The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 42

The European Union in Prophecy
When the Saxons invaded Britain, heathenism gained control. The conquerors
disdained to be instructed by their slaves, and the Christians were forced to retreat
to the mountains and the wild moors. Yet the light, hidden for a time, continued to
burn. In Scotland, a century later, it shone out with a brightness that extended to far-
distant lands. From Ireland came the pious Columba and his colaborers, who,
gathering about them the scattered believers on the lonely island of Iona, made this
the center of their missionary labors. Among these evangelists was an observer of the
Bible Sabbath, and thus this truth was introduced among the people. A school was
established at Iona, from which missionaries went out, not only to Scotland and
England, but to Germany, Switzerland, and even Italy. But Rome had fixed her eyes
on Britain, and resolved to bring it under her supremacy. In the sixth century her
missionaries undertook the conversion of the heathen Saxons.
They were received with favor by the proud barbarians, and they induced many
thousands to profess the Romish faith. As the work progressed, the papal leaders and
their converts encountered the primitive Christians. A striking contrast was
presented. The latter were simple, humble, and Scriptural in character, doctrine, and
manners, while the former manifested the superstition, pomp, and arrogance of
popery. The emissary of Rome demanded that these Christian churches acknowledge
the supremacy of the sovereign pontiff. The Britons meekly replied that they desired
to love all men, but that the pope was not entitled to supremacy in the church, and
they could render to him only that submission which was due to every follower of
Christ. Repeated attempts were made to secure their allegiance to Rome; but these
humble Christians, amazed at the pride displayed by her emissaries, steadfastly
replied that they knew no other master than Christ. Now the true spirit of the papacy
was revealed. Said the Romish leader: "If you will not receive brethren who bring you
peace, you shall receive enemies who will bring you war. If you will not unite with us
in showing the Saxons the way of life, you shall receive from them the stroke of
death."--J. H. Merle D'Aubigne, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century,
b. 17, ch. 2. These were no idle threats. War, intrigue, and deception were employed
against these witnesses for a Bible faith, until the churches of Britain were destroyed,
or forced to submit to the authority of the pope.
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