The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 52

The European Union in Prophecy
just as I am, sinful and unholy, and He will not spurn the penitential prayer. 'Thy
sins be forgiven thee.' Mine, even mine, may be forgiven!" A tide of sacred joy would
fill the heart, and the name of Jesus would be magnified by praise and thanksgiving.
Those happy souls returned to their homes to diffuse light, to repeat to others, as well
as they could, their new experience; that they had found the true and living Way.
There was a strange and solemn power in the words of Scripture that spoke directly
to the hearts of those who were longing for the truth. It was the voice of God, and it
carried conviction to those who heard.
The messenger of truth went on his way; but his appearance of humility, his
sincerity, his earnestness and deep fervor, were subjects of frequent remark. In many
instances his hearers had not asked him whence he came or whither he went. They
had been so overwhelmed, at first with surprise, and afterward with gratitude and
joy, that they had not thought to question him. When they had urged him to
accompany them to their homes, he had replied that he must visit the lost sheep of
the flock. Could he have been an angel from heaven? they queried. In many cases the
messenger of truth was seen no more. He had made his way to other lands, or he was
wearing out his life in some unknown dungeon, or perhaps his bones were whitening
on the spot where he had witnessed for the truth. But the words he had left behind
could not be destroyed. They were doing their work in the hearts of men; the blessed
results will be fully known only in the judgment.
The Waldensian missionaries were invading the kingdom of Satan, and the
powers of darkness aroused to greater vigilance. Every effort to advance the truth was
watched by the prince of evil, and he excited the fears of his agents. The papal leaders
saw a portent of danger to their cause from the labors of these humble itinerants. If
the light of truth were allowed to shine unobstructed, it would sweep away the heavy
clouds of error that enveloped the people. It would direct the minds of men to God
alone and would eventually destroy the supremacy of Rome. The very existence of
this people, holding the faith of the ancient church, was a constant testimony to
Rome's apostasy, and therefore excited the most bitter hatred and persecution. Their
refusal to surrender the Scriptures was also an offense that Rome could not tolerate.
She determined to blot them from the earth. Now began the most terrible crusades
against God's people in their mountain homes. Inquisitors were put upon their track,
and the scene of innocent Abel falling before the murderous Cain was often repeated.
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