f her harlot daughters have
patterned after her, and even gone beyond her in this respect.

In the time of this apostasy it is said by the apostle that "they will not
endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to
themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their
ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Tim. 4:3, 4.
Where shall we look for a fulfilment of this prophecy? Who does not know
that we have now come to that time? The sound doctrine which if obeyed
will make men a light in the world is not endorsed in the circle of the
papacy, neither in the Protestant denominations. To-day the generality of
mankind, even in professed Christianity, do not care to hear the practical
truths of the gospel as we have recorded in part first of this work.

Theories and speculative opinions have taken the place of sound doctrine
in the Protestant pulpit of this present day. The congregations in general
have become so proud and vain in their imaginations, and so spoiled
through philosophy, that they heap to themselves teachers having the
wildest speculative opinions. Their itching ears have an insatiable desire
for fine essays, amusing stories, and historic tales. The proud, arrogant
pulpit orator of this present day makes it a study how best to calm the
fears, gild the sins, and strew with flowers the iniquitous path of his
passionate congregation.

Protestantism presents a most deplorable picture to those who have escaped
her ruinous walls. Many a bishop and lord is bewailing his sad spiritless,
powerless state, and crying, "Whither are we drifting?" Where will you
have to go to-day but to Protestantism to find a fulfilment of Paul's
prophecy in 2 Tim. 3:1-5? "This know also, that in the last days perilous
times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent,
fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded,
lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness,
but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

Paul here speaks of a religious people. They have "a form of godliness."
While the "last days" and "last time" often include the whole of this
gospel day, yet this prophecy particularly relates to the nearing of the
end of time. Jesus says, "As the days of Noe w