"The religious service of the Roman Church is a most impressive ceremonial. Its gorgeous display and solemn rites fascinate the senses of the people and silence the voice of reason and of conscience.
The eye is charmed.
Magnificent churches, imposing processions,
golden altars,
jeweled shrines,
choice paintings,
and exquisite sculpture appeal to the love of beauty.
The ear also is captivated.
The music is unsurpassed. The rich notes of the deep-toned organ,
blending with the melody of many voices as it swells through the lofty domes
and pillared aisles of her grand cathedrals,
cannot fail to impress the mind with awe and reverence.
This outward splendor, pomp, and ceremony,
that only mocks the longings of the sin-sick soul,
is an evidence of inward corruption.
The religion of Christ needs not such attractions to recommend it. In the light shining from the cross,
true Christianity appears so pure and lovely
that no external decorations can enhance its true worth.
High conceptions of art,
delicate refinement of taste,
often exist in minds that are earthly and sensual.
They are often employed by Satan to lead men to forget the necessities of the soul, to lose sight of the future,
immortal life,
to turn away from their infinite Helper,
and to live for this world alone.
A religion of externals is attractive to the unrenewed heart.
The pomp and ceremony of the Catholic worship has a seductive, bewitching power,
by which many are deceived;
and they come to look upon the Roman Church as the very gate of heaven."
The Great Controversy p.566,567 E.G.W.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
2 Thessalonians 2:3,4