The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 47

The European Union in Prophecy
From their pastors the youth received instruction. While attention was given to
branches of general learning, the Bible was made the chief study. The Gospels of
Matthew and John were committed to memory, with many of the Epistles. They were
employed also in copying the Scriptures. Some manuscripts contained the whole Bible,
others only brief selections, to which some simple explanations of the text were added
by those who were able to expound the Scriptures. Thus were brought forth the
treasures of truth so long concealed by those who sought to exalt themselves above
God. By patient, untiring labor, sometimes in the deep, dark caverns of the earth, by
the light of torches, the Sacred Scriptures were written out, verse by verse, chapter
by chapter. Thus the work went on, the revealed will of God shining out like pure gold;
how much brighter, clearer, and more powerful because of the trials undergone for its
sake only those could realize who were engaged in the work. Angels from heaven
surrounded these faithful workers.
Satan had urged on the papal priests and prelates to bury the word of truth
beneath the rubbish of error, heresy, and superstition; but in a most wonderful
manner it was preserved uncorrupted through all the ages of darkness. It bore not the
stamp of man, but the impress of God. Men have been unwearied in their efforts to
obscure the plain, simple meaning of the Scriptures, and to make them contradict
their own testimony; but like the ark upon the billowy deep, the word of God outrides
the storms that threaten it with destruction. As the mine has rich veins of gold and
silver hidden beneath the surface, so that all must dig who would discover its precious
stores, so the Holy Scriptures have treasures of truth that are revealed only to the
earnest, humble, prayerful seeker. God designed the Bible to be a lessonbook to all
mankind, in childhood, youth, and manhood, and to be studied through all time. He
gave His word to men as a revelation of Himself. Every new truth discerned is a fresh
disclosure of the character of its Author.
The study of the Scriptures is the means divinely ordained to bring men into
closer connection with their Creator and to give them a clearer knowledge of His will.
It is the medium of communication between God and man. While the Waldenses
regarded the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom, they were not blind to the
importance of a contact with the world, a knowledge of men and of active life, in
expanding the mind and quickening the perceptions. From their schools in the
mountains some of the youth were sent to institutions of learning in the cities of
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