clean spirits like frogs; ...
they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the
kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of
that great day of God Almighty."(998) Except those who are kept by the
power of God, through faith in His word, the whole world will be swept
into the ranks of this delusion. The people are fast being lulled to a
fatal security, to be awakened only by the outpouring of the wrath of God.

Saith the Lord God: "Judgment also will I lay to the line, and
righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of
lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding-place. And your covenant
with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not
stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be
trodden down by it."(999)

35. AIMS OF THE PAPACY.

[Illustration: Chapter header.]

Romanism is now regarded by Protestants with far greater favor than in
former years. In those countries where Catholicism is not in the
ascendency, and the papists are taking a conciliatory course in order to
gain influence, there is an increasing indifference concerning the
doctrines that separate the reformed churches from the papal hierarchy;
the opinion is gaining ground, that, after all, we do not differ so widely
upon vital points as has been supposed, and that a little concession on
our part will bring us into a better understanding with Rome. The time was
when Protestants placed a high value upon the liberty of conscience which
had been so dearly purchased. They taught their children to abhor popery,
and held that to seek harmony with Rome would be disloyalty to God. But
how widely different are the sentiments now expressed.

The defenders of the papacy declare that the church has been maligned; and
the Protestant world are inclined to accept the statement. Many urge that
it is unjust to judge the church of to-day by the abominations and
absurdities that marked her reign during the centuries of ignorance and
darkness. They excuse her horrible cruelty as the result of the barbarism
of the times, and plead that the influence of modern civilization has
changed her sentiments.

Have these persons forgotten the claim of infallibility put forth for
eight hundred years by this haughty power? So far from being relinquished,
this claim was affirmed in the nineteenth century with greater
positive