customs prevailed . The minds of men were so completely controlled by superstition that reason itself seemed to have lost its sway . While priests and bishops were themselves pleasure-loving , sensual , and corrupt , it could only be expected that the people who looked to them for guidance would be sunken in ignorance and vice . Another step in papal assumption was taken , when , in the eleventh century , Pope Gregory VII proclaimed the perfection of the Roman Church . Among the propositions which he put forth was one declaring that the church had never erred , nor would it ever err , according to the Scriptures . But the Scripture proofs did not accompany the assertion . The proud pontiff also claimed the power to depose emperors , and declared that no sentence which he pronounced could be reversed by anyone , but that it was his prerogative to reverse the decisions of all others .
A striking illustration of the tyrannical character of this advocate of infallibility was given in his treatment of the German emperor , Henry IV . For presuming to disregard the pope ' s authority , this monarch was declared to be excommunicated and dethroned . Terrified by the desertion and threats of his own princes , who were encouraged in rebellion against him by the papal mandate , Henry felt the necessity of making his peace with Rome . In company with his wife and a faithful servant he crossed the Alps in midwinter , that he might humble himself before the pope . Upon reaching the castle whither Gregory had withdrawn , he was conducted , without his guards , into an outer court , and there , in the severe cold of winter , with uncovered head and naked feet , and in a miserable dress , he awaited the pope ' s permission to come into his presence . Not until he had continued three days fasting and making confession , did the pontiff condescend to grant him pardon . Even then it was only upon condition that the emperor should await the sanction of the pope before resuming the insignia or exercising the power of royalty . And Gregory , elated with his triumph , boasted that it was his duty to pull down the pride of kings .
How striking the contrast between the overbearing pride of this haughty pontiff and the meekness and gentleness of Christ , who represents Himself as pleading at the door of the heart for admittance , that He may come in to bring pardon and peace , and who taught His disciples : " Whosoever will be chief among you , let him be your servant ." Matthew 20:27 . The advancing centuries witnessed a constant increase of error in the doctrines put forth from Rome . Even before the establishment of the papacy the teachings of heathen philosophers had received attention and exerted an influence in the church . Many who professed conversion still clung to the tenets of their pagan philosophy , and not only continued its study themselves , but urged it upon others as a means of extending their influence among the heathen . Serious errors were thus introduced into the Christian faith . Prominent among these was the belief in man ' s natural immortality and his consciousness in death . This doctrine laid the foundation upon which Rome established the invocation of saints and the adoration of the Virgin Mary . From this sprang also the heresy of eternal torment for the finally impenitent , which was early incorporated into the papal faith .
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