The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 37

The European Union in Prophecy
been faithful builders became disheartened; and for the sake of peace and security for
their property and their lives, they turned away from the true foundation. Others,
undaunted by the opposition of their enemies, fearlessly declared: "Be not ye afraid of
them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible" (verse 14); and they proceeded
with the work, everyone with his sword girded by his side. Ephesians 6:17. The same
spirit of hatred and opposition to the truth has inspired the enemies of God in every
age, and the same vigilance and fidelity have been required in His servants. The
words of Christ to the first disciples are applicable to His followers to the close of time:
"What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." Mark 13:37.
The darkness seemed to grow moredense. Image worship became more general.
Candles were burned before images, and prayers were offered to them. The most
absurd and superstitious customs prevailed. The minds of men were so completely
controlled by superstition that reason itself seemed to have lost its sway. While priests
and bishops were themselves pleasure-loving, sensual, and corrupt, it could only be
expected that the people who looked to them for guidance would be sunken in
ignorance and vice. Another step in papal assumption was taken, when, in the
eleventh century, Pope Gregory VII proclaimed the perfection of the Roman Church.
Among the propositions which he put forth was one declaring that the church had
never erred, nor would it ever err, according to the Scriptures. But the Scripture
proofs did not accompany the assertion. The proud pontiff also claimed the power to
depose emperors, and declared that no sentence which he pronounced could be
reversed by anyone, but that it was his prerogative to reverse the decisions of all
others. (See Appendix.)
A striking illustration of the tyrannical character of this advocate of infallibility
was given in his treatment of the German emperor, Henry IV. For presuming to
disregard the pope's authority, this monarch was declared to be excommunicated and
dethroned. Terrified by the desertion and threats of his own princes, who were
encouraged in rebellion against him by the papal mandate, Henry felt the necessity
of making his peace with Rome. In company with his wife and a faithful servant he
crossed the Alps in midwinter, that he might humble himself before the pope. Upon
reaching the castle whither Gregory had withdrawn, he was conducted, without his
guards, into an outer court, and there, in the severe cold of winter, with uncovered
head and naked feet, and in a miserable dress, he awaited the pope's permission to
36