The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 164

The European Union in Prophecy
As travelers perishing from thirst welcome with joy a living water spring, so did
these souls receive the message of heaven. The laborers in the field, the artisans in
the workshop, cheered their daily toil by talking of the precious truths of the Bible.
At evening, instead of resorting to the wine-shops, they assembled in one another's
homes to read God's word and join in prayer and praise. A great change was soon
manifest in these communities. Though belonging to the humblest class, an unlearned
and hard-working peasantry, the reforming, uplifting power of divine grace was seen
in their lives. Humble, loving, and holy, they stood as witnesses to what the gospel
will accomplish for those who receive it in sincerity.
The light kindled at Meaux shed its beams afar. Every day the number of
converts was increasing. The rage of the hierarchy was for a time held in check by the
king, who despised the narrow bigotry of the monks; but the papal leaders finally
prevailed. Now the stake was set up. The bishop of Meaux, forced to choose between
the fire and recantation, accepted the easier path; but notwithstanding the leader's
fall, his flock remained steadfast. Many witnessed for the truth amid the flames. By
their courage and fidelity at the stake, these humble Christians spoke to thousands
who in days of peace had never heard their testimony.
It was not alone the humble and the poor that amid suffering and scorn dared
to bear witness for Christ. In the lordly halls of the castle and the palace there were
kingly souls by whom truth was valued above wealth or rank or even life. Kingly
armor concealed a loftier and more steadfast spirit than did the bishop's robe and
miter. Louis de Berquin was of noble birth. A brave and courtly knight, he was devoted
to study, polished in manners, and of blameless morals. "He was," says a writer, "a
great follower of the papistical constitutions, and a great hearer of masses and
sermons; . . . and he crowned all his other virtues by holding Lutheranism in special
abhorrence." But, like so many others, providentially guided to the Bible, he was
amazed to find there, "not the doctrines of Rome, but the doctrines of Luther."--Wylie,
b. 13, ch. 9. Henceforth he gave himself with entire devotion to the cause of the gospel.
"The most learned of the nobles of France," his genius and eloquence, his
indomitable courage and heroic zeal, and his influence at court,--for he was a favorite
with the king,-- caused him to be regarded by many as one destined to be the Reformer
of his country. Said Beza: "Berquin would have been a second Luther, had he found
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