The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 196

The European Union in Prophecy
testimony. Many were driven across the ocean to America and here laid the
foundations of civil and religious liberty which have been the bulwark and glory of
this country.
Again, as in apostolic days, persecution turned out to the furtherance of the
gospel. In a loathsome dungeon crowded with profligates and felons, John Bunyan
breathed the very atmosphere of heaven; and there he wrote his wonderful allegory
of the pilgrim's journey from the land of destruction to the celestial city. For over two
hundred years that voice from Bedford jail has spoken with thrilling power to the
hearts of men. Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Grace Abounding to the Chief of
Sinners have guided many feet into the path of life.
Baxter, Flavel, Alleine, and other men of talent, education, and deep Christian
experience stood up in valiant defense of the faith which was once delivered to the
saints. The work accomplished by these men, proscribed and outlawed by the rulers
of this world, can never perish. Flavel's Fountain of Life and Method of Grace have
taught thousands how to commit the keeping of their souls to Christ. Baxter's
Reformed Pastor has proved a blessing to many who desire a revival of the work of
God, and his Saints' Everlasting Rest has done its work in leading souls to the "rest"
that remaineth for the people of God.
A hundred years later, in a day of great spiritual darkness, Whitefield and the
Wesleys appeared as light bearers for God. Under the rule of the established church
the people of England had lapsed into a state of religious declension hardly to be
distinguished from heathenism. Natural religion was the favorite study of the clergy,
and included most of their theology. The higher classes sneered at piety, and prided
themselves on being above what they called its fanaticism. The lower classes were
grossly ignorant and abandoned to vice, while the church had no courage or faith any
longer to support the downfallen cause of truth.
The great doctrine of justification by faith, so clearly taught by Luther, had been
almost wholly lost sight of; and the Romish principle of trusting to good works f