The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 84

The European Union in Prophecy
of Sigismund were hurled upon Bohemia. But a deliverer was raised up. Ziska, who
soon after the opening of the war became totally blind, yet who was one of the ablest
generals of his age, was the leader of the Bohemians. Trusting in the help of God and
the righteousness of their cause, that people withstood the mightiest armies that
could be brought against them. Again and again the emperor, raising fresh armies,
invaded Bohemia, only to be ignominiously repulsed. The Hussites were raised above
the fear of death, and nothing could stand against them. A few years after the opening
of the war, the brave Ziska died; but his place was filled by Procopius, who was an
equally brave and skillful general, and in some respects a more able leader.
The enemies of the Bohemians, knowing that the blind warrior was dead,
deemed the opportunity favorable for recovering all that they had lost. The pope now
proclaimed a crusade against the Hussites, and again an immense force was
precipitated upon Bohemia, but only to suffer terrible defeat. Another crusade was
proclaimed. In all the papal countries of Europe, men, money, and munitions of war
were raised. Multitudes flocked to the papal standard, assured that at last an end
would be made of the Hussite heretics. Confident of victory, the vast force entered
Bohemia. The people rallied to repel them. The two armies approached each other
until only a river lay between them. "The crusaders were in greatly superior force, but
instead of dashing across the stream, and closing in battle with the Hussites whom
they had come so far to meet, they stood gazing in silence at those warriors."--Wylie,
b. 3, ch. 17. Then suddenly a mysterious terror fell upon the host. Without striking a
blow, that mighty force broke and scattered as if dispelled by an unseen power. Great
numbers were slaughtered by the Hussite army, which pursued the fugitives, and an
immense booty fell into the hands of the victors, so that the war, instead of
impoverishing, enriched the Bohemians.
A few years later, under a new pope, still another crusade was set on foot. As
before, men and means were drawn from all the papal countries of Europe. Great were
the inducements held out to those who should engage in this perilous enterprise. Full
forgiveness of the most heinous crimes was ensured to every crusader. All who died
in the war were promised a rich reward in heaven, and those who survived were to
reap honour and riches on the field of battle. Again a vast army was collected, and,
crossing the frontier they entered Bohemia. The Hussite forces fell back before them,
thus drawing the invaders farther and farther into the country, and leading them to
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