Apostasy
47
The few faithful builders upon the true foundation [
1 Corinthians
3:10, 11
.] were perplexed and hindered, as the rubbish of false doctrine
obstructed the work. Like the builders upon the wall of Jerusalem
in Nehemiah’s day, some were ready to say, “The strength of the
bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish, so that we
are not able to 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
[57]
the work, every one with his sword girded by his side. [
Ephesians
6:17
.]
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 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 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, 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 pronounced could be reversed by
any one, but that it was his prerogative to reverse the decisions of all
others.