THE POLICY OF ROME by Frederick M. Wilcox

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 27, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 17.

THE POLICY OF ROME.

By Frederick M. Wilcox

THE teachings and policy of the Roman Catholic Church as to the relation existing between the church and the State are well known to every student of history. Rome has ever opposed such a union where she herself could not figure as the dominant power. And in seeking to become the ruling principle in civil matters, her tone has ever been pacific and conciliatory till such rule was gained. It is no wonder, then, that we find Cardinal Gibbons at the annual dinner of the Catholic Club of Philadelphia, on the evening of February 6, in responding to the toast "Church and State," using the following language:—

For my part, I believe the relations between Church and State are as close and cordial as we should desire, for it is to be feared that as soon as a government started to support churches it would dictate to us what doctrines to preach, and in proportion as State patronage increased, the devotion and patronage of the faithful would wax cold. If it is a great wrong to muzzle the press, it would be a great wrong to muzzle the pulpit. Thank God, we can all say in this free country with the apostle, "The word of God is not bound."

The cardinal here expresses a truth the verity of which all history of the past demonstrates, and against the violation of which God's word faithfully warns. And we would that this expression from one of Rome's chief dignitaries might be taken as the true sentiment of the church he represents. But we fear it is only the soft, catlike purr and gentle touch of the tiger before it buries its hidden claws into its unsuspecting victim.

It is a maxim with Rome that she never changes. The one actuating purpose of her existence has been universal domination. And however pacific may be her tone to-day in professed Protestant America, we may be assured it is all for a purpose, and that purpose is her own elevation and aggrandizement in the end. As stated by Bishop O'Connor, "Religious liberty is merely endured until the opposite can be carried into effect without peril to the Catholic world." And, at the club dinner referred to above, Archbishop Ryan taught the same principle when, after stating that he was opposed to any union of Church and State as it is ordinarily understood, he said, "I hope the Catholic hierarchy will be worthy of this glorious country, which in the future it will religiously rule."

Let not Americans be deceived by Rome's soft words. Rome aims at political supremacy in America, and her patronizing tone to-day is only a policy bait covering the barbed hook beneath. F. M. W.