45
ButthereisnounionbetweenthePrinceoflightandtheprinceofdarkness，andtherecanbenounionbetweentheirfollowers。WhenChristiansconsentedtounitewiththosewhowerebuthalfconvertedfrompaganism，theyentereduponapathwhichledfurtherandfurtherfromthetruth。SatanexultedthathehadsucceededindeceivingsolargeanumberofthefollowersofChrist。Hethenbroughthispowertobearmorefullyuponthese，andinspiredthemtopersecutethosewhoremainedtruetoGod。NoneunderstoodsowellhowtoopposethetrueChristianfaithasdidthosewhohadoncebeenitsdefenders；andtheseapostateChristians，unitingwiththeirhalf-pagancompanions，directedtheirwarfareagainstthemostessentialfeaturesofthedoctrinesofChrist。
Itrequiredadesperatestruggleforthosewhowouldbefaithfultostandfirmagainstthedeceptionsandabominationswhichweredisguisedinsacerdotalgarmentsandintroducedintothechurch。TheBiblewasnotacceptedasthestandardoffaith。Thedoctrineofreligiousfreedomwastermedheresy，anditsupholderswerehatedandproscribed。
Afteralongandsevereconflict，thefaithfulfewdecidedtodissolveallunionwiththeapostatechurchifshestillrefusedtofreeherselffromfalsehoodandidolatry。TheysawthatseparationwasanabsolutenecessityiftheywouldobeythewordofGod。Theydarednottolerateerrorsfataltotheirownsouls，andsetanexamplewhichwouldimperilthefaithoftheirchildrenandchildren’schildren。TosecurepeaceandunitytheywerereadytomakeanyconcessionconsistentwithfidelitytoGod；buttheyfeltthatevenpeacewouldbetoodearlypurchasedatthesacrificeofprinciple。Ifunitycouldbesecuredonlybythecompromiseoftruthandrighteousness，thenlettherebedifference，andevenwar。
46
WellwoulditbeforthechurchandtheworldiftheprinciplesthatactuatedthosesteadfastsoulswererevivedintheheartsofGod’sprofessedpeople。ThereisanalarmingindifferenceinregardtothedoctrineswhicharethepillarsoftheChristianfaith。Theopinionisgainingground，that，afterall，thesearenotofvitalimportance。ThisdegeneracyisstrengtheningthehandsoftheagentsofSatan，sothatfalsetheoriesandfataldelusionswhichthefaithfulinagespastimperiledtheirlivestoresistandexpose，arenowregardedwithfavorbythousandswhoclaimtobefollowersofChrist。
TheearlyChristianswereindeedapeculiarpeople。Theirblamelessdeportmentandunswervingfaithwereacontinualreproofthatdisturbedthesinner’speace。Thoughfewinnumbers，withoutwealth，position，orhonorarytitles，theywereaterrortoevildoerswherevertheircharacteranddoctrineswereknown。Thereforetheywerehatedbythewicked，evenasAbelwashatedbytheungodlyCain。ForthesamereasonthatCainslewAbel，didthosewhosoughttothrowofftherestraintoftheHolySpirit，puttodeathGod’speople。ItwasforthesamereasonthattheJewsrejectedandcrucifiedtheSaviour——becausethepurityandholinessofHischaracterwasaconstantrebuketotheirselfishnessandcorruption。FromthedaysofChristuntilnowHisfaithfuldiscipleshaveexcitedthehatredandoppositionofthosewholoveandfollowthewaysofsin。
How，then，canthegospelbecalledamessageofpeace？WhenIsaiahforetoldthebirthoftheMessiah，heascribedtoHimthetitle，\"PrinceofPeace。\"
WhenangelsannouncedtotheshepherdsthatChristwasborn，theysangabovetheplainsofBethlehem:\"GlorytoGodinthehighest，andonearthpeace，goodwilltowardmen。\"Luke2:14。ThereisaseemingcontradictionbetweenthesepropheticdeclarationsandthewordsofChrist:\"Icamenottosendpeace，butasword。\"Matthew10:34。But，rightlyunderstood，thetwo47
areinperfectharmony。Thegospelisamessageofpeace。Christianityisasystemwhich，receivedandobeyed，wouldspreadpeace，harmony，andhappinessthroughouttheearth。ThereligionofChristwilluniteinclosebrotherhoodallwhoacceptitsteachings。ItwasthemissionofJesustoreconcilementoGod，andthustooneanother。ButtheworldatlargeareunderthecontrolofSatan，Christ’sbitterestfoe。Thegospelpresentstothemprinciplesoflifewhicharewhollyatvariancewiththeirhabitsanddesires，andtheyriseinrebellionagainstit。Theyhatethepuritywhichrevealsandcondemnstheirsins，andtheypersecuteanddestroythosewhowouldurgeuponthemitsjustandholyclaims。Itisinthissense——becausetheexaltedtruthsitbringsoccasionhatredandstrife——thatthegospeliscalledasword。
Themysteriousprovidencewhichpermitstherighteoustosufferpersecutionatthehandofthewickedhasbeenacauseofgreatperplexitytomanywhoareweakinfaith。SomeareevenreadytocastawaytheirconfidenceinGodbecauseHesuffersthebasestofmentoprosper，whilethebestandpurestareafflictedandtormentedbytheircruelpower。How，itisasked，canOnewhoisjustandmerciful，andwhoisalsoinfiniteinpower，toleratesuchinjusticeandoppression？Thisisaquestionwithwhichwehavenothingtodo。GodhasgivenussufficientevidenceofHislove，andwearenottodoubtHisgoodnessbecausewecannotunderstandtheworkingsofHisprovidence。SaidtheSaviourtoHisdisciples，foreseeingthedoubtsthatwouldpressupontheirsoulsindaysoftrialanddarkness:\"RememberthewordthatIsaiduntoyou，Theservantisnotgreaterthanhislord。IftheyhavepersecutedMe，theywillalsopersecuteyou。\"John15:20。JesussufferedforusmorethananyofHisfollowerscanbemadetosufferthroughthecrueltyofwickedmen。ThosewhoarecalledtoenduretortureandmartyrdomarebutfollowinginthestepsofGod’sdearSon。
48
\"TheLordisnotslackconcerningHispromise。\"2Peter3:9。HedoesnotforgetorneglectHischildren；butHepermitsthewickedtorevealtheirtruecharacter，thatnonewhodesiretodoHiswillmaybedeceivedconcerningthem。Again，therighteousareplacedinthefurnaceofaffliction，thattheythemselvesmaybepurified；thattheirexamplemayconvinceothersoftherealityoffaithandgodliness；andalsothattheirconsistentcoursemaycondemntheungodlyandunbelieving。
GodpermitsthewickedtoprosperandtorevealtheirenmityagainstHim，thatwhentheyshallhavefilledupthemeasureoftheiriniquityallmayseeHisjusticeandmercyintheirutterdestruction。ThedayofHisvengeancehastens，whenallwhohavetransgressedHislawandoppressedHispeoplewillmeetthejustrecompenseoftheirdeeds；wheneveryactofcrueltyorinjusticetowardGod’sfaithfuloneswillbepunishedasthoughdonetoChristHimself。
Thereisanotherandmoreimportantquestionthatshouldengagetheattentionofthechurchesoftoday。TheapostlePauldeclaresthat\"allthatwilllivegodlyinChristJesusshallsufferpersecution。\"2Timothy3:12。
Whyisit，then，thatpersecutionseemsinagreatdegreetoslumber？Theonlyreasonisthatthechurchhasconformedtotheworld’sstandardandthereforeawakensnoopposition。ThereligionwhichiscurrentinourdayisnotofthepureandholycharacterthatmarkedtheChristianfaithinthedaysofChristandHisapostles。Itisonlybecauseofthespiritofcompromisewithsin，becausethegreattruthsofthewordofGodaresoindifferentlyregarded，becausethereissolittlevitalgodlinessinthechurch，thatChristianityisapparentlysopopularwiththeworld。Lettherebearevivalofthefaithandpoweroftheearlychurch，andthespiritofpersecutionwillberevived，andthefiresofpersecutionwillberekindled。
(49)
Chapter3
AnEraofSpiritualDarknessTheapostlePaul，inhissecondlettertotheThessalonians，foretoldthegreatapostasywhichwouldresultintheestablishmentofthepapalpower。
HedeclaredthatthedayofChristshouldnotcome，\"excepttherecomeafallingawayfirst，andthatmanofsinberevealed，thesonofperdition；
whoopposethandexaltethhimselfaboveallthatiscalledGod，orthatisworshiped；sothatheasGodsittethinthetempleofGod，showinghimselfthatheisGod。\"Andfurthermore，theapostlewarnshisbrethrenthat\"themysteryofiniquitydothalreadywork。\"2Thessalonians2:3，4，7。Evenatthatearlydatehesaw，creepingintothechurch，errorsthatwouldpreparethewayforthedevelopmentofthepapacy。
Littlebylittle，atfirstinstealthandsilence，andthenmoreopenlyasitincreasedinstrengthandgainedcontrolofthemindsofmen，\"themysteryofiniquity\"carriedforwarditsdeceptiveandblasphemouswork。
AlmostimperceptiblythecustomsofheathenismfoundtheirwayintotheChristianchurch。Thespiritofcompromiseandconformitywasrestrainedforatimebythefiercepersecutionswhichthechurchenduredunderpaganism。
Butaspersecutionceased，andChristianityenteredthecourtsandpalacesofkings，shelaidasidethehumblesimplicityofChristandHisapostlesforthepompandprideofpaganpriestsandrulers；andinplaceoftherequirementsofGod，shesubstitutedhumantheoriesandtraditions。ThenominalconversionofConstantine，50
intheearlypartofthefourthcentury，causedgreatrejoicing；andtheworld，cloakedwithaformofrighteousness，walkedintothechurch。Nowtheworkofcorruptionrapidlyprogressed。Paganism，whileappearingtobevanquished，becametheconqueror。Herspiritcontrolledthechurch。Herdoctrines，ceremonies，andsuperstitionswereincorporatedintothefaithandworshipoftheprofessedfollowersofChrist。
