THE PAPACY AT THE TURN OF THE FIRST MILLENNIUM
The following is a description of the conditions existing at the turn of the first millennium AD: “In the tenth century the dominion of the Roman pope had exceedingly obscured, and taken possession of, nearly all the churches in Europe, so that everything had to be done according to his pleasure, both in spiritual and secular governments; hence, great darkness prevailed at this time, in which but very few learned, virtuous, and celebrated men lived. For fear of the great tyranny, one dared scarcely speak the least word of the adulteration of the doctrine, or the abuses in the false worship, and the increase of the abominable blasphemies; for, as soon as those who knew better, and feared God, uttered the least word of opposition, the pope instantly thundered, with hail and lightning as it were, excommunications from the Roman chair, so that everyone was terrified, since also the secular lords were bewitched and controlled by him” (Martyrs Mirror, 5th English edition, p. 248).
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