The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 58

vigilance and fidelity have been required in His servants. The words of
Christ to the first disciples are applicable to His followers to the close of
time: “What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:37.
The darkness seemed to grow more dense. Image worship became
more general. Candles were burned before images, and prayers were
offered to them. The most absurd and superstitious customs prevailed.
The minds of men were so completely controlled by superstition that
reason itself seemed to have lost its sway. While priests and bishops
were themselves pleasure-loving, sensual, and corrupt, it could only be
expected that the people who looked to them for guidance would be
sunken in ignorance and vice.
Another step in papal assumption was taken, when, in the eleventh
century, Pope Gregory VII proclaimed the perfection of the Roman
Church. Among the propositions which he put forth was one declaring
that the church had never erred, nor would it ever err, according to the
Scriptures. But the Scripture proofs did not accompany the assertion.
The proud pontiff also claimed the power to depose emperors, and
declared that no sentence which he pronounced could be reversed by
anyone, but that it was his prerogative to reverse the decisions of all
others. (See Appendix.)
A striking illustration of the tyrannical character of this advocate
of infallibility was given in his treatment of the German emperor,
Henry IV. For presuming to disregard the pope’s authority, this monarch
was declared to be excommunicated and dethroned. Terrified by the
desertion and threats of his own princes, who were encouraged in
rebellion against him by the papal mandate, Henry felt the necessity
of making his peace with Rome. In company with his wife and a
faithful servant he crossed the Alps in midwinter, that he might humble
himself before the pope. Upon reaching the castle whither Gregory had
withdrawn, he was conducted, without his guards, into an outer court,
and there, in the severe cold of winter, with uncovered head and naked

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