ThiscompromisebetweenpaganismandChristianityresultedinthedevelopmentof\"themanofsin\"foretoldinprophecyasopposingandexaltinghimselfaboveGod。ThatgiganticsystemoffalsereligionisamasterpieceofSatan’spower——amonumentofhiseffortstoseathimselfuponthethronetoruletheearthaccordingtohiswill。
SatanonceendeavoredtoformacompromisewithChrist。HecametotheSonofGodinthewildernessoftemptation，andshowingHimallthekingdomsoftheworldandthegloryofthem，offeredtogiveallintoHishandsifHewouldbutacknowledgethesupremacyoftheprinceofdarkness。Christrebukedthepresumptuoustempterandforcedhimtodepart。ButSatanmeetswithgreatersuccessinpresentingthesametemptationstoman。Tosecureworldlygainsandhonors，thechurchwasledtoseekthefavorandsupportofthegreatmenofearth；andhavingthusrejectedChrist，shewasinducedtoyieldallegiancetotherepresentativeofSatan——thebishopofRome。
ItisoneoftheleadingdoctrinesofRomanismthatthepopeisthevisibleheadoftheuniversalchurchofChrist，investedwithsupremeauthorityoverbishopsandpastorsinallpartsoftheworld。Morethanthis，thepopehasbeengiventheverytitlesofDeity。Hehasbeenstyled\"LordGodthePope\"
(seeAppendix)，andhasbeendeclaredinfallible。Hedemandsthehomageofallmen。ThesameclaimurgedbySataninthewildernessoftemptationisstillurgedbyhimthroughtheChurchofRome，andvastnumbersarereadytoyieldhimhomage。
51
ButthosewhofearandreverenceGodmeetthisheaven-daringassumptionasChristmetthesolicitationsofthewilyfoe:\"ThoushaltworshiptheLordthyGod，andHimonlyshaltthouserve。\"Luke4:8。GodhasnevergivenahintinHiswordthatHehasappointedanymantobetheheadofthechurch。
ThedoctrineofpapalsupremacyisdirectlyopposedtotheteachingsoftheScriptures。ThepopecanhavenopoweroverChrist’schurchexceptbyusurpation。
RomanistshavepersistedinbringingagainstProtestantsthechargeofheresyandwillfulseparationfromthetruechurch。Buttheseaccusationsapplyrathertothemselves。TheyaretheoneswholaiddownthebannerofChristanddepartedfrom\"thefaithwhichwasoncedelivereduntothesaints。\"Jude3。
SatanwellknewthattheHolyScriptureswouldenablementodiscernhisdeceptionsandwithstandhispower。ItwasbythewordthateventheSaviouroftheworldhadresistedhisattacks。Ateveryassault，Christpresentedtheshieldofeternaltruth，saying，\"Itiswritten。\"Toeverysuggestionoftheadversary，Heopposedthewisdomandpoweroftheword。InorderforSatantomaintainhisswayovermen，andestablishtheauthorityofthepapalusurper，hemustkeeptheminignoranceoftheScriptures。TheBiblewouldexaltGodandplacefinitemenintheirtrueposition；thereforeitssacredtruthsmustbeconcealedandsuppressed。ThislogicwasadoptedbytheRomanChurch。ForhundredsofyearsthecirculationoftheBiblewasprohibited。Thepeoplewereforbiddentoreaditortohaveitintheirhouses，andunprincipledpriestsandprelatesinterpreteditsteachingstosustaintheirpretensions。ThusthepopecametobealmostuniversallyacknowledgedasthevicegerentofGodonearth，endowedwithauthorityoverchurchandstate。
Thedetectoroferrorhavingbeenremoved，Satanworkedaccordingtohiswill。Prophecyhaddeclaredthatthepapacywasto\"thinktochangetimesandlaws。\"Daniel7:25。This52
workitwasnotslowtoattempt。Toaffordconvertsfromheathenismasubstitutefortheworshipofidols，andthustopromotetheirnominalacceptanceofChristianity，theadorationofimagesandrelicswasgraduallyintroducedintotheChristianworship。Thedecreeofageneralcouncil(seeAppendix)finallyestablishedthissystemofidolatry。Tocompletethesacrilegiouswork，RomepresumedtoexpungefromthelawofGodthesecondcommandment，forbiddingimageworship，andtodividethetenthcommandment，inordertopreservethenumber。
ThespiritofconcessiontopaganismopenedthewayforastillfurtherdisregardofHeaven’sauthority。Satan，workingthroughunconsecratedleadersofthechurch，tamperedwiththefourthcommandmentalso，andessayedtosetasidetheancientSabbath，thedaywhichGodhadblessedandsanctified(Genesis2:2，3)，andinitssteadtoexaltthefestivalobservedbytheheathenas\"thevenerabledayofthesun。\"Thischangewasnotatfirstattemptedopenly。InthefirstcenturiesthetrueSabbathhadbeenkeptbyallChristians。TheywerejealousforthehonorofGod，and，believingthatHislawisimmutable，theyzealouslyguardedthesacrednessofitsprecepts。ButwithgreatsubtletySatanworkedthroughhisagentstobringabouthisobject。ThattheattentionofthepeoplemightbecalledtotheSunday，itwasmadeafestivalinhonoroftheresurrectionofChrist。
Religiousserviceswerehelduponit；yetitwasregardedasadayofrecreation，theSabbathbeingstillsacredlyobserved。
Topreparethewayfortheworkwhichhedesignedtoaccomplish，SatanhadledtheJews，beforetheadventofChrist，toloaddowntheSabbathwiththemostrigorousexactions，makingitsobservanceaburden。Now，takingadvantageofthefalselightinwhichhehadthuscausedittoberegarded，hecastcontemptuponitasaJewishinstitution。WhileChristiansgenerallycontinuedtoobservetheSundayasajoyousfestival，heledthem，inordertoshow53
theirhatredofJudaism，tomaketheSabbathafast，adayofsadnessandgloom。
IntheearlypartofthefourthcenturytheemperorConstantineissuedadecreemakingSundayapublicfestivalthroughouttheRomanEmpire。(SeeAppendix。)ThedayofthesunwasreverencedbyhispagansubjectsandwashonoredbyChristians；itwastheemperor’spolicytounitetheconflictinginterestsofheathenismandChristianity。Hewasurgedtodothisbythebishopsofthechurch，who，inspiredbyambitionandthirstforpower，perceivedthatifthesamedaywasobservedbybothChristiansandheathen，itwouldpromotethenominalacceptanceofChristianitybypagansandthusadvancethepowerandgloryofthechurch。ButwhilemanyGod-fearingChristiansweregraduallyledtoregardSundayaspossessingadegreeofsacredness，theystillheldthetrueSabbathastheholyoftheLordandobserveditinobediencetothefourthcommandment。
Thearchdeceiverhadnotcompletedhiswork。HewasresolvedtogathertheChristianworldunderhisbannerandtoexercisehispowerthroughhisvicegerent，theproudpontiffwhoclaimedtobetherepresentativeofChrist。Throughhalf-convertedpagans，ambitiousprelates，andworld-lovingchurchmenheaccomplishedhispurpose。Vastcouncilswereheldfromtimetotime，inwhichthedignitariesofthechurchwereconvenedfromalltheworld。InnearlyeverycounciltheSabbathwhichGodhadinstitutedwaspresseddownalittlelower，whiletheSundaywascorrespondinglyexalted。
Thusthepaganfestivalcamefinallytobehonoredasadivineinstitution，whiletheBibleSabbathwaspronouncedarelicofJudaism，anditsobserversweredeclaredtobeaccursed。
Thegreatapostatehadsucceededinexaltinghimself\"aboveallthatiscalledGod，orthatisworshiped。\"2Thessalonians2:4。HehaddaredtochangetheonlypreceptofthedivinelawthatunmistakablypointsallmankindtothetrueandlivingGod。Inthefourthcommandment，Godis54
revealedastheCreatoroftheheavensandtheearth，andistherebydistinguishedfromallfalsegods。Itwasasamemorialoftheworkofcreationthattheseventhdaywassanctifiedasarestdayforman。ItwasdesignedtokeepthelivingGodeverbeforethemindsofmenasthesourceofbeingandtheobjectofreverenceandworship。SatanstrivestoturnmenfromtheirallegiancetoGod，andfromrenderingobediencetoHislaw；
thereforehedirectshiseffortsespeciallyagainstthatcommandmentwhichpointstoGodastheCreator。
ProtestantsnowurgethattheresurrectionofChristonSundaymadeittheChristianSabbath。ButScriptureevidenceislacking。NosuchhonorwasgiventothedaybyChristorHisapostles。TheobservanceofSundayasaChristianinstitutionhaditsorigininthat\"mysteryoflawlessness\"(2
Thessalonians2:7，R。V。)which，eveninPaul’sday，hadbegunitswork。
WhereandwhendidtheLordadoptthischildofthepapacy？WhatvalidreasoncanbegivenforachangewhichtheScripturesdonotsanction？
Inthesixthcenturythepapacyhadbecomefirmlyestablished。Itsseatofpowerwasfixedintheimperialcity，andthebishopofRomewasdeclaredtobetheheadovertheentirechurch。Paganismhadgivenplacetothepapacy。
Thedragonhadgiventothebeast\"hispower，andhisseat，andgreatauthority。\"Revelation13:2。Andnowbeganthe1260yearsofpapaloppressionforetoldinthepropheciesofDanielandtheRevelation。Daniel7:25；Revelation13:5-7。(SeeAppendix。)Christianswereforcedtochooseeithertoyieldtheirintegrityandacceptthepapalceremoniesandworship，ortowearawaytheirlivesindungeonsorsufferdeathbytherack，thefagot，ortheheadsman’sax。NowwerefulfilledthewordsofJesus:\"Yeshallbebetrayedbothbyparents，andbrethren，andkinsfolks，andfriends；
