The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 169

The European Union in Prophecy
In the Bible he found Christ. "O Father," he cried, "His sacrifice has appeased
Thy wrath; His blood has washed away my impurities; His cross has borne my curse;
His death has atoned for me. We had devised for ourselves many useless follies, but
Thou hast placed Thy word before me like a torch, and Thou hast touched my heart,
in order that I may hold in abomination all other merits save those of Jesus." --Martyn,
vol. 3, ch. 13.
Calvin had been educated for the priesthood. When only twelve years of age he
had been appointed to the chaplaincy of a small church, and his head had been shorn
by the bishop in accordance with the canon of the church. He did not receive
consecration, nor did he fulfill the duties of a priest, but he became a member of the
clergy, holding the title of his office, and receiving an allowance in consideration
thereof. Now, feeling that he could never become a priest, he turned for a time to the
study of law, but finally abandoned this purpose and determined to devote his life to
the gospel. But he hesitated to become a public teacher. He was naturally timid, and
was burdened with a sense of the weighty responsibility of the position, and he desired
still to devote himself to study. The earnest entreaties of his friends, however, at last
won his consent. "Wonderful it is," he said, "that one of so lowly an origin should be
exalted to so great a dignity."--Wylie, b. 13, ch. 9.
Quietly did Calvin enter upon his work, and his words were as the dew falling
to refresh the earth. He had left Paris, and was now in a provincial town under the
protection of the princess Margaret, who, loving the gospel, extended her protection
to its disciples. Calvin was still a youth, of gentle, unpretentious bearing. His work
began with the people at their homes. Surrounded by the members of the household,
he read the Bible and opened the truths of salvation. Those who heard the message
carried the good news to others, and soon the teacher passed