The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 82

The European Union in Prophecy
In self-reproach for his own denial of the truth, Jerome continued: "Of all the
sins that I have committed since my youth, none weigh so heavily on my mind, and
cause me such poignant remorse, as that which I committed in this fatal place, when
I approved of the iniquitous sentence rendered against Wycliffe, and against the holy
martyr, John Huss, my master and my friend. Yes! I confess it from my heart, and
declare with horror that I disgracefully quailed when, through a dread of death, I
condemned their doctrines. I therefore supplicate . . . Almighty God to deign to pardon
me my sins, and this one in particular, the most heinous of all." Pointing to his judges,
he said firmly: "You condemned Wycliffe and John Huss, not for having shaken the
doctrine of the church, but simply because they branded with reprobation the scandals
proceeding from the clergy--their pomp, their pride, and all the vices of the prelates
and priests…The things which they have affirmed, and which are irrefutable, I also
think and declare, like them."
His words were interrupted. The prelates, trembling with rage, cried out: "What
need is there of further proof? We behold with our own eyes the most obstinate of
heretics!" Unmoved by the tempest, Jerome exclaimed: "What! do you suppose that I
fear to die? You have held me for a whole year in a frightful dungeon, more horrible
than death itself. You have treated me more cruelly than a Turk, Jew, or pagan, and
my flesh has literally rotted off my bones alive; and yet I make no complaint, for
lamentation ill becomes a man of heart and spirit; but I cannot but express my
astonishment at such great barbarity toward a Christian."-- Ibid., vol. 2, pp. 151-153.
Again the storm of rage burst out, and Jerome was hurried away to prison. Yet there
were some in the assembly upon whom his words had made a deep impression and
who desired to save his life. He was visited by dignitaries of the church and urged to
submit himself to the council. The most brilliant prospects were presented before him
as the reward of renouncing his opposition to Rome. But like his Master when offered
the glory of the world, Jerome remained steadfast.
"Prove to me from the Holy Writings that I am in error," he said, "and I will abjure
it."
"The Holy Writings!" exclaimed one of his tempters, "is everything then to be judged
by them?
Who can understand them till the church has interpreted them?"
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