andsomeofyoushalltheycausetobeputtodeath。AndyeshallbehatedofallmenforMyname’ssake。\"Luke21:16，17。Persecutionopeneduponthefaithfulwithgreaterfurythaneverbefore，55
andtheworldbecameavastbattlefield。ForhundredsofyearsthechurchofChristfoundrefugeinseclusionandobscurity。Thussaystheprophet:\"Thewomanfledintothewilderness，whereshehathaplacepreparedofGod，thattheyshouldfeedherthereathousandtwohundredandthree-scoredays。\"
Revelation12:6。
TheaccessionoftheRomanChurchtopowermarkedthebeginningoftheDarkAges。Asherpowerincreased，thedarknessdeepened。FaithwastransferredfromChrist，thetruefoundation，tothepopeofRome。InsteadoftrustingintheSonofGodforforgivenessofsinsandforeternalsalvation，thepeoplelookedtothepope，andtothepriestsandprelatestowhomhedelegatedauthority。TheyweretaughtthatthepopewastheirearthlymediatorandthatnonecouldapproachGodexceptthroughhim；and，further，thathestoodintheplaceofGodtothemandwasthereforetobeimplicitlyobeyed。Adeviationfromhisrequirementswassufficientcausefortheseverestpunishmenttobevisiteduponthebodiesandsoulsoftheoffenders。ThusthemindsofthepeoplewereturnedawayfromGodtofallible，erring，andcruelmen，nay，more，totheprinceofdarknesshimself，whoexercisedhispowerthroughthem。Sinwasdisguisedinagarbofsanctity。WhentheScripturesaresuppressed，andmancomestoregardhimselfassupreme，weneedlookonlyforfraud，deception，anddebasinginiquity。WiththeelevationofhumanlawsandtraditionswasmanifestthecorruptionthateverresultsfromsettingasidethelawofGod。
ThoseweredaysofperilforthechurchofChrist。Thefaithfulstandard-bearerswerefewindeed。Thoughthetruthwasnotleftwithoutwitnesses，yetattimesitseemedthaterrorandsuperstitionwouldwhollyprevail，andtruereligionwouldbebanishedfromtheearth。Thegospelwaslostsightof，buttheformsofreligionweremultiplied，andthepeoplewereburdenedwithrigorousexactions。
Theyweretaughtnotonlytolooktothepopeastheirmediator，buttotrusttoworksoftheirowntoatoneforsin。Longpilgrimages，actsofpenance，theworshipofrelics，the56
erectionofchurches，shrines，andaltars，thepaymentoflargesumstothechurch——theseandmanysimilaractswereenjoinedtoappeasethewrathofGodortosecureHisfavor；asifGodwerelikemen，tobeangeredattrifles，orpacifiedbygiftsoractsofpenance！
Notwithstandingthatviceprevailed，evenamongtheleadersoftheRomanChurch，herinfluenceseemedsteadilytoincrease。Aboutthecloseoftheeighthcentury，papistsputforththeclaimthatinthefirstagesofthechurchthebishopsofRomehadpossessedthesamespiritualpowerwhichtheynowassumed。Toestablishthisclaim，somemeansmustbeemployedtogiveitashowofauthority；andthiswasreadilysuggestedbythefatheroflies。
Ancientwritingswereforgedbymonks。Decreesofcouncilsbeforeunheardofwerediscovered，establishingtheuniversalsupremacyofthepopefromtheearliesttimes。Andachurchthathadrejectedthetruthgreedilyacceptedthesedeceptions。(SeeAppendix。)
Thefewfaithfulbuildersuponthetruefoundation。(1Corinthians3:10，11)
wereperplexedandhinderedastherubbishoffalsedoctrineobstructedthework。LikethebuildersuponthewallofJerusaleminNehemiah’sday，somewerereadytosay:\"Thestrengthofthebearersofburdensisdecayed，andthereismuchrubbish；sothatwearenotabletobuild。\"Nehemiah4:10。
Weariedwiththeconstantstruggleagainstpersecution，fraud，iniquity，andeveryotherobstaclethatSatancoulddevisetohindertheirprogress，somewhohadbeenfaithfulbuildersbecamedisheartened；andforthesakeofpeaceandsecurityfortheirpropertyandtheirlives，theyturnedawayfromthetruefoundation。Others，undauntedbytheoppositionoftheirenemies，fearlesslydeclared:\"Benotyeafraidofthem:remembertheLord，whichisgreatandterrible\"(verse14)；andtheyproceededwiththework，everyonewithhisswordgirdedbyhisside。Ephesians6:17。
ThesamespiritofhatredandoppositiontothetruthhasinspiredtheenemiesofGodineveryage，andthesame57
vigilanceandfidelityhavebeenrequiredinHisservants。ThewordsofChristtothefirstdisciplesareapplicabletoHisfollowerstothecloseoftime:\"WhatIsayuntoyouIsayuntoall，Watch。\"Mark13:37。
Thedarknessseemedtogrowmoredense。Imageworshipbecamemoregeneral。
Candleswereburnedbeforeimages，andprayerswereofferedtothem。Themostabsurdandsuperstitiouscustomsprevailed。Themindsofmenweresocompletelycontrolledbysuperstitionthatreasonitselfseemedtohavelostitssway。Whilepriestsandbishopswerethemselvespleasure-loving，sensual，andcorrupt，itcouldonlybeexpectedthatthepeoplewholookedtothemforguidancewouldbesunkeninignoranceandvice。
Anotherstepinpapalassumptionwastaken，when，intheeleventhcentury，PopeGregoryVIIproclaimedtheperfectionoftheRomanChurch。Amongthepropositionswhichheputforthwasonedeclaringthatthechurchhadnevererred，norwoulditevererr，accordingtotheScriptures。ButtheScriptureproofsdidnotaccompanytheassertion。Theproudpontiffalsoclaimedthepowertodeposeemperors，anddeclaredthatnosentencewhichhepronouncedcouldbereversedbyanyone，butthatitwashisprerogativetoreversethedecisionsofallothers。(SeeAppendix。)
AstrikingillustrationofthetyrannicalcharacterofthisadvocateofinfallibilitywasgiveninhistreatmentoftheGermanemperor，HenryIV。
Forpresumingtodisregardthepope’sauthority，thismonarchwasdeclaredtobeexcommunicatedanddethroned。Terrifiedbythedesertionandthreatsofhisownprinces，whowereencouragedinrebellionagainsthimbythepapalmandate，HenryfeltthenecessityofmakinghispeacewithRome。IncompanywithhiswifeandafaithfulservanthecrossedtheAlpsinmidwinter，thathemighthumblehimselfbeforethepope。UponreachingthecastlewhitherGregoryhadwithdrawn，hewasconducted，withouthisguards，intoanoutercourt，andthere，intheseverecoldofwinter，withuncoveredheadandnaked58
feet，andinamiserabledress，heawaitedthepope’spermissiontocomeintohispresence。Notuntilhehadcontinuedthreedaysfastingandmakingconfession，didthepontiffcondescendtogranthimpardon。Eventhenitwasonlyuponconditionthattheemperorshouldawaitthesanctionofthepopebeforeresumingtheinsigniaorexercisingthepowerofroyalty。AndGregory，elatedwithhistriumph，boastedthatitwashisdutytopulldowntheprideofkings。
HowstrikingthecontrastbetweentheoverbearingprideofthishaughtypontiffandthemeeknessandgentlenessofChrist，whorepresentsHimselfaspleadingatthedooroftheheartforadmittance，thatHemaycomeintobringpardonandpeace，andwhotaughtHisdisciples:\"Whosoeverwillbechiefamongyou，lethimbeyourservant。\"Matthew20:27。
TheadvancingcenturieswitnessedaconstantincreaseoferrorinthedoctrinesputforthfromRome。Evenbeforetheestablishmentofthepapacytheteachingsofheathenphilosophershadreceivedattentionandexertedaninfluenceinthechurch。Manywhoprofessedconversionstillclungtothetenetsoftheirpaganphilosophy，andnotonlycontinueditsstudythemselves，buturgedituponothersasameansofextendingtheirinfluenceamongtheheathen。SeriouserrorswerethusintroducedintotheChristianfaith。Prominentamongthesewasthebeliefinman’snaturalimmortalityandhisconsciousnessindeath。ThisdoctrinelaidthefoundationuponwhichRomeestablishedtheinvocationofsaintsandtheadorationoftheVirginMary。Fromthissprangalsotheheresyofeternaltormentforthefinallyimpenitent，whichwasearlyincorporatedintothepapalfaith。
Thenthewaywaspreparedfortheintroductionofstillanotherinventionofpaganism，whichRomenamedpurgatory，andemployedtoterrifythecredulousandsuperstitiousmultitudes。Bythisheresyisaffirmedtheexistenceofaplaceoftorment，inwhichthesoulsofsuchashavenotmeritedeternaldamnationaretosufferpunishmentfortheirsins，59
andfromwhich，whenfreedfromimpurity，theyareadmittedtoheaven。(SeeAppendix。)
StillanotherfabricationwasneededtoenableRometoprofitbythefearsandthevicesofheradherents。Thiswassuppliedbythedoctrineofindulgences。Fullremissionofsins，past，present，andfuture，andreleasefromallthepainsandpenaltiesincurred，werepromisedtoallwhowouldenlistinthepontiff’swarstoextendhistemporaldominion，topunishhisenemies，ortoexterminatethosewhodareddenyhisspiritualsupremacy。Thepeoplewerealsotaughtthatbythepaymentofmoneytothechurchtheymightfreethemselvesfromsin，andalsoreleasethesoulsoftheirdeceasedfriendswhowereconfinedinthetormentingflames。BysuchmeansdidRomefillhercoffersandsustainthemagnificence，luxury，andviceofthepretendedrepresentativesofHimwhohadnotwheretolayHishead。(SeeAppendix。)
