10 THE K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S porteur traveling in Brazil, his only intent being to preach “ Christ and Him crucified,” was violently set upon by a representative of the Romish elergy, who beat him severely and heaped vile abuse upon his head. The Bibles and religious tracts were confiscated and publicly burned. This is# the carrying out of the orders of “ His Holiness,” Cardinal Arcoverde of Rio de Janeiro, who recently issued a command to all the faithful in his jurisdiction that war should be waged without, quarter upon all Protes tants. Evidently His Holiness is alarmed at the power and progress of the truth in Brazil. In the “ Larger Catechism,” prescribed by Pope Pius X, page 2Ó1, is the following query: “ What ought a Christian to do if a Bible should be offered him by a Protestant or by some emissary of the Protestants?” Answer: “ If a Christian should be offered a Bible by a Protestant or by some emissary of the Protestants, he ought indignantly to spurn it because it is forbidden by the Church, and if he should have accepted it without adverting to what it is, he should at once pitch it into the fire or fetch it to his priest. ’ ’ In the National Library at Paris there is a document containing advice given by the cardinals to Pope Julius III. It contains the following: “ You should promote the reading of the Gospel as little as possible, especially in the common tongue, in all those countries under your jurisdiction. Let the very little suffice that is usually read in the Mass and let no one be per mitted to read more. It is necessary to withdraw the Bible from the sight of the people but with great caution in order not to arouse tumults.” (Folio B, No. 1088, Yol. 2, pages 641-650,) If the Scriptures are read by Roman.Catholics, it must be only the Douay version containing the interpretations of the popes and priests. The Bible without notes is altogether too damaging to the cause to be per mitted, and if read, would lead to the rejection of the whole system of priest hood, popery, ritualism and superstition. Shall we hesitate to open the Scriptures to Catholics simply because. the powers over them would keep them in darkness ? Let us remember that men are born again “ not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever” (1 Pet. 1:23). Exhort them to “ search the Scriptures” and to obey the injunction, “ Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” —K. L. B. A STRIKING CONTRAST Having a Sunday of rest during my holiday, I went to the only church in the village, and found that the service had begun. The preacher, with gold cross es on his vestments, was reverently reading an Old Testament portion; and, when he said, “ Thus endeth the first lesson,” the surpliced choir rose and faced the big crosses on the altar, while they sang. Then a New Testament lesson with another song from the choir facing the big crosses on the altar. In the midst of it all were two or three priestly benedictions by the preacher. I thought I could see the fluttering of some Roman rags amid the finery of music, postures and crosses. But the first hymn began, “ O Lamb of God, still keep me,” and I said to myself, “ Nevertheless I rejoice with Paul that Christ is preached.” Buc
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