Even though Romanists could prove that Christ granted the position of Prince of the Apostles to Peter, and that he lived at Rome and exercised his pontificate there, it would still remain for them, if they were not to be bereft of all the fruits of their labour, to show that Christ indicated that these extraordinary prerogatives which they say were granted to Peter were to be transmitted to his successors, and that no chain in the link between Peter and Pius X. is missing. This is a task of the first magnitude, and unless these points can be proved, it is of no avail how unique were the gifts bestowed upon Peter. When we examine Christ’s words as recorded in the charter text, there is not the slightest hint that successors were in view, and that these successors should be at Rome. And it is further to be observed, that these prerogatives in question, if we allow them for arguments’ sake, were intimately connected with the apostolic office, and it in the very nature of things was untransmissible. Then, how is it that the transmission refers to the prerogative of supremacy and not to the marvellous gift of inspiration, though in regard to the latter there is a near approach to it in the claim of infallibility for the Roman pontiffs?
The question discussed in this paper is not one which Protestants can afford to treat with indifference. Millions of the human race—some of them in the very front rank of intellectual endeavour and achievement—have accepted the doctrine of the supremacy of Peter, and resting upon this foundation, one of the mightiest institutions has cast its spell over the consciences of men; and the man must be apathetic indeed, who can contemplate this mystery without a heartfelt prayer that the God of all grace would break the bands that bind so many human beings in the chains of superstition. Romanism is a system, for which, if we believe the word of God, we need expect no reformation, but sure destruction. But while we say so, God is able to take from the Roman fold as he has done, and is doing, many precious souls who shall acknowledge with all their heart the priceless benefits of Christ’s atoning sacrifice.