TheScripturalordinanceoftheLord’sSupperhadbeensupplantedbytheidolatroussacrificeofthemass。Papalpriestspretended，bytheirsenselessmummery，toconvertthesimplebreadandwineintotheactual\"bodyandbloodofChrist。\"——CardinalWiseman，TheRealPresenceoftheBodyandBloodofOurLordJesusChristintheBlessedEucharist，ProvedFromScripture，lecture8，sec。3，par。26。Withblasphemouspresumption，theyopenlyclaimedthepowerofcreatingGod，theCreatorofallthings。
Christianswererequired，onpainofdeath，toavowtheirfaithinthishorrible，Heaven-insultingheresy。Multitudeswhorefusedweregiventotheflames。(SeeAppendix。)
Inthethirteenthcenturywasestablishedthatmostterribleofalltheenginesofthepapacy——theInquisition。Theprinceofdarknesswroughtwiththeleadersofthepapalhierarchy。IntheirsecretcouncilsSatanandhisangelscontrolledthemindsofevilmen，whileunseeninthemidststoodanangelofGod，takingthefearfulrecordoftheiriniquitousdecreesandwritingthehistoryofdeedstoohorribletoappeartohumaneyes。\"Babylonthegreat\"was\"drunkenwiththebloodofthesaints。\"Themangledformsofmillionsof60
martyrscriedtoGodforvengeanceuponthatapostatepower。
Poperyhadbecometheworld’sdespot。KingsandemperorsbowedtothedecreesoftheRomanpontiff。Thedestiniesofmen，bothfortimeandforeternity，seemedunderhiscontrol。ForhundredsofyearsthedoctrinesofRomehadbeenextensivelyandimplicitlyreceived，itsritesreverentlyperformed，itsfestivalsgenerallyobserved。Itsclergywerehonoredandliberallysustained。NeversincehastheRomanChurchattainedtogreaterdignity，magnificence，orpower。
But\"thenoonofthepapacywasthemidnightoftheworld。\"——J。A。Wylie，TheHistoryofProtestantism，b。1，ch。4。TheHolyScriptureswerealmostunknown，notonlytothepeople，buttothepriests。LikethePhariseesofold，thepapalleadershatedthelightwhichwouldrevealtheirsins。God’slaw，thestandardofrighteousness，havingbeenremoved，theyexercisedpowerwithoutlimit，andpracticedvicewithoutrestraint。Fraud，avarice，andprofligacyprevailed。Menshrankfromnocrimebywhichtheycouldgainwealthorposition。Thepalacesofpopesandprelateswerescenesofthevilestdebauchery。Someofthereigningpontiffswereguiltyofcrimessorevoltingthatsecularrulersendeavoredtodeposethesedignitariesofthechurchasmonsterstooviletobetolerated。ForcenturiesEuropehadmadenoprogressinlearning，arts，orcivilization。AmoralandintellectualparalysishadfallenuponChristendom。
TheconditionoftheworldundertheRomishpowerpresentedafearfulandstrikingfulfillmentofthewordsoftheprophetHosea:\"Mypeoplearedestroyedforlackofknowledge:becausethouhastrejectedknowledge，I
willalsorejectthee:……seeingthouhastforgottenthelawofthyGod，Iwillalsoforgetthychildren。\"\"Thereisnotruth，normercy，norknowledgeofGodintheland。Byswearing，andlying，andkilling，andstealing，andcommittingadultery，theybreakout，andbloodtouchethblood。\"Hosea4:6，1，2。SuchweretheresultsofbanishingthewordofGod。
(61)
Chapter4
TheWaldensesAmidthegloomthatsettledupontheearthduringthelongperiodofpapalsupremacy，thelightoftruthcouldnotbewhollyextinguished。IneveryagetherewerewitnessesforGod——menwhocherishedfaithinChristastheonlymediatorbetweenGodandman，whoheldtheBibleastheonlyruleoflife，andwhohallowedthetrueSabbath。Howmuchtheworldowestothesemen，posteritywillneverknow。Theywerebrandedasheretics，theirmotivesimpugned，theircharactersmaligned，theirwritingssuppressed，misrepresented，ormutilated。Yettheystoodfirm，andfromagetoagemaintainedtheirfaithinitspurity，asasacredheritageforthegenerationstocome。
ThehistoryofGod’speopleduringtheagesofdarknessthatfolloweduponRome’ssupremacyiswritteninheaven，buttheyhavelittleplaceinhumanrecords。Fewtracesoftheirexistencecanbefound，exceptintheaccusationsoftheirpersecutors。ItwasthepolicyofRometoobliterateeverytraceofdissentfromherdoctrinesordecrees。Everythingheretical，whetherpersonsorwritings，shesoughttodestroy。Expressionsofdoubt，orquestionsastotheauthorityofpapaldogmas，wereenoughtoforfeitthelifeofrichorpoor，highorlow。Romeendeavoredalsotodestroyeveryrecordofhercrueltytowarddissenters。Papalcouncilsdecreedthatbooksandwritingscontainingsuchrecordsshould62
becommittedtotheflames。Beforetheinventionofprinting，bookswerefewinnumber，andinaformnotfavorableforpreservation；thereforetherewaslittletopreventtheRomanistsfromcarryingouttheirpurpose。
NochurchwithinthelimitsofRomishjurisdictionwaslongleftundisturbedintheenjoymentoffreedomofconscience。Nosoonerhadthepapacyobtainedpowerthanshestretchedoutherarmstocrushallthatrefusedtoacknowledgehersway，andoneafteranotherthechurchessubmittedtoherdominion。
InGreatBritainprimitiveChristianityhadveryearlytakenroot。ThegospelreceivedbytheBritonsinthefirstcenturieswasthenuncorruptedbyRomishapostasy。Persecutionfrompaganemperors，whichextendedeventothesefar-offshores，wastheonlygiftthatthefirstchurchesofBritainreceivedfromRome。ManyoftheChristians，fleeingfrompersecutioninEngland，foundrefugeinScotland；thencethetruthwascarriedtoIreland，andinallthesecountriesitwasreceivedwithgladness。
WhentheSaxonsinvadedBritain，heathenismgainedcontrol。Theconquerorsdisdainedtobeinstructedbytheirslaves，andtheChristianswereforcedtoretreattothemountainsandthewildmoors。Yetthelight，hiddenforatime，continuedtoburn。InScotland，acenturylater，itshoneoutwithabrightnessthatextendedtofar-distantlands。FromIrelandcamethepiousColumbaandhiscolaborers，who，gatheringaboutthemthescatteredbelieversonthelonelyislandofIona，madethisthecenteroftheirmissionarylabors。AmongtheseevangelistswasanobserveroftheBibleSabbath，andthusthistruthwasintroducedamongthepeople。AschoolwasestablishedatIona，fromwhichmissionarieswentout，notonlytoScotlandandEngland，buttoGermany，Switzerland，andevenItaly。
ButRomehadfixedhereyesonBritain，andresolvedtobringitunderhersupremacy。InthesixthcenturyhermissionariesundertooktheconversionoftheheathenSaxons。
63
Theywerereceivedwithfavorbytheproudbarbarians，andtheyinducedmanythousandstoprofesstheRomishfaith。Astheworkprogressed，thepapalleadersandtheirconvertsencounteredtheprimitiveChristians。Astrikingcontrastwaspresented。Thelatterweresimple，humble，andScripturalincharacter，doctrine，andmanners，whiletheformermanifestedthesuperstition，pomp，andarroganceofpopery。TheemissaryofRomedemandedthattheseChristianchurchesacknowledgethesupremacyofthesovereignpontiff。TheBritonsmeeklyrepliedthattheydesiredtoloveallmen，butthatthepopewasnotentitledtosupremacyinthechurch，andtheycouldrendertohimonlythatsubmissionwhichwasduetoeveryfollowerofChrist。RepeatedattemptsweremadetosecuretheirallegiancetoRome；butthesehumbleChristians，amazedatthepridedisplayedbyheremissaries，steadfastlyrepliedthattheyknewnoothermasterthanChrist。Nowthetruespiritofthepapacywasrevealed。SaidtheRomishleader:\"Ifyouwillnotreceivebrethrenwhobringyoupeace，youshallreceiveenemieswhowillbringyouwar。IfyouwillnotunitewithusinshowingtheSaxonsthewayoflife，youshallreceivefromthemthestrokeofdeath。\"——J。H。MerleD’Aubigne，HistoryoftheReformationoftheSixteenthCentury，b。17，ch。
2。Thesewerenoidlethreats。War，intrigue，anddeceptionwereemployedagainstthesewitnessesforaBiblefaith，untilthechurchesofBritainweredestroyed，orforcedtosubmittotheauthorityofthepope。
InlandsbeyondthejurisdictionofRomethereexistedformanycenturiesbodiesofChristianswhoremainedalmostwhollyfreefrompapalcorruption。
Theyweresurroundedbyheathenismandinthelapseofageswereaffectedbyitserrors；buttheycontinuedtoregardtheBibleastheonlyruleoffaithandadheredtomanyofitstruths。TheseChristiansbelievedintheperpetuityofthelawofGodandobservedtheSabbathofthefourthcommandment。ChurchesthatheldtothisfaithandpracticeexistedinCentralAfricaandamongtheArmeniansofAsia。
64
Butofthosewhoresistedtheencroachmentsofthepapalpower，theWaldensesstoodforemost。Intheverylandwherepoperyhadfixeditsseat，thereitsfalsehoodandcorruptionweremoststeadfastlyresisted。ForcenturiesthechurchesofPiedmontmaintainedtheirindependence；butthetimecameatlastwhenRomeinsistedupontheirsubmission。Afterineffectualstrugglesagainsthertyranny，theleadersofthesechurchesreluctantlyacknowledgedthesupremacyofthepowertowhichthewholeworldseemedtopayhomage。Thereweresome，however，whorefusedtoyieldtotheauthorityofpopeorprelate。TheyweredeterminedtomaintaintheirallegiancetoGodandtopreservethepurityandsimplicityoftheirfaith。
