The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-05-19
Modern IdoIatry
vs.
Christian Science.

In every so-called civilized country,
in all ages. the politics OF the nation
has been drawn, TO "A greater or less ex-
tent, from the religion OF the people. In
the degree that religion has reflected
Divine Truth, in that proportion has
it's moral force dominated the judiciary
and civil government of the people.
Man-made theories and opinions
about God which lack the force TO de-
monstrate their truth and practical ap-
plication to the every Gay needs OF men
and nations, constitute the dogmas on
which are founded the idolatry of re-
ligious and political creeds, with their
accompanying superstitions and sla-
very.
IL makes no difference under what
form of government IL appears, or un-
der what disguise IL may seek to con-
ceal its character, the fact that the ef-
fects OF legalized oppression are mani
fest on every hand lis the evidence that
both our religious creeds and civil gov
ernment are out of tune and sympathy
with the universal law of harmony"
The woru conservatism" is the dig
nfied mask that is often used to cover
up ignorance and bigotry, which are
always combined with religious and po-
litical idolatry.
Every rediscovered, Truth--for Truth
being coeval with eternity can not be
discovered-meets with persecution,
opposition, and, IL Ii were possible, an
nihilatiou at the hands of those con
servatives" who have unconsciously be-
come the selfish beneficiaries of the ex-
isting order Of things.
Conservatism OF the kind that en-
ables one to exercise wisdom is both
commendable and exalting; but that
form of conservatism which always en-
trenches itself behind the breastworks
of prejudice. and stands like a mighty
Gibraltar on the seeming rock of it's
own ignorance, rs ever found 10 be the
especial guardian of the various for
tresses of religious ana political sla-
very.
In every age OF the world the rulers
of all man-made governments have
both directly and indirectly enslaved
the race of Adam. Prior 10 the dawn
of Christianity this was done by kngly
sanction and in the name OF many gods.
Since the time OF Constantine. however.
the prncely rulers OF the earth have. In
the name Of one God. Jesus Christ. and
hundreds OF religious creeds. made sub
ject To themselves and greed, the great
masses of humanity.
Our wisest statesmen and most pro-
found thinkers attribute the era of
dark ages 10 llle lUluenCf ol the iNo-
man Emperor. Constantine, who was
believed to have been converted from
Paganism TO the primitive teachings Of
the early Christian Church. Subsequent
history has proven that politics alone
caused Constantine TO become Christian
I'm name. Wise In wvridly wisdom, he
almost uper-human intellect OF this
giant politician foresaY the downfall
of every worldly kingdom should the
doctrines of tae NaZarine become the
practice of the human race. Too well
he knew that whosoever practiced what
the Master taught rose far above all
human law, and became law unto
himself.
Thns II was that tne human instinct
OF Self-preservation and personal idol
airy actuated Constantine. and made
Sulmoosq w 9Anom SUI lBSiJ AisA
Christian.
like Divine essence the life- giving
and health-inspiring teachings of Jesus
had pcrmeated the remotest sections
of the Roman Empire until its Truth
threatened the very existence OF the
military despotisms OF the Caesars.
Jesus was the greatest statesman
and political economist the world has
ever known.
The Roman Emperor was philosopher
enough TO perceive this fact, therefore
he knew that the success of Christian
ity meant the overthrow OF every
worldly government. wherein ono
creature exercised arbitrary power Of
the liberties OF another.
should Jesus legel code. az outlined
IN the Sermon on the Mount. become
the rule OF action OF the Roman people
and their subjects, 10 would establish
the kingdom 90 fleaVen on earth. and
thereby leave no room Tor NE kins loms
OF men.
In combining q religious 0nd POLITICAL
system ~ ecclesiastics that Wosid
deify the personality ~ Jesus yld
,h.rsby icach ,h, ignorant and heip-