaboutwithhim，\"tohisexceedinggreatpainandshame。\"——FrancisWest，HistoricalandPracticalDiscourseontheLord’sDay，page174。
LaterthepopegavedirectionsthattheparishpriestshouldadmonishtheviolatorsofSundayandwishthemtogotochurchandsaytheirprayers，lesttheybringsomegreatcalamityonthemselvesandneighbors。Anecclesiasticalcouncilbroughtforwardtheargument，sincesowidelyemployed，evenbyProtestants，thatbecausepersonshadbeenstruckbylightningwhilelaboringonSunday，itmustbetheSabbath。\"Itisapparent，\"saidtheprelates，\"howhighthedispleasureofGodwasupontheirneglectofthisday。\"Anappealwasthenmadethatpriestsandministers，kingsandprinces，andallfaithfulpeople\"usetheirutmostendeavorsandcarethatthedayberestoredtoitshonor，and，forthecreditofChristianity，moredevoutlyobservedforthetimetocome。\"——ThomasMorer，DiscourseinSixDialoguesontheName，Notion，andObservationoftheLord’sDay，page271。
Thedecreesofcouncilsprovinginsufficient，thesecularauthoritieswerebesoughttoissueanedictthatwouldstriketerrortotheheartsofthepeopleandforcethemtorefrainfromlaborontheSunday。AtasynodheldinRome，allpreviousdecisionswerereaffirmedwithgreaterforceandsolemnity。TheywerealsoincorporatedintotheecclesiasticallawandenforcedbythecivilauthoritiesthroughoutnearlyallChristendom。(SeeHeylyn，HistoryoftheSabbath，pt。2，ch。5，sec。7。)
576
StilltheabsenceofScripturalauthorityforSundaykeepingoccasionednolittleembarrassment。ThepeoplequestionedtherightoftheirteacherstosetasidethepositivedeclarationofJehovah，\"TheseventhdayistheSabbathoftheLordthyGod，\"inordertohonorthedayofthesun。TosupplythelackofBibletestimony，otherexpedientswerenecessary。A
zealousadvocateofSunday，whoaboutthecloseofthetwelfthcenturyvisitedthechurchesofEngland，wasresistedbyfaithfulwitnessesforthetruth；andsofruitlesswerehiseffortsthathedepartedfromthecountryforaseasonandcastabouthimforsomemeanstoenforcehisteachings。
Whenhereturned，thelackwassupplied，andinhisafterlaborshemetwithgreatersuccess。HebroughtwithhimarollpurportingtobefromGodHimself，whichcontainedtheneededcommandforSundayobservance，withawfulthreatstoterrifythedisobedient。Thispreciousdocument——asbaseacounterfeitastheinstitutionitsupported——wassaidtohavefallenfromheavenandtohavebeenfoundinJerusalem，uponthealtarofSt。Simeon，inGolgotha。But，infact，thepontificalpalaceatRomewasthesourcewhenceitproceeded。Fraudsandforgeriestoadvancethepowerandprosperityofthechurchhaveinallagesbeenesteemedlawfulbythepapalhierarchy。
Therollforbadelaborfromtheninthhour，threeo’clock，onSaturdayafternoon，tillsunriseonMonday；anditsauthoritywasdeclaredtobeconfirmedbymanymiracles。Itwasreportedthatpersonslaboringbeyondtheappointedhourwerestrickenwithparalysis。Amillerwhoattemptedtogrindhiscorn，saw，insteadofflour，atorrentofbloodcomeforth，andthemillwheelstoodstill，notwithstandingthestrongrushofwater。Awomanwhoplaceddoughintheovenfounditrawwhentakenout，thoughtheovenwasveryhot。Anotherwhohaddoughpreparedforbakingattheninthhour，butdeterminedtosetitasidetillMonday，found，thenextday，thatithadbeenmadeintoloavesandbakedbydivinepower。Amanwhobakedbreadaftertheninthhour577
onSaturdayfound，whenhebrokeitthenextmorning，thatbloodstartedtherefrom。BysuchabsurdandsuperstitiousfabricationsdidtheadvocatesofSundayendeavortoestablishitssacredness。(SeeRogerdeHoveden，Annals，vol。2，pp。528-530。)
InScotland，asinEngland，agreaterregardforSundaywassecuredbyunitingwithitaportionoftheancientSabbath。Butthetimerequiredtobekeptholyvaried。AnedictfromthekingofScotlanddeclaredthat\"Saturdayfromtwelveatnoonoughttobeaccountedholy，\"andthatnoman，fromthattimetillMondaymorning，shouldengageinworldlybusiness——Morer，pages290，291。
ButnotwithstandingalltheeffortstoestablishSundaysacredness，papiststhemselvespubliclyconfessedthedivineauthorityoftheSabbathandthehumanoriginoftheinstitutionbywhichithadbeensupplanted。Inthesixteenthcenturyapapalcouncilplainlydeclared:\"LetallChristiansrememberthattheseventhdaywasconsecratedbyGod，andhathbeenreceivedandobserved，notonlybytheJews，butbyallotherswhopretendtoworshipGod；thoughweChristianshavechangedtheirSabbathintotheLord’sDay。\"——
Ibid。，pages281，282。Thosewhoweretamperingwiththedivinelawwerenotignorantofthecharacteroftheirwork。TheyweredeliberatelysettingthemselvesaboveGod。
AstrikingillustrationofRome’spolicytowardthosewhodisagreewithherwasgiveninthelongandbloodypersecutionoftheWaldenses，someofwhomwereobserversoftheSabbath。Otherssufferedinasimilarmannerfortheirfidelitytothefourthcommandment。ThehistoryofthechurchesofEthiopiaandAbyssiniaisespeciallysignificant。AmidthegloomoftheDarkAges，theChristiansofCentralAfricawerelostsightofandforgottenbytheworld，andformanycenturiestheyenjoyedfreedomintheexerciseoftheirfaith。ButatlastRomelearnedoftheirexistence，andtheemperorofAbyssiniawassoonbeguiledintoanacknowledgmentofthepopeasthevicarofChrist。Otherconcessionsfollowed。
578
