without his guards , into an outer court , and there , in the severe cold of winter , with uncovered head and naked feet , and in a miserable dress , he awaited the pope ' s permission to come into his presence . Not until he had continued three days fasting and making confession , did the pontiff condescend to grant him pardon . Even then it was only upon condition that the emperor should await the sanction of the pope before resuming the insignia or exercising the power of royalty . And Gregory , elated with his triumph , boasted that it was his duty to pull down the pride of kings .
How striking the contrast between the overbearing pride of this haughty pontiff and the meekness and gentleness of Christ , who represents Himself as pleading at the door of the heart for admittance , that He may come in to bring pardon and peace , and who taught His disciples : " Whosoever will be chief among you , let him be your servant ." Matthew 20:27 . The advancing centuries witnessed a constant increase of error in the doctrines put forth from Rome . Even before the establishment of the papacy the teachings of heathen philosophers had received attention and exerted an influence in the church . Many who professed conversion still clung to the tenets of their pagan philosophy , and not only continued its study themselves , but urged it upon others as a means of extending their influence among the heathen . Serious errors were thus introduced into the Christian faith . Prominent among these was the belief in man ' s natural immortality and his consciousness in death . This doctrine laid the foundation upon which Rome established the invocation of saints and the adoration of the Virgin Mary . From this sprang also the heresy of eternal torment for the finally impenitent , which was early incorporated into the papal faith .
Then the way was prepared for the introduction of still another invention of paganism , which Rome named purgatory , and employed to terrify the credulous and superstitious multitudes . By this heresy is affirmed the existence of a place of torment , in which the souls of such as have not merited eternal damnation are to suffer punishment for their sins , and from which , when freed from impurity , they are admitted to heaven . ( See Appendix .) Still another fabrication was needed to enable Rome to profit by the fears and the vices of her adherents . This was supplied by the doctrine of indulgences . Full remission of sins , past , present , and future , and release from all the pains and penalties incurred , were promised to all who would enlist in the pontiff ' s wars to extend his temporal dominion , to punish his enemies , or to exterminate those who dared deny his spiritual supremacy . The people were also taught that by the payment of money to the church they might free themselves from sin , and also release the souls of their deceased friends who were confined in the tormenting flames . By such means did Rome fill her coffers and sustain the magnificence , luxury , and vice of the pretended representatives of Him who had not where to lay His head . ( See Appendix .)
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