The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 194

The European Union in Prophecy
Hamilton and Wishart, princely in character as in birth, with a long line of
humbler disciples, yielded up their lives at the stake. But from the burning pile of
Wishart there came one whom the flames were not to silence, one who under God was
to strike the death knell of popery in Scotland. John Knox had turned away from the
traditions and mysticisms of the church, to feed upon the truths of God's word; and
the teaching of Wishart had confirmed his determination to forsake the communion
of Rome and join himself to the persecuted Reformers.
Urged by his companions to take the office of preacher, he shrank with trembling
from its responsibility, and it was only after days of seclusion and painful conflict with
himself that he consented. But having once accepted the position, he pressed forward
with inflexible determination and undaunted courage as long as life continued. This
truehearted Reformer feared not the face of man. The fires of martyrdom, blazing
around him, served only to quicken his zeal to greater intensity. With the tyrant's ax
held menacingly over his head, he stood his ground, striking sturdy blows on the right
hand and on the left to demolish idolatry. When brought face to face with the queen
of Scotland, in whose presence the zeal of many a leader of the Protestants had abated,