Page 10 - 35 Liberty of Conscience Threatened

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 deep-