Aseparationtookplace。Thosewhoadheredtotheancientfaithnowwithdrew；some，forsakingtheirnativeAlps，raisedthebanneroftruthinforeignlands；othersretreatedtothesecludedglensandrockyfastnessesofthemountains，andtherepreservedtheirfreedomtoworshipGod。
ThefaithwhichforcenturieswasheldandtaughtbytheWaldensianChristianswasinmarkedcontrasttothefalsedoctrinesputforthfromRome。TheirreligiousbeliefwasfoundeduponthewrittenwordofGod，thetruesystemofChristianity。Butthosehumblepeasants，intheirobscureretreats，shutawayfromtheworld，andboundtodailytoilamongtheirflocksandtheirvineyards，hadnotbythemselvesarrivedatthetruthinoppositiontothedogmasandheresiesoftheapostatechurch。Theirswasnotafaithnewlyreceived。Theirreligiousbeliefwastheirinheritancefromtheirfathers。Theycontendedforthefaithoftheapostolicchurch，——\"thefaithwhichwasoncedelivereduntothesaints。\"Jude3。\"Thechurchinthewilderness，\"andnottheproudhierarchyenthronedintheworld’sgreatcapital，wasthetruechurchofChrist，theguardianofthetreasuresoftruthwhichGodhascommittedtoHispeopletobegiventotheworld。
65
AmongtheleadingcausesthathadledtotheseparationofthetruechurchfromRomewasthehatredofthelattertowardtheBibleSabbath。Asforetoldbyprophecy，thepapalpowercastdownthetruthtotheground。ThelawofGodwastrampledinthedust，whilethetraditionsandcustomsofmenwereexalted。ThechurchesthatwereundertheruleofthepapacywereearlycompelledtohonortheSundayasaholyday。Amidtheprevailingerrorandsuperstition，many，evenofthetruepeopleofGod，becamesobewilderedthatwhiletheyobservedtheSabbath，theyrefrainedfromlaboralsoontheSunday。Butthisdidnotsatisfythepapalleaders。TheydemandednotonlythatSundaybehallowed，butthattheSabbathbeprofaned；andtheydenouncedinthestrongestlanguagethosewhodaredtoshowithonor。ItwasonlybyfleeingfromthepowerofRomethatanycouldobeyGod’slawinpeace。(SeeAppendix。)
TheWaldenseswereamongthefirstofthepeoplesofEuropetoobtainatranslationoftheHolyScriptures。(SeeAppendix。)HundredsofyearsbeforetheReformationtheypossessedtheBibleinmanuscriptintheirnativetongue。Theyhadthetruthunadulterated，andthisrenderedthemthespecialobjectsofhatredandpersecution。TheydeclaredtheChurchofRometobetheapostateBabylonoftheApocalypse，andattheperiloftheirlivestheystooduptoresisthercorruptions。While，underthepressureoflong-continuedpersecution，somecompromisedtheirfaith，littlebylittleyieldingitsdistinctiveprinciples，othersheldfastthetruth。ThroughagesofdarknessandapostasytherewereWaldenseswhodeniedthesupremacyofRome，whorejectedimageworshipasidolatry，andwhokeptthetrueSabbath。Underthefiercesttempestsofoppositiontheymaintainedtheirfaith。ThoughgashedbytheSavoyardspear，andscorchedbytheRomishfagot，theystoodunflinchinglyforGod’swordandHishonor。
Behindtheloftybulwarksofthemountains——inallagestherefugeofthepersecutedandoppressed——theWaldenses66
foundahidingplace。HerethelightoftruthwaskeptburningamidthedarknessoftheMiddleAges。Here，forathousandyears，witnessesforthetruthmaintainedtheancientfaith。
GodhadprovidedforHispeopleasanctuaryofawfulgrandeur，befittingthemightytruthscommittedtotheirtrust。TothosefaithfulexilesthemountainswereanemblemoftheimmutablerighteousnessofJehovah。Theypointedtheirchildrentotheheightstoweringabovetheminunchangingmajesty，andspoketothemofHimwithwhomthereisnovariablenessnorshadowofturning，whosewordisasenduringastheeverlastinghills。Godhadsetfastthemountainsandgirdedthemwithstrength；noarmbutthatofInfinitePowercouldmovethemoutoftheirplace。InlikemannerHehadestablishedHislaw，thefoundationofHisgovernmentinheavenanduponearth。Thearmofmanmightreachhisfellowmenanddestroytheirlives；
butthatarmcouldasreadilyuprootthemountainsfromtheirfoundations，andhurlthemintothesea，asitcouldchangeonepreceptofthelawofJehovah，orblotoutoneofHispromisestothosewhodoHiswill。IntheirfidelitytoHislaw，God’sservantsshouldbeasfirmastheunchanginghills。
ThemountainsthatgirdedtheirlowlyvalleyswereaconstantwitnesstoGod’screativepower，andanever-failingassuranceofHisprotectingcare。
ThosepilgrimslearnedtolovethesilentsymbolsofJehovah’spresence。
Theyindulgednorepiningbecauseofthehardshipsoftheirlot；theywereneverlonelyamidthemountainsolitudes。TheythankedGodthatHehadprovidedforthemanasylumfromthewrathandcrueltyofmen。TheyrejoicedintheirfreedomtoworshipbeforeHim。Oftenwhenpursuedbytheirenemies，thestrengthofthehillsprovedasuredefense。FrommanyaloftyclifftheychantedthepraiseofGod，andthearmiesofRomecouldnotsilencetheirsongsofthanksgiving。
67
Pure，simple，andferventwasthepietyofthesefollowersofChrist。Theprinciplesoftruththeyvaluedabovehousesandlands，friends，kindred，evenlifeitself。Theseprinciplestheyearnestlysoughttoimpressupontheheartsoftheyoung。FromearliestchildhoodtheyouthwereinstructedintheScripturesandtaughttoregardsacredlytheclaimsofthelawofGod。
CopiesoftheBiblewererare；thereforeitspreciouswordswerecommittedtomemory。ManywereabletorepeatlargeportionsofboththeOldandtheNewTestament。ThoughtsofGodwereassociatedalikewiththesublimesceneryofnatureandwiththehumbleblessingsofdailylife。LittlechildrenlearnedtolookwithgratitudetoGodasthegiverofeveryfavorandeverycomfort。
Parents，tenderandaffectionateastheywere，lovedtheirchildrentoowiselytoaccustomthemtoself-indulgence。Beforethemwasalifeoftrialandhardship，perhapsamartyr’sdeath。Theywereeducatedfromchildhoodtoendurehardness，tosubmittocontrol，andyettothinkandactforthemselves。Veryearlytheyweretaughttobearresponsibilities，tobeguardedinspeech，andtounderstandthewisdomofsilence。Oneindiscreetwordletfallinthehearingoftheirenemiesmightimperilnotonlythelifeofthespeaker，butthelivesofhundredsofhisbrethren；foraswolveshuntingtheirpreydidtheenemiesoftruthpursuethosewhodaredtoclaimfreedomofreligiousfaith。
TheWaldenseshadsacrificedtheirworldlyprosperityforthetruth’ssake，andwithperseveringpatiencetheytoiledfortheirbread。Everyspotoftillablelandamongthemountainswascarefullyimproved；thevalleysandthelessfertilehillsidesweremadetoyieldtheirincrease。Economyandsevereself-denialformedapartoftheeducationwhichthechildrenreceivedastheironlylegacy。TheyweretaughtthatGoddesignslifetobeadiscipline，andthattheirwantscouldbesuppliedonlybypersonallabor，byforethought，care，andfaith。Theprocesswaslaboriousandwearisome，butitwas68
wholesome，justwhatmanneedsinhisfallenstate，theschoolwhichGodhasprovidedforhistraininganddevelopment。Whiletheyouthwereinuredtotoilandhardship，thecultureoftheintellectwasnotneglected。TheyweretaughtthatalltheirpowersbelongedtoGod，andthatallweretobeimprovedanddevelopedforHisservice。
TheVaudoischurches，intheirpurityandsimplicity，resembledthechurchofapostolictimes。Rejectingthesupremacyofthepopeandprelate，theyheldtheBibleastheonlysupreme，infallibleauthority。Theirpastors，unlikethelordlypriestsofRome，followedtheexampleoftheirMaster，who\"camenottobeministeredunto，buttominister。\"TheyfedtheflockofGod，leadingthemtothegreenpasturesandlivingfountainsofHisholyword。Farfromthemonumentsofhumanpompandpridethepeopleassembled，notinmagnificentchurchesorgrandcathedrals，butbeneaththeshadowofthemountains，intheAlpinevalleys，or，intimeofdanger，insomerockystronghold，tolistentothewordsoftruthfromtheservantsofChrist。Thepastorsnotonlypreachedthegospel，buttheyvisitedthesick，catechizedthechildren，admonishedtheerring，andlaboredtosettledisputesandpromoteharmonyandbrotherlylove。Intimesofpeacetheyweresustainedbythefreewillofferingsofthepeople；but，likePaulthetentmaker，eachlearnedsometradeorprofessionbywhich，ifnecessary，toprovideforhisownsupport。
Fromtheirpastorstheyouthreceivedinstruction。Whileattentionwasgiventobranchesofgenerallearning，theBiblewasmadethechiefstudy。TheGospelsofMatthewandJohnwerecommittedtomemory，withmanyoftheEpistles。TheywereemployedalsoincopyingtheScriptures。SomemanuscriptscontainedthewholeBible，othersonlybriefselections，towhichsomesimpleexplanationsofthetextwereaddedbythosewhowereabletoexpoundtheScriptures。Thuswerebroughtforththetreasuresoftruthsolong69
concealedbythosewhosoughttoexaltthemselvesaboveGod。
