Note.—The Papacy, which arose on the ruins of the Roman Empire, differed from all previous forms of Roman power, in that it was an ecclesiastical despotism claiming universal dominion over both spiritual and temporal affairs, especially the former. It was a union of church and state, with the church dominant.
2. What attitude of rivalry was the Papacy, represented by the little horn, to assume toward the Most High?
“And he shall speak great words against the Most High.” Verse 25, first clause.
3. How does Paul, speaking of the man of sin, describe this same power?
“Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thess. 2:4.
Notes.—The following extracts from authoritative works, most of them by Roman Catholic writers, will indicate to what extent the Papacy has done this:—
“All the names which are attributed to Christ in Scripture, implying [pg 219] His supremacy over the church, are also attributed to the Pope.”—Bellarmine, “On the Authority of Councils” book 2, chap. 17.
“For thou art the shepherd, thou art the physician, thou art the director, thou art the husbandman; finally thou art another God on earth.”—From Oration of Christopher Marcellus in fourth session of Fifth Lateran Council, Labbe and Cossart's “History of the Councils,” published in 1672, Vol. XIV, col. 109.
“For not man, but God, not by human but rather by divine authority, releases those whom, on account of the need of the churches or what is regarded as a benefit, the Roman pontiff (who is vicegerent on earth, not of mere man, but of the true God) separates [from their churches].”—“The Decretals of Gregory IX,” book 1, title 7, chap. 3.
“The Pope is the supreme judge of the law of the land. He is the vicegerent of Christ, who is not only a priest forever, but also King of kings and Lord of lords.”—From the Civilta Cattolica, March 18, 1871, quoted in “Vatican Council,” by Leonard Woolsey Bacon, American Tract Society edition, page 220.