The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 158

The European Union in Prophecy
In the days of Paul the gospel for which he was imprisoned was thus brought
before the princes and nobles of the imperial city. So on this occasion, that which the
emperor had forbidden to be preached from the pulpit was proclaimed from the palace;
what many had regarded as unfit even for servants to listen to was heard with wonder
by the masters and lords of the empire. Kings and great men were the auditory,
crowned princes were the preachers, and the sermon was the royal truth of God.
"Since the apostolic age," says a writer, "there has never been a greater work or a
more magnificent confession."--D'Aubigne, b. 14, ch. 7.
"All that the Lutherans have said is true; we cannot deny it," declared a papist
bishop. "Can you refute by sound reasons the Confession made by the elector and his
allies?" asked another of Dr. Eck. "With the writings of the apostles and prophets--
no!" was the reply; "but with those of the Fathers and of the councils--yes!" "I
understand," responded the questioner. "The Lutherans, according to you, are in
Scripture, and we are outside."-- Ibid., b. 14, ch. 8. Some of the princes of Germany
were won to the reformed faith. The emperor himself declared that the Protestant
articles were but the truth. The Confession was translated into many languages and
circulated through all Europe, and it has been accepted by millions in succeeding
generations as the expression of their faith.
God's faithful servants were not toiling alone. While principalities and powers
and wicked spirits in high places were leagued against them, the Lord did not forsake
His people. Could their eyes have been opened, they would have seen as marked
evidence of divine presence and aid as was granted to a prophet of old. When Elisha's
servant pointed his master to the hostile army surrounding them and cutting off all
opportunity for escape, the prophet prayed: "Lord, I pray Thee, open his eyes, that he
may see." 2 Kings 6:17. And, lo, the mountain was filled with chariots and horses of
fire, the army of heaven stationed to protect the man of God. Thus did angels guard
the workers in the cause of the Reformation.
One of the principles most firmly maintained by Luther was that there should
be no resort to secular power in support of the Reformation, and no appeal to arms for
its defense. He rejoiced that the gospel was confessed by princes of the empire; but
when they proposed to unite in a defensive league, he declared that "the doctrine of
the gospel should be defended by God alone. . . . The less man meddled in the work,
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