AnedictwasissuedforbiddingtheobservanceoftheSabbathundertheseverestpenalties。(SeeMichaelGeddes，ChurchHistoryofEthiopia，pages311，312。)ButpapaltyrannysoonbecameayokesogallingthattheAbyssiniansdeterminedtobreakitfromtheirnecks。AfteraterriblestruggletheRomanistswerebanishedfromtheirdominions，andtheancientfaithwasrestored。Thechurchesrejoicedintheirfreedom，andtheyneverforgotthelessontheyhadlearnedconcerningthedeception，thefanaticism，andthedespoticpowerofRome。Withintheirsolitaryrealmtheywerecontenttoremain，unknowntotherestofChristendom。
ThechurchesofAfricaheldtheSabbathasitwasheldbythepapalchurchbeforehercompleteapostasy。WhiletheykepttheseventhdayinobediencetothecommandmentofGod，theyabstainedfromlaborontheSundayinconformitytothecustomofthechurch。Uponobtainingsupremepower，RomehadtrampledupontheSabbathofGodtoexaltherown；butthechurchesofAfrica，hiddenfornearlyathousandyears，didnotshareinthisapostasy。
WhenbroughtundertheswayofRome，theywereforcedtosetasidethetrueandexaltthefalsesabbath；butnosoonerhadtheyregainedtheirindependencethantheyreturnedtoobediencetothefourthcommandment。(SeeAppendix。)
TheserecordsofthepastclearlyrevealtheenmityofRometowardthetrueSabbathanditsdefenders，andthemeanswhichsheemploystohonortheinstitutionofhercreating。ThewordofGodteachesthatthesescenesaretoberepeatedasRomanCatholicsandProtestantsshallunitefortheexaltationoftheSunday。
TheprophecyofRevelation13declaresthatthepowerrepresentedbythebeastwithlamblikehornsshallcause\"theearthandthemwhichdwelltherein\"toworshipthepapacy——theresymbolizedbythebeast\"likeuntoaleopard。\"Thebeastwithtwohornsisalsotosay\"tothemthatdwellontheearth，thattheyshouldmakeanimagetothebeast；\"and，579
furthermore，itistocommandall，\"bothsmallandgreat，richandpoor，freeandbond，\"toreceivethemarkofthebeast。Revelation13:11-16。IthasbeenshownthattheUnitedStatesisthepowerrepresentedbythebeastwithlamblikehorns，andthatthisprophecywillbefulfilledwhentheUnitedStatesshallenforceSundayobservance，whichRomeclaimsasthespecialacknowledgmentofhersupremacy。ButinthishomagetothepapacytheUnitedStateswillnotbealone。TheinfluenceofRomeinthecountriesthatonceacknowledgedherdominionisstillfarfrombeingdestroyed。Andprophecyforetellsarestorationofherpower。\"Isawoneofhisheadsasitwerewoundedtodeath；andhisdeadlywoundwashealed:andalltheworldwonderedafterthebeast。\"Verse3。Theinflictionofthedeadlywoundpointstothedownfallofthepapacyin1798。Afterthis，saystheprophet，\"hisdeadlywoundwashealed:andalltheworldwonderedafterthebeast。\"
Paulstatesplainlythatthe\"manofsin\"willcontinueuntilthesecondadvent。2Thessalonians2:3-8。Totheverycloseoftimehewillcarryforwardtheworkofdeception。Andtherevelatordeclares，alsoreferringtothepapacy:\"Allthatdwellupontheearthshallworshiphim，whosenamesarenotwritteninthebookoflife。\"Revelation13:8。InboththeOldandtheNewWorld，thepapacywillreceivehomageinthehonorpaidtotheSundayinstitution，thatrestssolelyupontheauthorityoftheRomanChurch。
Sincethemiddleofthenineteenthcentury，studentsofprophecyintheUnitedStateshavepresentedthistestimonytotheworld。Intheeventsnowtakingplaceisseenarapidadvancetowardthefulfillmentoftheprediction。WithProtestantteachersthereisthesameclaimofdivineauthorityforSundaykeeping，andthesamelackofScripturalevidence，aswiththepapalleaderswhofabricatedmiraclestosupplytheplaceofacommandfromGod。TheassertionthatGod’sjudgmentsarevisiteduponmenfortheirviolationofthe580
Sunday-sabbath，willberepeated；alreadyitisbeginningtobeurged。AndamovementtoenforceSundayobservanceisfastgainingground。
MarvelousinhershrewdnessandcunningistheRomanChurch。Shecanreadwhatistobe。Shebideshertime，seeingthattheProtestantchurchesarepayingherhomageintheiracceptanceofthefalsesabbathandthattheyarepreparingtoenforceitbytheverymeanswhichsheherselfemployedinbygonedays。Thosewhorejectthelightoftruthwillyetseektheaidofthisself-styledinfalliblepowertoexaltaninstitutionthatoriginatedwithher。HowreadilyshewillcometothehelpofProtestantsinthisworkitisnotdifficulttoconjecture。Whounderstandsbetterthanthepapalleadershowtodealwiththosewhoaredisobedienttothechurch？
TheRomanCatholicChurch，withallitsramificationsthroughouttheworld，formsonevastorganizationunderthecontrol，anddesignedtoservetheinterests，ofthepapalsee。Itsmillionsofcommunicants，ineverycountryontheglobe，areinstructedtoholdthemselvesasboundinallegiancetothepope。Whatevertheirnationalityortheirgovernment，theyaretoregardtheauthorityofthechurchasaboveallother。Thoughtheymaytaketheoathpledgingtheirloyaltytothestate，yetbackofthisliesthevowofobediencetoRome，absolvingthemfromeverypledgeinimicaltoherinterests。
