Page 6 - 17 The Work of the Mystery of Iniquity

THE STORY OF DANIEL THE PROPHET

Stephen N. Haskell

“But go thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest and stand in thy
lot at the end of the days.” Daniel 12:13.

The head of the church, who was likewise a

civil ruler, was exalted more and more above

his fellows, until a complete ecclesiastical

hierarchy was formed. By decree of a general

council the head of the church was declared

infallible. But even before, this faith in the new

church, and especially in the head of the

church, took the place of faith in Christ. The

Virgin Mary and saints became mediators for

sinful man, and forgiveness was granted by

the head of the church. Righteousness by

works led to long pilgrimages, penance, and

relic worship. Everlasting punishment was

held as a threat above the heads of the

common people. The darkness deepened. The

inquisition was instituted to force men’s

conscience. Kings upon their thrones were

compelled to recognize the superior authority