Bypatient，untiringlabor，sometimesinthedeep，darkcavernsoftheearth，bythelightoftorches，theSacredScriptureswerewrittenout，versebyverse，chapterbychapter。Thustheworkwenton，therevealedwillofGodshiningoutlikepuregold；howmuchbrighter，clearer，andmorepowerfulbecauseofthetrialsundergoneforitssakeonlythosecouldrealizewhowereengagedinthework。Angelsfromheavensurroundedthesefaithfulworkers。
Satanhadurgedonthepapalpriestsandprelatestoburythewordoftruthbeneaththerubbishoferror，heresy，andsuperstition；butinamostwonderfulmanneritwaspreserveduncorruptedthroughalltheagesofdarkness。Itborenotthestampofman，buttheimpressofGod。Menhavebeenunweariedintheireffortstoobscuretheplain，simplemeaningoftheScriptures，andtomakethemcontradicttheirowntestimony；butlikethearkuponthebillowydeep，thewordofGodoutridesthestormsthatthreatenitwithdestruction。Astheminehasrichveinsofgoldandsilverhiddenbeneaththesurface，sothatallmustdigwhowoulddiscoveritspreciousstores，sotheHolyScriptureshavetreasuresoftruththatarerevealedonlytotheearnest，humble，prayerfulseeker。GoddesignedtheBibletobealessonbooktoallmankind，inchildhood，youth，andmanhood，andtobestudiedthroughalltime。HegaveHiswordtomenasarevelationofHimself。EverynewtruthdiscernedisafreshdisclosureofthecharacterofitsAuthor。ThestudyoftheScripturesisthemeansdivinelyordainedtobringmenintocloserconnectionwiththeirCreatorandtogivethemaclearerknowledgeofHiswill。ItisthemediumofcommunicationbetweenGodandman。
WhiletheWaldensesregardedthefearoftheLordasthebeginningofwisdom，theywerenotblindtotheimportanceofacontactwiththeworld，aknowledgeofmenandof70
activelife，inexpandingthemindandquickeningtheperceptions。FromtheirschoolsinthemountainssomeoftheyouthweresenttoinstitutionsoflearninginthecitiesofFranceorItaly，wherewasamoreextendedfieldforstudy，thought，andobservationthanintheirnativeAlps。Theyouththussentforthwereexposedtotemptation，theywitnessedvice，theyencounteredSatan’swilyagents，whourgeduponthemthemostsubtleheresiesandthemostdangerousdeceptions。Buttheireducationfromchildhoodhadbeenofacharactertopreparethemforallthis。
Intheschoolswhithertheywent，theywerenottomakeconfidantsofany。
Theirgarmentsweresopreparedastoconcealtheirgreatesttreasure——thepreciousmanuscriptsoftheScriptures。These，thefruitofmonthsandyearsoftoil，theycarriedwiththem，andwhenevertheycoulddosowithoutexcitingsuspicion，theycautiouslyplacedsomeportioninthewayofthosewhoseheartsseemedopentoreceivethetruth。Fromtheirmother’skneetheWaldensianyouthhadbeentrainedwiththispurposeinview；theyunderstoodtheirworkandfaithfullyperformedit。Convertstothetruefaithwerewonintheseinstitutionsoflearning，andfrequentlyitsprincipleswerefoundtobepermeatingtheentireschool；yetthepapalleaderscouldnot，bytheclosestinquiry，tracetheso-calledcorruptingheresytoitssource。
ThespiritofChristisamissionaryspirit。TheveryfirstimpulseoftherenewedheartistobringothersalsototheSaviour。SuchwasthespiritoftheVaudoisChristians。TheyfeltthatGodrequiredmoreofthemthanmerelytopreservethetruthinitspurityintheirownchurches；thatasolemnresponsibilityresteduponthemtolettheirlightshineforthtothosewhowereindarkness；bythemightypowerofGod’swordtheysoughttobreakthebondagewhichRomehadimposed。TheVaudoisministersweretrainedasmissionaries，everyonewhoexpectedtoentertheministrybeingrequiredfirsttogainanexperienceasanevangelist。Each71
wastoservethreeyearsinsomemissionfieldbeforetakingchargeofachurchathome。Thisservice，requiringattheoutsetself-denialandsacrifice，wasafittingintroductiontothepastor’slifeinthosetimesthattriedmen’ssouls。Theyouthwhoreceivedordinationtothesacredofficesawbeforethem，nottheprospectofearthlywealthandglory，butalifeoftoilanddanger，andpossiblyamartyr’sfate。Themissionarieswentouttwoandtwo，asJesussentforthHisdisciples。Witheachyoungmanwasusuallyassociatedamanofageandexperience，theyouthbeingundertheguidanceofhiscompanion，whowasheldresponsibleforhistraining，andwhoseinstructionhewasrequiredtoheed。Thesecolaborerswerenotalwaystogether，butoftenmetforprayerandcounsel，thusstrengtheningeachotherinthefaith。
Tohavemadeknowntheobjectoftheirmissionwouldhaveensureditsdefeat；thereforetheycarefullyconcealedtheirrealcharacter。Everyministerpossessedaknowledgeofsometradeorprofession，andthemissionariesprosecutedtheirworkundercoverofasecularcalling。Usuallytheychosethatofmerchantorpeddler。\"Theycarriedsilks，jewelry，andotherarticles，atthattimenoteasilypurchasablesaveatdistantmarts；
andtheywerewelcomedasmerchantswheretheywouldhavebeenspurnedasmissionaries。\"——Wylie，b。1，ch。7。AllthewhiletheirheartswereupliftedtoGodforwisdomtopresentatreasuremorepreciousthangoldorgems。TheysecretlycarriedaboutwiththemcopiesoftheBible，inwholeorinpart；andwheneveranopportunitywaspresented，theycalledtheattentionoftheircustomerstothesemanuscripts。OftenaninteresttoreadGod’swordwasthusawakened，andsomeportionwasgladlyleftwiththosewhodesiredtoreceiveit。
Theworkofthesemissionariesbeganintheplainsandvalleysatthefootoftheirownmountains，butitextendedfarbeyondtheselimits。Withnakedfeetandingarmentscoarseandtravel-stainedaswerethoseoftheirMaster，72
theypassedthroughgreatcitiesandpenetratedtodistantlands。Everywheretheyscatteredthepreciousseed。Churchessprangupintheirpath，andthebloodofmartyrswitnessedforthetruth。ThedayofGodwillrevealarichharvestofsoulsgarneredbythelaborsofthesefaithfulmen。Veiledandsilent，thewordofGodwasmakingitswaythroughChristendomandmeetingagladreceptioninthehomesandheartsofmen。
TotheWaldensestheScriptureswerenotmerelyarecordofGod’sdealingswithmeninthepast，andarevelationoftheresponsibilitiesanddutiesofthepresent，butanunfoldingoftheperilsandgloriesofthefuture。Theybelievedthattheendofallthingswasnotfardistant，andastheystudiedtheBiblewithprayerandtearstheywerethemoredeeplyimpressedwithitspreciousutterancesandwiththeirdutytomakeknowntoothersitssavingtruths。Theysawtheplanofsalvationclearlyrevealedinthesacredpages，andtheyfoundcomfort，hope，andpeaceinbelievinginJesus。Asthelightilluminatedtheirunderstandingandmadegladtheirhearts，theylongedtosheditsbeamsuponthosewhowereinthedarknessofpapalerror。
Theysawthatundertheguidanceofpopeandpriest，multitudeswerevainlyendeavoringtoobtainpardonbyafflictingtheirbodiesforthesinoftheirsouls。Taughttotrusttotheirgoodworkstosavethem，theywereeverlookingtothemselves，theirmindsdwellingupontheirsinfulcondition，seeingthemselvesexposedtothewrathofGod，afflictingsoulandbody，yetfindingnorelief。ThusconscientioussoulswereboundbythedoctrinesofRome。Thousandsabandonedfriendsandkindred，andspenttheirlivesinconventcells。Byoft-repeatedfastsandcruelscourgings，bymidnightvigils，byprostrationforwearyhoursuponthecold，dampstonesoftheirdrearyabode，bylongpilgrimages，byhumiliatingpenanceandfearfultorture，thousandsvainlysoughttoobtainpeaceofconscience。Oppressedwithasenseofsin，andhauntedwiththefearofGod’savenging73
wrath，manysufferedon，untilexhaustednaturegaveway，andwithoutonerayoflightorhopetheysankintothetomb。
TheWaldenseslongedtobreaktothesestarvingsoulsthebreadoflife，toopentothemthemessagesofpeaceinthepromisesofGod，andtopointthemtoChristastheironlyhopeofsalvation。ThedoctrinethatgoodworkscanatoneforthetransgressionofGod’slawtheyheldtobebaseduponfalsehood。RelianceuponhumanmeritinterceptstheviewofChrist’sinfinitelove。JesusdiedasasacrificeformanbecausethefallenracecandonothingtorecommendthemselvestoGod。ThemeritsofacrucifiedandrisenSaviourarethefoundationoftheChristian’sfaith。ThedependenceofthesouluponChristisasreal，anditsconnectionwithHimmustbeasclose，asthatofalimbtothebody，orofabranchtothevine。
TheteachingsofpopesandpriestshadledmentolookuponthecharacterofGod，andevenofChrist，asstern，gloomy，andforbidding。TheSaviourwasrepresentedassofardevoidofsympathywithmaninhisfallenstatethatthemediationofpriestsandsaintsmustbeinvoked。ThosewhosemindshadbeenenlightenedbythewordofGodlongedtopointthesesoulstoJesusastheircompassionate，lovingSaviour，standingwithoutstretchedarms，invitingalltocometoHimwiththeirburdenofsin，theircareandweariness。TheylongedtoclearawaytheobstructionswhichSatanhadpiledupthatmenmightnotseethepromises，andcomedirectlytoGod，confessingtheirsins，andobtainingpardonandpeace。