Historytestifiesofherartfulandpersistenteffortstoinsinuateherselfintotheaffairsofnations；andhavinggainedafoothold，tofurtherherownaims，evenattheruinofprincesandpeople。Intheyear1204，PopeInnocentIIIextractedfromPeterII，kingofArragon，thefollowingextraordinaryoath:\"I，Peter，kingofArragonians，professandpromisetobeeverfaithfulandobedienttomylord，PopeInnocent，tohisCatholicsuccessors，andtheRomanChurch，andfaithfullytopreservemykingdominhisobedience，defendingtheCatholicfaith，andpersecutinghereticalpravity。\"——JohnDowling，TheHistoryofRomanism，b。5，ch。6，sec。
581
55。ThisisinharmonywiththeclaimsregardingthepoweroftheRomanpontiff\"thatitislawfulforhimtodeposeemperors\"and\"thathecanabsolvesubjectsfromtheirallegiancetounrighteousrulers。\"——Mosheim，b。3，cent。11，pt。2，ch。2，sec。9，note17。(SeealsoAppendix。)
Andletitberemembered，itistheboastofRomethatsheneverchanges。
TheprinciplesofGregoryVIIandInnocentIIIarestilltheprinciplesoftheRomanCatholicChurch。Andhadshebutthepower，shewouldputtheminpracticewithasmuchvigornowasinpastcenturies。ProtestantslittleknowwhattheyaredoingwhentheyproposetoaccepttheaidofRomeintheworkofSundayexaltation。Whiletheyarebentupontheaccomplishmentoftheirpurpose，Romeisaimingtore-establishherpower，torecoverherlostsupremacy。LettheprincipleoncebeestablishedintheUnitedStatesthatthechurchmayemployorcontrolthepowerofthestate；thatreligiousobservancesmaybeenforcedbysecularlaws；inshort，thattheauthorityofchurchandstateistodominatetheconscience，andthetriumphofRomeinthiscountryisassured。
God’swordhasgivenwarningoftheimpendingdanger；letthisbeunheeded，andtheProtestantworldwilllearnwhatthepurposesofRomereallyare，onlywhenitistoolatetoescapethesnare。Sheissilentlygrowingintopower。Herdoctrinesareexertingtheirinfluenceinlegislativehalls，inthechurches，andintheheartsofmen。Sheispilingupherloftyandmassivestructuresinthesecretrecessesofwhichherformerpersecutionswillberepeated。Stealthilyandunsuspectedlysheisstrengtheningherforcestofurtherherownendswhenthetimeshallcomeforhertostrike。
Allthatshedesiresisvantageground，andthisisalreadybeinggivenher。
WeshallsoonseeandshallfeelwhatthepurposeoftheRomanelementis。
WhoevershallbelieveandobeythewordofGodwilltherebyincurreproachandpersecution。
(582)
Chapter36
TheImpendingConflictFromtheverybeginningofthegreatcontroversyinheavenithasbeenSatan’spurposetooverthrowthelawofGod。ItwastoaccomplishthisthatheentereduponhisrebellionagainsttheCreator，andthoughhewascastoutofheavenhehascontinuedthesamewarfareupontheearth。Todeceivemen，andthusleadthemtotransgressGod’slaw，istheobjectwhichhehassteadfastlypursued。Whetherthisbeaccomplishedbycastingasidethelawaltogether，orbyrejectingoneofitsprecepts，theresultwillbeultimatelythesame。Hethatoffends\"inonepoint，\"manifestscontemptforthewholelaw；hisinfluenceandexampleareonthesideoftransgression；
hebecomes\"guiltyofall。\"James2:10。
Inseekingtocastcontemptuponthedivinestatutes，SatanhaspervertedthedoctrinesoftheBible，anderrorshavethusbecomeincorporatedintothefaithofthousandswhoprofesstobelievetheScriptures。Thelastgreatconflictbetweentruthanderrorisbutthefinalstruggleofthelong-standingcontroversyconcerningthelawofGod。Uponthisbattlewearenowentering——abattlebetweenthelawsofmenandthepreceptsofJehovah，betweenthereligionoftheBibleandthereligionoffableandtradition。
Theagencieswhichwilluniteagainsttruthandrighteousnessinthiscontestarenowactivelyatwork。God’sholyword，whichhasbeenhandeddowntousatsuchacostof583
sufferingandblood，isbutlittlevalued。TheBibleiswithinthereachofall，buttherearefewwhoreallyacceptitastheguideoflife。Infidelityprevailstoanalarmingextent，notintheworldmerely，butinthechurch。
ManyhavecometodenydoctrineswhicharetheverypillarsoftheChristianfaith。Thegreatfactsofcreationaspresentedbytheinspiredwriters，thefallofman，theatonement，andtheperpetuityofthelawofGod，arepracticallyrejected，eitherwhollyorinpart，byalargeshareoftheprofessedlyChristianworld。ThousandswhopridethemselvesupontheirwisdomandindependenceregarditasanevidenceofweaknesstoplaceimplicitconfidenceintheBible；theythinkitaproofofsuperiortalentandlearningtocavilattheScripturesandtospiritualizeandexplainawaytheirmostimportanttruths。Manyministersareteachingtheirpeople，andmanyprofessorsandteachersareinstructingtheirstudents，thatthelawofGodhasbeenchangedorabrogated；andthosewhoregarditsrequirementsasstillvalid，tobeliterallyobeyed，arethoughttobedeservingonlyofridiculeorcontempt。
Inrejectingthetruth，menrejectitsAuthor。IntramplinguponthelawofGod，theydenytheauthorityoftheLaw-giver。Itisaseasytomakeanidoloffalsedoctrinesandtheoriesastofashionanidolofwoodorstone。BymisrepresentingtheattributesofGod，SatanleadsmentoconceiveofHiminafalsecharacter。Withmany，aphilosophicalidolisenthronedintheplaceofJehovah；whilethelivingGod，asHeisrevealedinHisword，inChrist，andintheworksofcreation，isworshipedbybutfew。ThousandsdeifynaturewhiletheydenytheGodofnature。Thoughinadifferentform，idolatryexistsintheChristianworldtodayasverilyasitexistedamongancientIsraelinthedaysofElijah。Thegodofmanyprofessedlywisemen，ofphilosophers，poets，politicians，journalists——thegodofpolishedfashionablecircles，ofmanycollegesanduniversities，evenofsometheologicalinstitutions——islittlebetterthanBaal，thesun-godofPhoenicia。
