The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 166

The European Union in Prophecy
arms which they better understood how to wield. Now the tables were turned, and
they saw themselves about to fall into the pit into which they had hoped to plunge
Berquin. In amazement they looked about them for some way of escape.
"Just at that time an image of the Virgin at the corner of one of the streets, was
mutilated." There was great excitement in the city. Crowds of people flocked to the
place, with expressions of mourning and indignation. The king also was deeply moved.
Here was an advantage which the monks could turn to good account, and they were
quick to improve it. "These are the fruits of the doctrines of Berquin," they cried. "All
is about to be overthrown--religion, the laws, the throne itself--by this Lutheran
conspiracy."-- Ibid., b. 13, ch. 9.
Again Berquin was apprehended. The king withdrew from Paris, and the monks
were thus left free to work their will. The Reformer was tried and condemned to die,
and lest Francis should even yet interpose to save him, the sentence was executed on
the very day it was pronounced. At noon Berquin was conducted to the place of death.
An immense throng gathered to witness the event, and there were many who saw
with astonishment and misgiving that the victim had been chosen from the best and
bravest of the noble families of France. Amazement, indignation, scorn, and bitter
hatred darkened the faces of that surging crowd; but upon one face no shadow rested.
The martyr's thoughts were far from that scene of tumult; he was conscious only of
the presence of his Lord.
The wretched tumbrel upon which he rode, the frowning faces of his persecutors,
the dreadful death to which he was going--these he heeded not; He who liveth and
was dead, and is alive for evermore, and hath the keys of death and of hell, was beside
him. Berquin's countenance was radiant with the light and peace of heaven. He had
attired himself in goodly raiment, wearing "a cloak of velvet, a doublet of satin and
damask, and golden hose."--D'Aubigne, History of the Reformation in Europe in the
Time of Calvin, b. 2, ch. 16. He was about to testify to his faith in the presence of the
King of kings and the witnessing universe, and no token of mourning should belie his
joy.
As the procession moved slowly through the crowded streets, the people marked
with wonder the unclouded peace, and joyous triumph, of his look and bearing. "He
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