EagerlydidtheVaudoismissionaryunfoldtotheinquiringmindtheprecioustruthsofthegospel。CautiouslyheproducedthecarefullywrittenportionsoftheHolyScriptures。Itwashisgreatestjoytogivehopetotheconscientious，sin-strickensoul，whocouldseeonlyaGodofvengeance，waitingtoexecutejustice。Withquiveringlipandtearfuleyedidhe，oftenonbendedknees，opentohisbrethrenthe74
preciouspromisesthatrevealthesinner’sonlyhope。Thusthelightoftruthpenetratedmanyadarkenedmind，rollingbackthecloudofgloom，untiltheSunofRighteousnessshoneintotheheartwithhealinginHisbeams。ItwasoftenthecasethatsomeportionofScripturewasreadagainandagain，thehearerdesiringittoberepeated，asifhewouldassurehimselfthathehadheardaright。Especiallywastherepetitionofthesewordseagerlydesired:\"ThebloodofJesusChristHisSoncleansethusfromallsin。\"1John1:7。\"AsMoseslifteduptheserpentinthewilderness，evensomusttheSonofmanbeliftedup:thatwhosoeverbelievethinHimshouldnotperish，buthaveeternallife。\"John3:14，15。
ManywereundeceivedinregardtotheclaimsofRome。Theysawhowvainisthemediationofmenorangelsinbehalfofthesinner。Asthetruelightdawnedupontheirmindstheyexclaimedwithrejoicing:\"Christismypriest；
Hisbloodismysacrifice；Hisaltarismyconfessional。\"TheycastthemselveswhollyuponthemeritsofJesus，repeatingthewords，\"WithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseHim。\"Hebrews11:6。\"Thereisnoneothernameunderheavengivenamongmen，wherebywemustbesaved。\"Acts4:12。
TheassuranceofaSaviour’sloveseemedtoomuchforsomeofthesepoortempest-tossedsoulstorealize。Sogreatwasthereliefwhichitbrought，suchafloodoflightwassheduponthem，thattheyseemedtransportedtoheaven。TheirhandswerelaidconfidinglyinthehandofChrist；theirfeetwereplantedupontheRockofAges。Allfearofdeathwasbanished。TheycouldnowcovettheprisonandthefagotiftheymighttherebyhonorthenameoftheirRedeemer。
InsecretplacesthewordofGodwasthusbroughtforthandread，sometimestoasinglesoul，sometimestoalittlecompanywhowerelongingforlightandtruth。Oftentheentirenightwasspentinthismanner。Sogreatwouldbethewonderandadmirationofthelistenersthatthemessengerofmercywasnotinfrequentlycompelledtoceasehisreading75
untiltheunderstandingcouldgraspthetidingsofsalvation。Oftenwouldwordslikethesebeuttered:\"WillGodindeedacceptmyoffering？WillHesmileuponme？WillHepardonme？\"Theanswerwasread:\"ComeuntoMe，allyethatlaborandareheavy-laden，andIwillgiveyourrest。\"Matthew11:28。
Faithgraspedthepromise，andthegladresponsewasheard:\"Nomorelongpilgrimagestomake；nomorepainfuljourneystoholyshrines。ImaycometoJesusjustasIam，sinfulandunholy，andHewillnotspurnthepenitentialprayer。’Thysinsbeforgiventhee。’Mine，evenmine，maybeforgiven！\"
Atideofsacredjoywouldfilltheheart，andthenameofJesuswouldbemagnifiedbypraiseandthanksgiving。Thosehappysoulsreturnedtotheirhomestodiffuselight，torepeattoothers，aswellastheycould，theirnewexperience；thattheyhadfoundthetrueandlivingWay。TherewasastrangeandsolemnpowerinthewordsofScripturethatspokedirectlytotheheartsofthosewhowerelongingforthetruth。ItwasthevoiceofGod，anditcarriedconvictiontothosewhoheard。
Themessengeroftruthwentonhisway；buthisappearanceofhumility，hissincerity，hisearnestnessanddeepfervor，weresubjectsoffrequentremark。Inmanyinstanceshishearershadnotaskedhimwhencehecameorwhitherhewent。Theyhadbeensooverwhelmed，atfirstwithsurprise，andafterwardwithgratitudeandjoy，thattheyhadnotthoughttoquestionhim。
Whentheyhadurgedhimtoaccompanythemtotheirhomes，hehadrepliedthathemustvisitthelostsheepoftheflock。Couldhehavebeenanangelfromheaven？theyqueried。
Inmanycasesthemessengeroftruthwasseennomore。Hehadmadehiswaytootherlands，orhewaswearingouthislifeinsomeunknowndungeon，orperhapshisboneswerewhiteningonthespotwherehehadwitnessedforthe76
truth。Butthewordshehadleftbehindcouldnotbedestroyed。Theyweredoingtheirworkintheheartsofmen；theblessedresultswillbefullyknownonlyinthejudgment。
TheWaldensianmissionarieswereinvadingthekingdomofSatan，andthepowersofdarknessarousedtogreatervigilance。Everyefforttoadvancethetruthwaswatchedbytheprinceofevil，andheexcitedthefearsofhisagents。Thepapalleaderssawaportentofdangertotheircausefromthelaborsofthesehumbleitinerants。Ifthelightoftruthwereallowedtoshineunobstructed，itwouldsweepawaytheheavycloudsoferrorthatenvelopedthepeople。ItwoulddirectthemindsofmentoGodaloneandwouldeventuallydestroythesupremacyofRome。
Theveryexistenceofthispeople，holdingthefaithoftheancientchurch，wasaconstanttestimonytoRome’sapostasy，andthereforeexcitedthemostbitterhatredandpersecution。TheirrefusaltosurrendertheScriptureswasalsoanoffensethatRomecouldnottolerate。Shedeterminedtoblotthemfromtheearth。NowbeganthemostterriblecrusadesagainstGod’speopleintheirmountainhomes。Inquisitorswereputupontheirtrack，andthesceneofinnocentAbelfallingbeforethemurderousCainwasoftenrepeated。
Againandagainweretheirfertilelandslaidwaste，theirdwellingsandchapelssweptaway，sothatwhereoncewereflourishingfieldsandthehomesofaninnocent，industriouspeople，thereremainedonlyadesert。Astheravenousbeastisrenderedmorefuriousbythetasteofblood，sotherageofthepapistswaskindledtogreaterintensitybythesufferingsoftheirvictims。Manyofthesewitnessesforapurefaithwerepursuedacrossthemountainsandhunteddowninthevalleyswheretheywerehidden，shutinbymightyforestsandpinnaclesofrock。
Nochargecouldbebroughtagainstthemoralcharacterofthisproscribedclass。Eventheirenemiesdeclaredthemtobeapeaceable，quiet，piouspeople。TheirgrandoffensewasthattheywouldnotworshipGodaccordingtothewill77
ofthepope。Forthiscrimeeveryhumiliation，insult，andtorturethatmenordevilscouldinventwasheapeduponthem。
WhenRomeatonetimedeterminedtoexterminatethehatedsect，abullwasissuedbythepope，condemningthemasheretics，anddeliveringthemtoslaughter。(SeeAppendix。)Theywerenotaccusedasidlers，ordishonest，ordisorderly；butitwasdeclaredthattheyhadanappearanceofpietyandsanctitythatseduced\"thesheepofthetruefold。\"Thereforethepopeordered\"thatmaliciousandabominablesectofmalignants，\"ifthey\"refusetoabjure，tobecrushedlikevenomoussnakes。\"——Wylie，b。16，ch。1。Didthishaughtypotentateexpecttomeetthosewordsagain？Didheknowthattheywereregisteredinthebooksofheaven，toconfronthimatthejudgment？\"InasmuchasyehavedoneituntooneoftheleastoftheseMybrethren，\"saidJesus，\"yehavedoneituntoMe。\"Matthew25:40。
Thisbullcalleduponallmembersofthechurchtojointhecrusadeagainsttheheretics。Asanincentivetoengageinthiscruelwork，it\"absolvedfromallecclesiasticalpainsandpenalties，generalandparticular；itreleasedallwhojoinedthecrusadefromanyoathstheymighthavetaken；itlegitimatizedtheirtitletoanypropertytheymighthaveillegallyacquired；andpromisedremissionofalltheirsinstosuchasshouldkillanyheretic。ItannulledallcontractsmadeinfavorofVaudois，orderedtheirdomesticstoabandonthem，forbadeallpersonstogivethemanyaidwhatever，andempoweredallpersonstotakepossessionoftheirproperty。\"——Wylie，b。16，ch。1。Thisdocumentclearlyrevealsthemasterspiritbehindthescenes。Itistheroarofthedragon，andnotthevoiceofChrist，thatisheardtherein。
ThepapalleaderswouldnotconformtheircharacterstothegreatstandardofGod’slaw，buterectedastandardtosuitthemselves，anddeterminedtocompelalltoconformtothisbecauseRomewilledit。Themosthorribletragedieswereenacted。CorruptandblasphemouspriestsandpopesweredoingtheworkwhichSatanappointedthem。Mercyhad78
noplaceintheirnatures。ThesamespiritthatcrucifiedChristandslewtheapostles，thesamethatmovedtheblood-thirstyNeroagainstthefaithfulinhisday，wasatworktoridtheearthofthosewhowerebelovedofGod。
ThepersecutionsvisitedformanycenturiesuponthisGod-fearingpeoplewereenduredbythemwithapatienceandconstancythathonoredtheirRedeemer。Notwithstandingthecrusadesagainstthem，andtheinhumanbutcherytowhichtheyweresubjected，theycontinuedtosendouttheirmissionariestoscattertheprecioustruth。Theywerehuntedtodeath；yettheirbloodwateredtheseedsown，anditfailednotofyieldingfruit。ThustheWaldenseswitnessedforGodcenturiesbeforethebirthofLuther。
Scatteredovermanylands，theyplantedtheseedsoftheReformationthatbeganinthetimeofWycliffe，grewbroadanddeepinthedaysofLuther，andistobecarriedforwardtothecloseoftimebythosewhoalsoarewillingtosufferallthingsfor\"thewordofGod，andforthetestimonyofJesusChrist。\"Revelation1:9。
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Chapter5
