The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 187

The European Union in Prophecy
communicated to his companions a knowledge of the truth. Had those Danish fathers
been skilled in the church's plan of dealing with heresy, Tausen's voice would never
again have been heard; but instead of consigning him to a tomb in some underground
dungeon, they expelled him from the monastery. Now they were powerless. A royal
edict, just issued, offered protection to the teachers of the new doctrine. Tausen began
to preach. The churches were opened to him, and the people thronged to listen. Others
also were preaching the word of God. The New Testament, translated into the Danish
tongue, was widely circulated. The efforts made by the papists to overthrow the work
resulted in extending it, and erelong Denmark declared its acceptance of the reformed
faith.
In Sweden, also, young men who had drunk from the well of Wittenberg carried
the water of life to their countrymen. Two of the leaders in the Swedish Reformation,
Olaf and Laurentius Petri, the sons of a blacksmith of Orebro, studied under Luther
and Melanchthon, and the truths which they thus learned they were diligent to teach.
Like the great Reformer, Olaf aroused the people by his zeal and eloquence, while
Laurentius, like Melanchthon, was learned, thoughtful, and calm. Both were men of
ardent piety, of high theological attainments, and of unflinching courage in advancing
the truth. Papist opposition was not lacking. The Catholic priest stirred up the
ignorant and superstitious people. Olaf Petri was often assailed by the mob, and upon
several occasions barely escaped with his life. These Reformers were, however,
favoured and protected by the king.
Under the rule of the Roman Church the people were sunken in poverty and
ground down by oppression. They were destitute of the Scriptures; and having a
religion of mere signs and ceremonies, which conveyed no light to the mind, they were
returning to the superstitious beliefs and pagan practices of their heathen ancestors.
The nation was divided into contending factions, whose perpetual strife increased the
misery of all. The king determined upon a reformation in the state and the church,
and he welcomed these able assistants in the battle against Rome.
In the presence of the monarch and the leading men of Sweden, Olaf Petri with
great ability defended the doctrines of the reformed faith against the Romish
champions. He declared that the teachings of the Fathers are to be received only when
in accordance with the Scriptures; that the essential doctrines of the faith are
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