584
NoerroracceptedbytheChristianworldstrikesmoreboldlyagainsttheauthorityofHeaven，noneismoredirectlyopposedtothedictatesofreason，noneismoreperniciousinitsresults，thanthemoderndoctrine，sorapidlygainingground，thatGod’slawisnolongerbindinguponmen。Everynationhasitslaws，whichcommandrespectandobedience；nogovernmentcouldexistwithoutthem；andcanitbeconceivedthattheCreatoroftheheavensandtheearthhasnolawtogovernthebeingsHehasmade？Supposethatprominentministerswerepubliclytoteachthatthestatuteswhichgoverntheirlandandprotecttherightsofitscitizenswerenotobligatory——thattheyrestrictedthelibertiesofthepeople，andthereforeoughtnottobeobeyed；howlongwouldsuchmenbetoleratedinthepulpit？
Butisitagraveroffensetodisregardthelawsofstatesandnationsthantotrampleuponthosedivinepreceptswhicharethefoundationofallgovernment？
Itwouldbefarmoreconsistentfornationstoabolishtheirstatutes，andpermitthepeopletodoastheyplease，thanfortheRuleroftheuniversetoannulHislaw，andleavetheworldwithoutastandardtocondemntheguiltyorjustifytheobedient。WouldweknowtheresultofmakingvoidthelawofGod？Theexperimenthasbeentried。TerriblewerethescenesenactedinFrancewhenatheismbecamethecontrollingpower。ItwasthendemonstratedtotheworldthattothrowofftherestraintswhichGodhasimposedistoaccepttheruleofthecruelestoftyrants。Whenthestandardofrighteousnessissetaside，thewayisopenfortheprinceofeviltoestablishhispowerintheearth。
Whereverthedivinepreceptsarerejected，sinceasestoappearsinfulorrighteousnessdesirable。ThosewhorefusetosubmittothegovernmentofGodarewhollyunfittedtogovernthemselves。Throughtheirperniciousteachingsthespiritofinsubordinationisimplantedintheheartsofchildrenandyouth，whoarenaturallyimpatientofcontrol；andalawless，licentiousstateofsocietyresults。WhilescoffingatthecredulityofthosewhoobeytherequirementsofGod，585
themultitudeseagerlyacceptthedelusionsofSatan。Theygivethereintolustandpracticethesinswhichhavecalleddownjudgmentsupontheheathen。
ThosewhoteachthepeopletoregardlightlythecommandmentsofGodsowdisobediencetoreapdisobedience。Lettherestraintimposedbythedivinelawbewhollycastaside，andhumanlawswouldsoonbedisregarded。BecauseGodforbidsdishonestpractices，coveting，lying，anddefrauding，menarereadytotrampleuponHisstatutesasahindrancetotheirworldlyprosperity；buttheresultsofbanishingthesepreceptswouldbesuchastheydonotanticipate。Ifthelawwerenotbinding，whyshouldanyfeartotransgress？Propertywouldnolongerbesafe。Menwouldobtaintheirneighbor’spossessionsbyviolence，andthestrongestwouldbecomerichest。
Lifeitselfwouldnotberespected。Themarriagevowwouldnolongerstandasasacredbulwarktoprotectthefamily。Hewhohadthepower，would，ifhedesired，takehisneighbor’swifebyviolence。Thefifthcommandmentwouldbesetasidewiththefourth。Childrenwouldnotshrinkfromtakingthelifeoftheirparentsifbysodoingtheycouldobtainthedesireoftheircorrupthearts。Thecivilizedworldwouldbecomeahordeofrobbersandassassins；andpeace，rest，andhappinesswouldbebanishedfromtheearth。
AlreadythedoctrinethatmenarereleasedfromobediencetoGod’srequirementshasweakenedtheforceofmoralobligationandopenedthefloodgatesofiniquityupontheworld。Lawlessness，dissipation，andcorruptionaresweepinginuponuslikeanoverwhelmingtide。Inthefamily，Satanisatwork。Hisbannerwaves，eveninprofessedlyChristianhouseholds。Thereisenvy，evilsurmising，hypocrisy，estrangement，emulation，strife，betrayalofsacredtrusts，indulgenceoflust。Thewholesystemofreligiousprinciplesanddoctrines，whichshouldformthefoundationandframeworkofsociallife，seemstobeatotteringmass，readytofalltoruin。Thevilestofcriminals，whenthrownintoprisonfortheiroffenses，areoftenmadetherecipientsofgiftsand586
attentionsasiftheyhadattainedanenviabledistinction。Greatpublicityisgiventotheircharacterandcrimes。Thepresspublishestherevoltingdetailsofvice，thusinitiatingothersintothepracticeoffraud，robbery，andmurder；andSatanexultsinthesuccessofhishellishschemes。Theinfatuationofvice，thewantontakingoflife，theterribleincreaseofintemperanceandiniquityofeveryorderanddegree，shouldarouseallwhofearGod，toinquirewhatcanbedonetostaythetideofevil。
Courtsofjusticearecorrupt。Rulersareactuatedbydesireforgainandloveofsensualpleasure。IntemperancehasbecloudedthefacultiesofmanysothatSatanhasalmostcompletecontrolofthem。Juristsareperverted，bribed，deluded。Drunkennessandrevelry，passion，envy，dishonestyofeverysort，arerepresentedamongthosewhoadministerthelaws。\"Justicestandethafaroff:fortruthisfalleninthestreet，andequitycannotenter。\"
Isaiah59:14。
