The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 103

The European Union in Prophecy
as a professor in the university Luther was eminently successful. Only a year had
passed since the Reformer posted his theses on the castle church, yet there was
already a great falling off in the number of pilgrims that visited the church at the
festival of All Saints. Rome had been deprived of worshipers and offerings, but their
place was filled by another class, who now came to Wittenberg, not pilgrims to adore
her relics, but students to fill her halls of learning. The writings of Luther had kindled
everywhere a new interest in the Holy Scriptures, and not only from all parts of
Germany, but from other lands, students flocked to the university. Young men,
coming in sight of Wittenberg for the first time, "raised their hands to heaven, and
praised God for having caused the light of truth to shine forth from this city, as from
Zion in times of old, and whence it spread even to the most distant countries."-- Ibid.,
b. 4, ch. 10.
Luther was as yet but partially converted from the errors of Romanism. But as
he compared the Holy Oracles with the papal decrees and constitutions, he was filled
with wonder. "I am reading," he wrote, "the decrees of the pontiffs, and . . . I do not
know whether the pope is antichrist himself, or his apostle, so greatly is Christ
misrepresented and crucified in them."-- Ibid., b. 5, ch. 1. Yet at this time Luther was
still a supporter of the Roman Church, and had no thought that he would ever
separate from her communion.
The Reformer's writings and his doctrine were
extending to every nation in Christendom. The work spread to Switzerland and
Holland. Copies of his writings found their way to France and Spain. In England his
teachings were received as the word of life. To Belgium and Italy also the truth had
extended. Thousands were awakening from their deathlike stupor to the joy and hope
of a life of faith.
Rome became more and more exasperated by the attacks of Luther, and it was
declared by some of his fanatical opponents, even by doctors in Catholic universities,
that he who should kill the rebellious monk would be without sin. One day a stranger,
with a pistol hidden under his cloak, approached the Reformer and inquired why he
went thus alone. "I am in God's hands," answered Luther. "He is my strength and my
shield. What can man do unto me?"-- Ibid., b. 6, ch. 2. Upon hearing these words, the
stranger turned pale and fled away as from the presence of the angels of heaven.
Rome was bent upon the destruction of Luther; but God was his defense. His doctrines
were heard everywhere--"in cottages and convents, . . . in the castles of the nobles, in
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