Basic HTML Version
36
The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4
build.” [
Nehemiah 4:10
.] Wearied with the constant struggle against
persecution, fraud, iniquity, and every other obstacle that Satan could
devise to hinder their progress, some who had been faithful builders
became disheartened; and for the sake of peace and security for their
property and their lives they turned away from the true foundation.
Others, undaunted by the opposition of their enemies, fearlessly
declared, “Be not ye afraid of them; remember the Lord, which is
great and terrible;” [
Nehemiah 4:14
.] and they proceeded with the
work, every one with his sword girded by his side.
The same spirit of hatred and opposition to the truth has inspired
the enemies of God in every age, and the same 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 be-
came 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 her 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 Romish Church. Among the propositions which he put forth,
[61]
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 next claimed the power
to depose emperors, and declared that no sentence which he pro-
nounced could be reversed by any one, but that it was his prerogative
to reverse the decisions of all others.
A striking illustration of the tyrannical character of this advocate
of infallibility was given in his treatment of the German king, Henry
IV. For presuming to disregard the pope’s authority, this monarch
was declared to be excommunicated and dethroned. In order to
make his peace with Rome, Henry 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castle whither Gregory had withdrawn, he was conducted, without