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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
things (body and Head) are accustomed to be united.- In order to make the Pope the head of the Church, it is necessary first, to decapi- tate our Redeemer. The Jews crucified him; but they did not cut off his head. He still carried it; and consequently the Pope cannot sub- stitute his own for the other. What can be more absurd than to say that the Pope is the head and Christ is the body of the same thing and at one and the same time? And notwithstanding, the Catholics are taught to believe that the Pope is the Head of the Church. Likewise it is declared explicitly in another part of Ephesians that Christ is the head of the Church in the same manner that the husband is the head of the wife.- The same thing is repeated in Colossians; to wit; ''he is the head of the body of the Church."- In the same way it is evident from these citations, and many others that might be added that Christ is the head of the Church; How is it possible that the Pope can be also unless the Church may have two heads- a thing without reason, which cannot be conceded without converting it into a monstrosity.- It· is true, that the Catholics maintain that Christ being absent, it is necessary that some person be substituted for him, to the encl that the Church may have a visible Head. Such Head, they say, is the Pope-head that can be seen- And is it true that Jesus Christ is absent?- Let us hear what Jesus, himself says on this point.- Behold I am with you always; even unto the end. of the world." Moreover, he says, "\Vhen two or three are gathered to- gether in my name, there am I in the midst of them." This does not sound very much like absence. He is absent indeed to those who do not wish to seek him; to all those who appreciate the Pope more than himself, but he is always present to those who love him and keep his commandments. The Pope is called the visible Head. But, why? Is he visible to all parts of the habitable globe? Can he be seen of all? No, certainly. To whom is he visible? To the people of Rome; and to those who assemble there. To no others. Why then, do they call him the visible head? The head is worth very little which can only be found in Rome, while the various members or portions of· the body remain scattered over all parts of the world.- If for argu- ment we grant that the Pope possibly may be useful in the manage- ment and administration of the secular affairs of the Church, what then? Does it follow that he has power likewise over the spiritual world? Does he become infallible by virtue of his temporal authority? Such supposition is preposterous-it is shameful in the extreme. Not· content to usurp the divine prerogatives of Our Savior, the Pope of Rome arrogates to himself the right of doing things prohibited- things expressly denounced by God; such as to prevent the reading of the sacred Scriptures; altering them in many parts; offering worship to idols; selling licenses in order to sin; receiving money in payment for crimes, and many others of equal abomination, and too numerous to mention. From where is derived his authority for working in this manner? Surely not from God. It is clear that it may have come out of. hell. It is of the devil. The work of the prince of the demons-- What a beautiful head for a Church ! How worthy of the adoration of those who hope to reach Heaven by UI).lawful and wicked ways.- I have nothing more to say concerning the matter.-
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