TheiniquityandspiritualdarknessthatprevailedunderthesupremacyofRomeweretheinevitableresultofhersuppressionoftheScriptures；butwhereistobefoundthecauseofthewidespreadinfidelity，therejectionofthelawofGod，andtheconsequentcorruption，underthefullblazeofgospellightinanageofreligiousfreedom？NowthatSatancannolongerkeeptheworldunderhiscontrolbywithholdingtheScriptures，heresortstoothermeanstoaccomplishthesameobject。TodestroyfaithintheBibleserveshispurposeaswellastodestroytheBibleitself。ByintroducingthebeliefthatGod’slawisnotbinding，heaseffectuallyleadsmentotransgressasiftheywerewhollyignorantofitsprecepts。Andnow，asinformerages，hehasworkedthroughthechurchtofurtherhisdesigns。ThereligiousorganizationsofthedayhaverefusedtolistentounpopulartruthsplainlybroughttoviewintheScriptures，andincombatingthemtheyhaveadoptedinterpretationsandtakenpositionswhichhavesownbroadcasttheseedsofskepticism。Clingingtothepapalerrorofnaturalimmortalityandman’s587
consciousnessindeath，theyhaverejectedtheonlydefenseagainstthedelusionsofspiritualism。ThedoctrineofeternaltormenthasledmanytodisbelievetheBible。Andastheclaimsofthefourthcommandmentareurgeduponthepeople，itisfoundthattheobservanceoftheseventh-daySabbathisenjoined；andastheonlywaytofreethemselvesfromadutywhichtheyareunwillingtoperform，manypopularteachersdeclarethatthelawofGodisnolongerbinding。ThustheycastawaythelawandtheSabbathtogether。
AstheworkofSabbathreformextends，thisrejectionofthedivinelawtoavoidtheclaimsofthefourthcommandmentwillbecomewell-nighuniversal。
Theteachingsofreligiousleadershaveopenedthedoortoinfidelity，tospiritualism，andtocontemptforGod’sholylaw；andupontheseleadersrestsafearfulresponsibilityfortheiniquitythatexistsintheChristianworld。
Yetthisveryclassputforththeclaimthatthefast-spreadingcorruptionislargelyattributabletothedesecrationoftheso-called\"Christiansabbath，\"andthattheenforcementofSundayobservancewouldgreatlyimprovethemoralsofsociety。ThisclaimisespeciallyurgedinAmerica，wherethedoctrineofthetrueSabbathhasbeenmostwidelypreached。Herethetemperancework，oneofthemostprominentandimportantofmoralreforms，isoftencombinedwiththeSundaymovement，andtheadvocatesofthelatterrepresentthemselvesaslaboringtopromotethehighestinterestofsociety；andthosewhorefusetounitewiththemaredenouncedastheenemiesoftemperanceandreform。Butthefactthatamovementtoestablisherrorisconnectedwithaworkwhichisinitselfgood，isnotanargumentinfavoroftheerror。Wemaydisguisepoisonbyminglingitwithwholesomefood，butwedonotchangeitsnature。Onthecontrary，itisrenderedmoredangerous，asitismorelikelytobetakenunawares。ItisoneofSatan’sdevicestocombinewithfalsehoodjustenoughtruthtogiveitplausibility。
TheleadersoftheSundaymovementmayadvocatereforms588
whichthepeopleneed，principleswhichareinharmonywiththeBible；yetwhilethereiswiththesearequirementwhichiscontrarytoGod’slaw，Hisservantscannotunitewiththem。NothingcanjustifytheminsettingasidethecommandmentsofGodforthepreceptsofmen。
Throughthetwogreaterrors，theimmortalityofthesoulandSundaysacredness，Satanwillbringthepeopleunderhisdeceptions。Whiletheformerlaysthefoundationofspiritualism，thelattercreatesabondofsympathywithRome。TheProtestantsoftheUnitedStateswillbeforemostinstretchingtheirhandsacrossthegulftograspthehandofspiritualism；
theywillreachovertheabysstoclasphandswiththeRomanpower；andundertheinfluenceofthisthreefoldunion，thiscountrywillfollowinthestepsofRomeintramplingontherightsofconscience。
AsspiritualismmorecloselyimitatesthenominalChristianityoftheday，ithasgreaterpowertodeceiveandensnare。Satanhimselfisconverted，afterthemodernorderofthings。Hewillappearinthecharacterofanangeloflight。Throughtheagencyofspiritualism，miracleswillbewrought，thesickwillbehealed，andmanyundeniablewonderswillbeperformed。AndasthespiritswillprofessfaithintheBible，andmanifestrespectfortheinstitutionsofthechurch，theirworkwillbeacceptedasamanifestationofdivinepower。
ThelineofdistinctionbetweenprofessedChristiansandtheungodlyisnowhardlydistinguishable。Churchmemberslovewhattheworldlovesandarereadytojoinwiththem，andSatandeterminestounitetheminonebodyandthusstrengthenhiscausebysweepingallintotheranksofspiritualism。
Papists，whoboastofmiraclesasacertainsignofthetruechurch，willbereadilydeceivedbythiswonder-workingpower；andProtestants，havingcastawaytheshieldoftruth，willalsobedeluded。Papists，Protestants，andworldlingswillalikeaccepttheformofgodlinesswithoutthepower，andtheywillseeinthisunionagrandmovement589
fortheconversionoftheworldandtheusheringinofthelong-expectedmillennium。
Throughspiritualism，Satanappearsasabenefactoroftherace，healingthediseasesofthepeople，andprofessingtopresentanewandmoreexaltedsystemofreligiousfaith；butatthesametimeheworksasadestroyer。Histemptationsareleadingmultitudestoruin。Intemperancedethronesreason；
sensualindulgence，strife，andbloodshedfollow。Satandelightsinwar，foritexcitestheworstpassionsofthesoulandthensweepsintoeternityitsvictimssteepedinviceandblood。Itishisobjecttoincitethenationstowaragainstoneanother，forhecanthusdivertthemindsofthepeoplefromtheworkofpreparationtostandinthedayofGod。
