The-papacy-its-history-dogmas-genius-and-prospects-wylie

WISH FOR A MAN-GOD. 369systems of idolatry which have arisen in the earth. Thenations of antiquity had their race of demi-gods or deifiedmen. In the modern idolatries it has operated not lesspowerfully. The Mahommedans have their Prophet, andthe Roman Catholics have their Virgin. " Here," saysPopery, " is a being who may be expected to be more indulgentto your failings than Deity can be,—who will be moreeasily moved to answer your prayers,—and whom you mayapproach without any overwhelming awe ;" and thus thefalse is substituted for the true Mediator. It is in the religionof the Eible alone that this instinct of our nature hasreceived its full gratification. The wish breathed of old bythe patriarch, and expressed with singularemphasis in allthe idolatries that successively arose on the earth, is adequatelymet only in the " mystery of godliness,—God manifestin the flesh." But what we are here to speak of is theabuse of this principle, in the idolati'ous worship of the Virgin.Papists may make a shift to prove that it is a mitigatedworship which they offer to the saints,—that they allow themno rank but that of mediators, and no function but that of intercession,—thougheven this worship, both in its principlesand in its forms, the Bible denominates idolatry. But theworship of the Virgin is capable of no such defence;— it isdirect, undisguised, rank idolatry. Roman Catholics givethe same titles, perform the same acts, and ascribe the samepowers, to Mary as to Christ ; and in doing so they make herequal with God.To Mary are given names and titles which can be lawfullygiven to no one but God. She is styled " Mother of God;"" Queen of Seraphim, of Saints, and of Prophets ;" " Advocateof Sinners;" " Refuge of Sinners ;" " Gate of Heaven ;"" Morning Star;" Queen of Heaven." In Roman Catholiccountries she is commonly addressed as the " Most HolyMary." She is often styled the " Most Faithful," and the" Most INIerciful." In what other terms could Christ himselfbe addressed ?The Papist alleges that he still regards2b