The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 73

The European Union in Prophecy
problem he could not solve; this was the doubt that tortured him hour by hour. The
nearest approximation to a solution which he was able to make was that it had
happened again, as once before in the days of the Saviour, that the priests of the
church had become wicked persons and were using their lawful authority for unlawful
ends. This led him to adopt for his own guidance, and to preach to others for theirs,
the maxim that the precepts of Scripture, conveyed through the understanding, are
to rule the conscience; in other words, that God speaking in the Bible, and not the
church speaking through the priesthood, is the one infallible guide."--Wylie, b. 3, ch.
2.
When after a time the excitement in Prague subsided, Huss returned to his
chapel of Bethlehem, to continue with greater zeal and courage the preaching of the
word of God. His enemies were active and powerful, but the queen and many of the
nobles were his friends, and the people in great numbers sided with him. Comparing
his pure and elevating teachings and holy life with the degrading dogmas which the
Romanists preached, and the avarice and debauchery which they practiced, many
regarded it an honour to be on his side. Hitherto Huss had stood alone in his labors;
but now Jerome, who while in England had accepted the teachings of Wycliffe, joined
in the work of reform. The two were hereafter united in their lives, and in death they
were not to be divided. Brilliancy of genius, eloquence and learning--gifts that win
popular favor--were possessed in a pre-eminent degree by Jerome; but in those
qualities which constitute real strength of character, Huss was the greater. His calm
judgment served as a restraint upon the impulsive spirit of Jerome, who, with true
humility, perceived his worth, and yielded to his counsels. Under their united labors
the reform was more rapidly extended.
God permitted great light to shine upon the minds of these chosen men,
revealing to them many of the errors of Rome; but they did not receive all the light
that was to be given to the world. Through these, His servants, God was leading the
people out of the darkness of Romanism; but there were many and great obstacles for
them to meet, and He led them on, step by step, as they could bear it. They were not
prepared to receive all the light at once. Like the full glory of the noontide sun to those
who have long dwelt in darkness, it would, if presented, have caused them to turn
away. Therefore He revealed it to the leaders little by little, as it could be received by
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