The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 227

The European Union in Prophecy
they could discern in the future no promise of better days, and many yielded to the
conviction that for such as would serve God according to the dictates of their
conscience, "England was ceasing forever to be a habitable place."--J. G. Palfrey,
History of New England, ch. 3, par. 43. Some at last determined to seek refuge in
Holland. Difficulties, losses, and imprisonment were encountered. Their purposes
were thwarted, and they were betrayed into the hands of their enemies. But steadfast
perseverance finally conquered, and they found shelter on the friendly shores of the
Dutch Republic.
In their flight they had left their houses, their goods, and their means of
livelihood. They were strangers in a strange land, among a people of different
language and customs. They were forced to resort to new and untried occupations to
earn their bread. Middle-aged men, who had spent their lives in tilling the soil, had
now to learn mechanical trades. But they cheerfully accepted the situation and lost
no time in idleness or repining. Though often pinched with poverty, they thanked
God for the blessings which were still granted them and found their joy in unmolested
spiritual communion. "They knew they were pilgrims, and looked not much on those
things, but lifted up their eyes to heaven, their dearest country, and quieted their
spirits."--Bancroft, pt. 1, ch. 12, par. 15.
In the midst of exile and hardship their love and faith waxed strong. They
trusted the Lord's promises, and He did not fail them in time of need. His angels were
by their side, to encourage and support them. And when God's hand seemed pointing
them across the sea, to a land where they might found for themselves a state, and
leave to their children the precious heritage of religious liberty, they went forward,
without shrinking, in the path of providence.
God had permitted trials to come upon His people to prepare them for the
accomplishment of His gracious purpose toward them. The church had been brought
low, that she might be exalted. God was about to display His power in her behalf, to
give to the world another evidence that He will not forsake those who trust in Him.
He had overruled events to cause the wrath of Satan and the plots of evil men to
advance His glory and to bring His people to a place of security. Persecution and exile
were opening the way to freedom.
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