He begged the people to rescue the Holy Sepulchre and other sacred
sites from the Mohammedans.
The council was so roused by his words that they broke forth into
loud cries, "God wills it! God wills it!"
"It is, indeed, His will," said the Pope, "and let these words be
your war-cry when you meet the enemy."
Peter listened with deep attention. Immediately after the council
he began to preach in favor of a war against the Turks. With head
and feet bare, and clothed in a long, coarse robe tied at the waist
with a rope, he went through Italy from city to city, riding on a
donkey. He preached in churches, on the streets--wherever he could
secure an audience.
When Peter had gone over Italy he crossed the Alps and preached to
the people of France, Germany, and neighboring countries. Everywhere
he kindled the zeal of the people, and multitudes enlisted as
champions of the cross.
Thus began the first of seven wars known as the "Crusades" or "Wars
of the Cross," waged to rescue the Holy Land from the Mohammedans.
It is said that more than 100,000 men, women and children went on
the first Crusade.
Pages:
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155