Satanworksthroughtheelementsalsotogarnerhisharvestofunpreparedsouls。Hehasstudiedthesecretsofthelaboratoriesofnature，andheusesallhispowertocontroltheelementsasfarasGodallows。WhenhewassufferedtoafflictJob，howquicklyflocksandherds，servants，houses，children，weresweptaway，onetroublesucceedinganotherasinamoment。ItisGodthatshieldsHiscreaturesandhedgestheminfromthepowerofthedestroyer。ButtheChristianworldhaveshowncontemptforthelawofJehovah；andtheLordwilldojustwhatHehasdeclaredthatHewould——HewillwithdrawHisblessingsfromtheearthandremoveHisprotectingcarefromthosewhoarerebellingagainstHislawandteachingandforcingotherstodothesame。SatanhascontrolofallwhomGoddoesnotespeciallyguard。
Hewillfavorandprospersomeinordertofurtherhisowndesigns，andhewillbringtroubleuponothersandleadmentobelievethatitisGodwhoisafflictingthem。
Whileappearingtothechildrenofmenasagreatphysicianwhocanhealalltheirmaladies，hewillbringdiseaseanddisaster，untilpopulouscitiesarereducedtoruinanddesolation。Evennowheisatwork。Inaccidentsandcalamitiesbyseaandbyland，ingreatconflagrations，infierce590
tornadoesandterrifichailstorms，intempests，floods，cyclones，tidalwaves，andearthquakes，ineveryplaceandinathousandforms，Satanisexercisinghispower。Hesweepsawaytheripeningharvest，andfamineanddistressfollow。Heimpartstotheairadeadlytaint，andthousandsperishbythepestilence。Thesevisitationsaretobecomemoreandmorefrequentanddisastrous。Destructionwillbeuponbothmanandbeast。\"Theearthmournethandfadethaway，\"\"thehaughtypeople……dolanguish。Theearthalsoisdefiledundertheinhabitantsthereof；becausetheyhavetransgressedthelaws，changedtheordinance，brokentheeverlastingcovenant。\"Isaiah24:4，5。
AndthenthegreatdeceiverwillpersuadementhatthosewhoserveGodarecausingtheseevils。TheclassthathaveprovokedthedispleasureofHeavenwillchargealltheirtroublesuponthosewhoseobediencetoGod’scommandmentsisaperpetualreprooftotransgressors。ItwillbedeclaredthatmenareoffendingGodbytheviolationoftheSundaysabbath；thatthissinhasbroughtcalamitieswhichwillnotceaseuntilSundayobservanceshallbestrictlyenforced；andthatthosewhopresenttheclaimsofthefourthcommandment，thusdestroyingreverenceforSunday，aretroublersofthepeople，preventingtheirrestorationtodivinefavorandtemporalprosperity。ThustheaccusationurgedofoldagainsttheservantofGodwillberepeatedandupongroundsequallywellestablished:\"Anditcametopass，whenAhabsawElijah，thatAhabsaiduntohim，ArtthouhethattroublethIsrael？Andheanswered，IhavenottroubledIsrael；butthou，andthyfather’shouse，inthatyehaveforsakenthecommandmentsoftheLord，andthouhastfollowedBaalim。\"1Kings18:17，18。Asthewrathofthepeopleshallbeexcitedbyfalsecharges，theywillpursueacoursetowardGod’sambassadorsverysimilartothatwhichapostateIsraelpursuedtowardElijah。
Themiracle-workingpowermanifestedthroughspiritualism591
willexertitsinfluenceagainstthosewhochoosetoobeyGodratherthanmen。CommunicationsfromthespiritswilldeclarethatGodhassentthemtoconvincetherejectersofSundayoftheirerror，affirmingthatthelawsofthelandshouldbeobeyedasthelawofGod。TheywilllamentthegreatwickednessintheworldandsecondthetestimonyofreligiousteachersthatthedegradedstateofmoralsiscausedbythedesecrationofSunday。Greatwillbetheindignationexcitedagainstallwhorefusetoaccepttheirtestimony。
Satan’spolicyinthisfinalconflictwithGod’speopleisthesamethatheemployedintheopeningofthegreatcontroversyinheaven。Heprofessedtobeseekingtopromotethestabilityofthedivinegovernment，whilesecretlybendingeveryefforttosecureitsoverthrow。Andtheveryworkwhichhewasthusendeavoringtoaccomplishhechargedupontheloyalangels。ThesamepolicyofdeceptionhasmarkedthehistoryoftheRomanChurch。IthasprofessedtoactasthevicegerentofHeaven，whileseekingtoexaltitselfaboveGodandtochangeHislaw。UndertheruleofRome，thosewhosuffereddeathfortheirfidelitytothegospelweredenouncedasevildoers；theyweredeclaredtobeinleaguewithSatan；andeverypossiblemeanswasemployedtocoverthemwithreproach，tocausethemtoappearintheeyesofthepeopleandeventothemselvesasthevilestofcriminals。Soitwillbenow。WhileSatanseekstodestroythosewhohonorGod’slaw，hewillcausethemtobeaccusedaslawbreakers，asmenwhoaredishonoringGodandbringingjudgmentsupontheworld。
Godneverforcesthewillortheconscience；butSatan’sconstantresort——togaincontrolofthosewhomhecannototherwiseseduce——iscompulsionbycruelty。Throughfearorforceheendeavorstoruletheconscienceandtosecurehomagetohimself。Toaccomplishthis，heworksthroughbothreligiousandsecularauthorities，movingthemtotheenforcementofhumanlawsindefianceofthelawofGod。
592
