of the Catholics . These things should awaken the anxiety of all who prize the pure principles of the gospel .
Protestants have tampered with and patronized popery ; they have made compromises and concessions which papists themselves are surprised to see and fail to understand . Men are closing their eyes to the real character of Romanism and the dangers to be apprehended from her supremacy . The people need to be aroused to resist the advances of this most dangerous foe to civil and religious liberty . Many Protestants suppose that the Catholic religion is unattractive and that its worship is a dull , meaningless round of ceremony . Here they mistake . While Romanism is based upon deception , it is not a coarse and clumsy imposture . The religious service of the Roman Church is a most impressive ceremonial . Its gorgeous display and solemn rites fascinate the senses of the people and silence the voice of reason and of conscience . The eye is charmed . Magnificent churches , imposing processions , golden altars , jeweled shrines , choice paintings , and exquisite sculpture appeal to the love of beauty . The ear also is captivated . The music is unsurpassed . The rich notes of the deeptoned organ , blending with the melody of many voices as it swells through the lofty domes and pillared aisles of her grand cathedrals , cannot fail to impress the mind with awe and reverence .
This outward splendor , pomp , and ceremony , that only mocks the longings of the sinsick soul , is an evidence of inward corruption . The religion of Christ needs not such attractions to recommend it . In the light shining from the cross , true Christianity appears so pure and lovely that no external decorations can enhance its true worth . It is the beauty of holiness , a meek and quiet spirit , which is of value with God . Brilliancy of style is not necessarily an index of pure , elevated thought . High conceptions of art , delicate refinement of taste , often exist in minds that are earthly and sensual . They are often employed by Satan to lead men to forget the necessities of the soul , to lose sight of the future , immortal life , to turn away from their infinite Helper , and to live for this world alone .
A religion of externals is attractive to the unrenewed heart . The pomp and ceremony of the Catholic worship has a seductive , bewitching power , by which many are deceived ; and they come to look upon the Roman Church as the very gate of heaven . None but those who have planted their feet firmly upon the foundation of truth , and whose hearts are renewed by the Spirit of God , are proof against her influence . Thousands who have not an experimental knowledge of Christ will be led to accept the forms of godliness without the power . Such a religion is just what the multitudes desire .
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