Era of Spiritual Darkness
47
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had withdrawn, he was conducted, without his guards, into an outer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 feet, and in a miserable dress, he awaited the pope’s permission
[58]
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 repre-
sents 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 disci-
ples: “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