ThosewhohonortheBibleSabbathwillbedenouncedasenemiesoflawandorder，asbreakingdownthemoralrestraintsofsociety，causinganarchyandcorruption，andcallingdownthejudgmentsofGodupontheearth。Theirconscientiousscrupleswillbepronouncedobstinacy，stubbornness，andcontemptofauthority。Theywillbeaccusedofdisaffectiontowardthegovernment。MinisterswhodenytheobligationofthedivinelawwillpresentfromthepulpitthedutyofyieldingobediencetothecivilauthoritiesasordainedofGod。Inlegislativehallsandcourtsofjustice，commandmentkeeperswillbemisrepresentedandcondemned。Afalsecoloringwillbegiventotheirwords；theworstconstructionwillbeputupontheirmotives。
AstheProtestantchurchesrejecttheclear，ScripturalargumentsindefenseofGod’slaw，theywilllongtosilencethosewhosefaiththeycannotoverthrowbytheBible。Thoughtheyblindtheirowneyestothefact，theyarenowadoptingacoursewhichwillleadtothepersecutionofthosewhoconscientiouslyrefusetodowhattherestoftheChristianworldaredoing，andacknowledgetheclaimsofthepapalsabbath。
Thedignitariesofchurchandstatewillunitetobribe，persuade，orcompelallclassestohonortheSunday。Thelackofdivineauthoritywillbesuppliedbyoppressiveenactments。Politicalcorruptionisdestroyingloveofjusticeandregardfortruth；andeveninfreeAmerica，rulersandlegislators，inordertosecurepublicfavor，willyieldtothepopulardemandforalawenforcingSundayobservance。Libertyofconscience，whichhascostsogreatasacrifice，willnolongerberespected。Inthesoon-comingconflictweshallseeexemplifiedtheprophet’swords:\"Thedragonwaswrothwiththewoman，andwenttomakewarwiththeremnantofherseed，whichkeepthecommandmentsofGod，andhavethetestimonyofJesusChrist。\"Revelation12:17。
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Chapter37
TheScripturesaSafeguard\"Tothelawandtothetestimony:iftheyspeaknotaccordingtothisword，itisbecausethereisnolightinthem。\"Isaiah8:20。ThepeopleofGodaredirectedtotheScripturesastheirsafeguardagainsttheinfluenceoffalseteachersandthedelusivepowerofspiritsofdarkness。SatanemployseverypossibledevicetopreventmenfromobtainingaknowledgeoftheBible；foritsplainutterancesrevealhisdeceptions。AteveryrevivalofGod’sworktheprinceofevilisarousedtomoreintenseactivity；heisnowputtingforthhisutmosteffortsforafinalstruggleagainstChristandHisfollowers。Thelastgreatdelusionissoontoopenbeforeus。Antichrististoperformhismarvelousworksinoursight。SocloselywillthecounterfeitresemblethetruethatitwillbeimpossibletodistinguishbetweenthemexceptbytheHolyScriptures。Bytheirtestimonyeverystatementandeverymiraclemustbetested。
ThosewhoendeavortoobeyallthecommandmentsofGodwillbeopposedandderided。TheycanstandonlyinGod。Inordertoendurethetrialbeforethem，theymustunderstandthewillofGodasrevealedinHisword；theycanhonorHimonlyastheyhavearightconceptionofHischaracter，government，andpurposes，andactinaccordancewiththem。NonebutthosewhohavefortifiedthemindwiththetruthsoftheBiblewillstandthroughthelastgreat594
conflict。Toeverysoulwillcomethesearchingtest:ShallIobeyGodratherthanmen？Thedecisivehourisevennowathand。AreourfeetplantedontherockofGod’simmutableword？ArewepreparedtostandfirmindefenseofthecommandmentsofGodandthefaithofJesus？
BeforeHiscrucifixiontheSaviourexplainedtoHisdisciplesthatHewastobeputtodeathandtoriseagainfromthetomb，andangelswerepresenttoimpressHiswordsonmindsandhearts。ButthediscipleswerelookingfortemporaldeliverancefromtheRomanyoke，andtheycouldnottoleratethethoughtthatHeinwhomalltheirhopescenteredshouldsufferanignominiousdeath。Thewordswhichtheyneededtorememberwerebanishedfromtheirminds；andwhenthetimeoftrialcame，itfoundthemunprepared。
ThedeathofJesusasfullydestroyedtheirhopesasifHehadnotforewarnedthem。SointhepropheciesthefutureisopenedbeforeusasplainlyasitwasopenedtothedisciplesbythewordsofChrist。Theeventsconnectedwiththecloseofprobationandtheworkofpreparationforthetimeoftrouble，areclearlypresented。Butmultitudeshavenomoreunderstandingoftheseimportanttruthsthaniftheyhadneverbeenrevealed。Satanwatchestocatchawayeveryimpressionthatwouldmakethemwiseuntosalvation，andthetimeoftroublewillfindthemunready。
WhenGodsendstomenwarningssoimportantthattheyarerepresentedasproclaimedbyholyangelsflyinginthemidstofheaven，Herequireseverypersonendowedwithreasoningpowerstoheedthemessage。Thefearfuljudgmentsdenouncedagainsttheworshipofthebeastandhisimage(Revelation14:9-11)，shouldleadalltoadiligentstudyofthepropheciestolearnwhatthemarkofthebeastis，andhowtheyaretoavoidreceivingit。Butthemassesofthepeopleturnawaytheirearsfromhearingthetruthandareturneduntofables。TheapostlePauldeclared，lookingdowntothelastdays:\"Thetimewillcomewhentheywillnot595
enduresounddoctrine。\"2Timothy4:3。Thattimehasfullycome。ThemultitudesdonotwantBibletruth，becauseitinterfereswiththedesiresofthesinful，world-lovingheart；andSatansuppliesthedeceptionswhichtheylove。
ButGodwillhaveapeopleupontheearthtomaintaintheBible，andtheBibleonly，asthestandardofalldoctrinesandthebasisofallreforms。
Theopinionsoflearnedmen，thedeductionsofscience，thecreedsordecisionsofecclesiasticalcouncils，asnumerousanddiscordantasarethechurcheswhichtheyrepresent，thevoiceofthemajority——notonenoralloftheseshouldberegardedasevidencefororagainstanypointofreligiousfaith。Beforeacceptinganydoctrineorprecept，weshoulddemandaplain\"ThussaiththeLord\"initssupport。
