The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 140

The European Union in Prophecy
A few men, deeply affected by the excitement in the religious world, imagined
themselves to have received special revelations from Heaven, and claimed to have
been divinely commissioned to carry forward to its completion the Reformation which,
they declared, had been but feebly begun by Luther. In truth, they were undoing the
very work which he had accomplished. They rejected the great principle which was
the very foundation of the Reformation--that the word of God is the allsufficient rule
of faith and practice; and for that unerring guide they substituted the changeable,
uncertain standard of their own feelings and impressions. By this act of setting aside
the great detector of error and falsehood the way was opened for Satan to control
minds as best pleased himself.
One of these prophets claimed to have been instructed by the angel Gabriel. A
student who united with him forsook his studies, declaring that he had been endowed
by God Himself with wisdom to expound His word. Others who were naturally
inclined to fanaticism united with them. The proceedings of these enthusiasts created
no little excitement. The preaching of Luther had aroused the people everywhere to
feel the necessity of reform, and now some really honest persons were misled by the
pretensions of the new prophets.
The leaders of the movement proceeded to
Wittenberg and urged their claims upon Melanchthon and his colaborers. Said they:
"We are sent by God to instruct the people. We have held familiar conversations with
the Lord; we know what will happen; in a word, we are apostles and prophets, and
appeal to Dr. Luther."-- Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7.
The Reformers were astonished and perplexed. This was such an element as
they had never before encountered, and they knew not what course to pursue. Said
Melanchthon: "There are indeed extraordinary spirits in these men; but