JohnWycliffeBeforetheReformationtherewereattimesbutveryfewcopiesoftheBibleinexistence，butGodhadnotsufferedHiswordtobewhollydestroyed。Itstruthswerenottobeforeverhidden。HecouldaseasilyunchainthewordsoflifeasHecouldopenprisondoorsandunboltirongatestosetHisservantsfree。InthedifferentcountriesofEuropemenweremovedbytheSpiritofGodtosearchforthetruthasforhidtreasures。ProvidentiallyguidedtotheHolyScriptures，theystudiedthesacredpageswithintenseinterest。Theywerewillingtoacceptthelightatanycosttothemselves。
Thoughtheydidnotseeallthingsclearly，theywereenabledtoperceivemanylong-buriedtruths。AsHeaven-sentmessengerstheywentforth，rendingasunderthechainsoferrorandsuperstition，andcallinguponthosewhohadbeensolongenslaved，toariseandasserttheirliberty。
ExceptamongtheWaldenses，thewordofGodhadforagesbeenlockedupinlanguagesknownonlytothelearned；butthetimehadcomefortheScripturestobetranslatedandgiventothepeopleofdifferentlandsintheirnativetongue。Theworldhadpasseditsmidnight。Thehoursofdarknesswerewearingaway，andinmanylandsappearedtokensofthecomingdawn。
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InthefourteenthcenturyaroseinEnglandthe\"morningstaroftheReformation。\"JohnWycliffewastheheraldofreform，notforEnglandalone，butforallChristendom。ThegreatprotestagainstRomewhichitwaspermittedhimtoutterwasnevertobesilenced。Thatprotestopenedthestrugglewhichwastoresultintheemancipationofindividuals，ofchurches，andofnations。
Wycliffereceivedaliberaleducation，andwithhimthefearoftheLordwasthebeginningofwisdom。Hewasnotedatcollegeforhisferventpietyaswellasforhisremarkabletalentsandsoundscholarship。Inhisthirstforknowledgehesoughttobecomeacquaintedwitheverybranchoflearning。Hewaseducatedinthescholasticphilosophy，inthecanonsofthechurch，andinthecivillaw，especiallythatofhisowncountry。Inhisafterlaborsthevalueofthisearlytrainingwasapparent。Athoroughacquaintancewiththespeculativephilosophyofhistimeenabledhimtoexposeitserrors；andbyhisstudyofnationalandecclesiasticallawhewaspreparedtoengageinthegreatstruggleforcivilandreligiousliberty。WhilehecouldwieldtheweaponsdrawnfromthewordofGod，hehadacquiredtheintellectualdisciplineoftheschools，andheunderstoodthetacticsoftheschoolmen。
Thepowerofhisgeniusandtheextentandthoroughnessofhisknowledgecommandedtherespectofbothfriendsandfoes。Hisadherentssawwithsatisfactionthattheirchampionstoodforemostamongtheleadingmindsofthenation；andhisenemieswerepreventedfromcastingcontemptuponthecauseofreformbyexposingtheignoranceorweaknessofitssupporter。
WhileWycliffewasstillatcollege，heentereduponthestudyoftheScriptures。Inthoseearlytimes，whentheBibleexistedonlyintheancientlanguages，scholarswereenabledtofindtheirwaytothefountainoftruth，whichwasclosedtotheuneducatedclasses。ThusalreadythewayhadbeenpreparedforWycliffe’sfutureworkasaReformer。Men81
oflearninghadstudiedthewordofGodandhadfoundthegreattruthofHisfreegracethererevealed。Intheirteachingstheyhadspreadaknowledgeofthistruth，andhadledotherstoturntothelivingoracles。
WhenWycliffe’sattentionwasdirectedtotheScriptures，heenteredupontheirinvestigationwiththesamethoroughnesswhichhadenabledhimtomasterthelearningoftheschools。Heretoforehehadfeltagreatwant，whichneitherhisscholasticstudiesnortheteachingofthechurchcouldsatisfy。InthewordofGodhefoundthatwhichhehadbeforesoughtinvain。HerehesawtheplanofsalvationrevealedandChristsetforthastheonlyadvocateforman。HegavehimselftotheserviceofChristanddeterminedtoproclaimthetruthshehaddiscovered。
LikeafterReformers，Wycliffedidnot，attheopeningofhiswork，foreseewhitheritwouldleadhim。HedidnotsethimselfdeliberatelyinoppositiontoRome。Butdevotiontotruthcouldnotbutbringhiminconflictwithfalsehood。Themoreclearlyhediscernedtheerrorsofthepapacy，themoreearnestlyhepresentedtheteachingoftheBible。HesawthatRomehadforsakenthewordofGodforhumantradition；hefearlesslyaccusedthepriesthoodofhavingbanishedtheScriptures，anddemandedthattheBibleberestoredtothepeopleandthatitsauthoritybeagainestablishedinthechurch。Hewasanableandearnestteacherandaneloquentpreacher，andhisdailylifewasademonstrationofthetruthshepreached。HisknowledgeoftheScriptures，theforceofhisreasoning，thepurityofhislife，andhisunbendingcourageandintegritywonforhimgeneralesteemandconfidence。
ManyofthepeoplehadbecomedissatisfiedwiththeirformerfaithastheysawtheiniquitythatprevailedintheRomanChurch，andtheyhailedwithunconcealedjoythetruthsbroughttoviewbyWycliffe；butthepapalleaderswerefilledwithragewhentheyperceivedthatthisReformerwasgaininganinfluencegreaterthantheirown。
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Wycliffewasakeendetectoroferror，andhestruckfearlesslyagainstmanyoftheabusessanctionedbytheauthorityofRome。Whileactingaschaplainfortheking，hetookaboldstandagainstthepaymentoftributeclaimedbythepopefromtheEnglishmonarchandshowedthatthepapalassumptionofauthorityoversecularrulerswascontrarytobothreasonandrevelation。
Thedemandsofthepopehadexcitedgreatindignation，andWycliffe’steachingsexertedaninfluenceupontheleadingmindsofthenation。Thekingandthenoblesunitedindenyingthepontiff’sclaimtotemporalauthorityandinrefusingthepaymentofthetribute。ThusaneffectualblowwasstruckagainstthepapalsupremacyinEngland。
AnotherevilagainstwhichtheReformerwagedlongandresolutebattlewastheinstitutionoftheordersofmendicantfriars。ThesefriarsswarmedinEngland，castingablightuponthegreatnessandprosperityofthenation。
Industry，education，morals，allfeltthewitheringinfluence。Themonk’slifeofidlenessandbeggarywasnotonlyaheavydrainupontheresourcesofthepeople，butitbroughtusefullaborintocontempt。Theyouthweredemoralizedandcorrupted。Bytheinfluenceofthefriarsmanywereinducedtoenteracloisteranddevotethemselvestoamonasticlife，andthisnotonlywithouttheconsentoftheirparents，butevenwithouttheirknowledgeandcontrarytotheircommands。OneoftheearlyFathersoftheRomanChurch，urgingtheclaimsofmonasticismabovetheobligationsoffilialloveandduty，haddeclared:\"Thoughthyfathershouldliebeforethydoorweepingandlamenting，andthymothershouldshowthebodythatboretheeandthebreaststhatnursedthee，seethatthoutramplethemunderfoot，andgoonwardstraightwaytoChrist。\"Bythis\"monstrousinhumanity，\"asLutherafterwardstyledit，\"savoringmoreofthewolfandthetyrantthanoftheChristianandtheman，\"weretheheartsofchildrensteeledagainsttheirparents——BarnasSears，TheLifeofLuther，pages70，69。Thusdidthepapal83
leaders，likethePhariseesofold，makethecommandmentofGodofnoneeffectbytheirtradition。Thushomesweremadedesolateandparentsweredeprivedofthesocietyoftheirsonsanddaughters。
Eventhestudentsintheuniversitiesweredeceivedbythefalserepresentationsofthemonksandinducedtojointheirorders。Manyafterwardrepentedthisstep，seeingthattheyhadblightedtheirownlivesandhadbroughtsorrowupontheirparents；butoncefastinthesnareitwasimpossibleforthemtoobtaintheirfreedom。Manyparents，fearingtheinfluenceofthemonks，refusedtosendtheirsonstotheuniversities。
Therewasamarkedfallingoffinthenumberofstudentsinattendanceatthegreatcentersoflearning。Theschoolslanguished，andignoranceprevailed。
Thepopehadbestowedonthesemonksthepowertohearconfessionsandtograntpardon。Thisbecameasourceofgreatevil。Bentonenhancingtheirgains，thefriarsweresoreadytograntabsolutionthatcriminalsofalldescriptionsresortedtothem，and，asaresult，theworstvicesrapidlyincreased。Thesickandthepoorwerelefttosuffer，whilethegiftsthatshouldhaverelievedtheirwantswenttothemonks，whowiththreatsdemandedthealmsofthepeople，denouncingtheimpietyofthosewhoshouldwithholdgiftsfromtheirorders。Notwithstandingtheirprofessionofpoverty，thewealthofthefriarswasconstantlyincreasing，andtheirmagnificentedificesandluxurioustablesmademoreapparentthegrowingpovertyofthenation。Andwhilespendingtheirtimeinluxuryandpleasure，theysentoutintheirsteadignorantmen，whocouldonlyrecountmarveloustales，legends，andjeststoamusethepeopleandmakethemstillmorecompletelythedupesofthemonks。Yetthefriarscontinuedtomaintaintheirholdonthesuperstitiousmultitudesandledthemtobelievethatallreligiousdutywascomprisedinacknowledgingthesupremacyofthepope，adoringthesaints，andmakinggiftstothemonks，andthatthiswassufficienttosecurethemaplaceinheaven。