SatanisconstantlyendeavoringtoattractattentiontomanintheplaceofGod。Heleadsthepeopletolooktobishops，topastors，toprofessorsoftheology，astheirguides，insteadofsearchingtheScripturestolearntheirdutyforthemselves。Then，bycontrollingthemindsoftheseleaders，hecaninfluencethemultitudesaccordingtohiswill。
WhenChristcametospeakthewordsoflife，thecommonpeopleheardHimgladly；andmany，evenofthepriestsandrulers，believedonHim。ButthechiefofthepriesthoodandtheleadingmenofthenationweredeterminedtocondemnandrepudiateHisteachings。ThoughtheywerebaffledinalltheireffortstofindaccusationsagainstHim，thoughtheycouldnotbutfeeltheinfluenceofthedivinepowerandwisdomattendingHiswords，yettheyincasedthemselvesinprejudice；theyrejectedtheclearestevidenceofHisMessiahship，lesttheyshouldbeforcedtobecomeHisdisciples。TheseopponentsofJesusweremenwhomthepeoplehadbeentaughtfrominfancytoreverence，towhoseauthoritytheyhadbeenaccustomedimplicitlytobow。
\"Howisit，\"theyasked，\"thatourrulersandlearnedscribesdonotbelieveonJesus？WouldnotthesepiousmenreceiveHimifHewere596
theChrist？\"ItwastheinfluenceofsuchteachersthatledtheJewishnationtorejecttheirRedeemer。
Thespiritwhichactuatedthosepriestsandrulersisstillmanifestedbymanywhomakeahighprofessionofpiety。TheyrefusetoexaminethetestimonyoftheScripturesconcerningthespecialtruthsforthistime。
Theypointtotheirownnumbers，wealth，andpopularity，andlookwithcontemptupontheadvocatesoftruthasfew，poor，andunpopular，havingafaiththatseparatesthemfromtheworld。
ChristforesawthattheundueassumptionofauthorityindulgedbythescribesandPhariseeswouldnotceasewiththedispersionoftheJews。Hehadapropheticviewoftheworkofexaltinghumanauthoritytoruletheconscience，whichhasbeensoterribleacursetothechurchinallages。
AndHisfearfuldenunciationsofthescribesandPharisees，andHiswarningstothepeoplenottofollowtheseblindleaders，wereplacedonrecordasanadmonitiontofuturegenerations。
TheRomanChurchreservestotheclergytherighttointerprettheScriptures。OnthegroundthatecclesiasticsalonearecompetenttoexplainGod’sword，itiswithheldfromthecommonpeople。[*SEEAPPENDIXNOTEFOR
PAGE340。]ThoughtheReformationgavetheScripturestoall，yettheselfsameprinciplewhichwasmaintainedbyRomepreventsmultitudesinProtestantchurchesfromsearchingtheBibleforthemselves。Theyaretaughttoacceptitsteachingsasinterpretedbythechurch；andtherearethousandswhodarereceivenothing，howeverplainlyrevealedinScripture，thatiscontrarytotheircreedortheestablishedteachingoftheirchurch。
NotwithstandingtheBibleisfullofwarningsagainstfalseteachers，manyarereadythustocommitthekeepingoftheirsoulstotheclergy。Therearetodaythousandsofprofessorsofreligionwhocangivenootherreasonforpointsoffaithwhichtheyholdthanthattheyweresoinstructedbytheirreligiousleaders。TheypassbytheSaviour’steachingsalmost597
unnoticed，andplaceimplicitconfidenceinthewordsoftheministers。Butareministersinfallible？HowcanwetrustoursoulstotheirguidanceunlessweknowfromGod’swordthattheyarelightbearers？Alackofmoralcouragetostepasidefromthebeatentrackoftheworldleadsmanytofollowinthestepsoflearnedmen；andbytheirreluctancetoinvestigateforthemselves，theyarebecominghopelesslyfastenedinthechainsoferror。TheyseethatthetruthforthistimeisplainlybroughttoviewintheBible；andtheyfeelthepoweroftheHolySpiritattendingitsproclamation；yettheyallowtheoppositionoftheclergytoturnthemfromthelight。Thoughreasonandconscienceareconvinced，thesedeludedsoulsdarenotthinkdifferentlyfromtheminister；andtheirindividualjudgment，theireternalinterests，aresacrificedtotheunbelief，theprideandprejudice，ofanother。
ManyarethewaysbywhichSatanworksthroughhumaninfluencetobindhiscaptives。HesecuresmultitudestohimselfbyattachingthembythesilkencordsofaffectiontothosewhoareenemiesofthecrossofChrist。Whateverthisattachmentmaybe，parental，filial，conjugal，orsocial，theeffectisthesame；theopposersoftruthexerttheirpowertocontroltheconscience，andthesoulsheldundertheirswayhavenotsufficientcourageorindependencetoobeytheirownconvictionsofduty。
ThetruthandthegloryofGodareinseparable；itisimpossibleforus，withtheBiblewithinourreach，tohonorGodbyerroneousopinions。Manyclaimthatitmattersnotwhatonebelieves，ifhislifeisonlyright。Butthelifeismoldedbythefaith。Iflightandtruthiswithinourreach，andweneglecttoimprovetheprivilegeofhearingandseeingit，wevirtuallyrejectit；wearechoosingdarknessratherthanlight。
\"Thereisawaythatseemethrightuntoaman，buttheendthereofarethewaysofdeath。\"Proverbs16:25。Ignoranceisnoexcuseforerrororsin，whenthereiseveryopportunity598
toknowthewillofGod。Amanistravelingandcomestoaplacewherethereareseveralroadsandaguideboardindicatingwhereeachoneleads。Ifhedisregardstheguideboard，andtakeswhicheverroadseemstohimtoberight，hemaybeeversosincere，butwillinallprobabilityfindhimselfonthewrongroad。
