The Great Controversy
by Ellen G. White
Chapter 4: The Waldenses
Amid the gloom that settled upon the earth during the long
period of papal supremacy, the light of truth could not be wholly extinguished.
In every age there were witnesses for God—men who cherished faith in
Christ as the only mediator between God and man, who held the Bible as the only
rule of life, and who hallowed the true Sabbath. How much the world owes to
these men, posterity will never know. They were branded as heretics, their
motives impugned, their characters maligned, their writings suppressed,
misrepresented, or mutilated. Yet they stood firm, and from age to age
maintained their faith in its purity, as a sacred heritage for the generations
to come. {GC 61.1}
The history of God's people during the ages of darkness that
followed upon Rome's supremacy is written in heaven, but they have little place
in human records. Few traces of their existence can be found, except in the
accusations of their persecutors. It was the policy of Rome to obliterate every
trace of dissent from her doctrines or decrees. Everything heretical, whether
persons or writings, she sought to destroy. Expressions of doubt, or questions
as to the authority of papal dogmas, were enough to forfeit the life of rich or
poor, high or low. Rome endeavored also to destroy every record of her cruelty
toward dissenters. Papal councils decreed that books and writings containing
such records should [62] be committed to the flames.
Before the invention of printing, books were few in number, and in a form not
favorable for preservation; therefore there was little to prevent the Romanists
from carrying out their purpose. {GC 61.2}
No church within the limits of Romish jurisdiction was long
left undisturbed in the enjoyment of freedom of conscience. No sooner had the
papacy obtained power than she stretched out her arms to crush all that refused
to acknowledge her sway, and one after another the churches submitted to her
dominion. {GC 62.1}
In Great Britain primitive Christianity had very early taken
root. The gospel received by the Britons in the first centuries was then
uncorrupted by Romish apostasy. Persecution from pagan emperors, which extended
even to these far-off shores, was the only gift that the first churches of
Britain received from Rome. Many of the Christians, fleeing from persecution in
England, found refuge in Scotland; thence the truth was carried to Ireland, and
in all these countries it was received with gladness. {GC 62.2}
When the Saxons invaded Britain, heathenism gained control.
The conquerors disdained to be instructed by their slaves, and the Christians
were forced to retreat to the mountains and the wild moors. Yet the light,
hidden for a time, continued to burn. In Scotland, a century later, it shone
out with a brightness that extended to far-distant lands. From Ireland came the
pious Columba and his colaborers, who, gathering about them the scattered
believers on the lonely island of Iona, made this the center of their
missionary labors. Among these evangelists was an observer of the Bible
Sabbath, and thus this truth was introduced among the people. A school was
established at Iona, from which missionaries went out, not only to Scotland and
England, but to Germany, Switzerland, and even Italy. {GC 62.3}
But Rome had fixed her eyes on Britain, and resolved to
bring it under her supremacy. In the sixth century her missionaries undertook
the conversion of the heathen Saxons. [63] They
were received with favor by the proud barbarians, and they induced many
thousands to profess the Romish faith. As the work progressed, the papal
leaders and their converts encountered the primitive Christians. A striking
contrast was presented. The latter were simple, humble, and Scriptural in
character, doctrine, and manners, while the former manifested the superstition,
pomp, and arrogance of popery. The emissary of Rome demanded that these
Christian churches acknowledge the supremacy of the sovereign pontiff. The
Britons meekly replied that they desired to love all men, but that the pope was
not entitled to supremacy in the church, and they could render to him only that
submission which was due to every follower of Christ. Repeated attempts were
made to secure their allegiance to Rome; but these humble Christians, amazed at
the pride displayed by her emissaries, steadfastly replied that they knew no
other master than Christ. Now the true spirit of the papacy was revealed. Said
the Romish leader: "If you will not receive brethren who bring you peace,
you shall receive enemies who will bring you war. If you will not unite with us
in showing the Saxons the way of life, you shall receive from them the stroke
of death."—J. H. Merle D'Aubigne, History of the Reformation
of the Sixteenth Century, b. 17, ch. 2. These were no idle threats. War,
intrigue, and deception were employed against these witnesses for a Bible
faith, until the churches of Britain were destroyed, or forced to submit to the
authority of the pope. {GC
62.4}
In lands beyond the jurisdiction of Rome there existed for
many centuries bodies of Christians who remained almost wholly free from papal
corruption. They were surrounded by heathenism and in the lapse of ages were
affected by its errors; but they continued to regard the Bible as the only rule
of faith and adhered to many of its truths. These Christians believed in the
perpetuity of the law of God and observed the Sabbath of the fourth
commandment. Churches that held to this faith and practice existed in Central
Africa and among the Armenians of Asia. [64] {GC 63.1}
But of those who resisted the encroachments of the papal
power, the Waldenses stood foremost. In the very land where popery had fixed
its seat, there its falsehood and corruption were most steadfastly resisted.
For centuries the churches of Piedmont maintained their independence; but the
time came at last when Rome insisted upon their submission. After ineffectual
struggles against her tyranny, the leaders of these churches reluctantly
acknowledged the supremacy of the power to which the whole world seemed to pay
homage. There were some, however, who refused to yield to the authority of pope
or prelate. They were determined to maintain their allegiance to God and to
preserve the purity and simplicity of their faith. A separation took place.
Those who adhered to the ancient faith now withdrew; some, forsaking their
native Alps, raised the banner of truth in foreign lands; others retreated to
the secluded glens and rocky fastnesses of the mountains, and there preserved
their freedom to worship God. {GC 64.1}
The faith which for centuries was held and taught by the
Waldensian Christians was in marked contrast to the false doctrines put forth
from Rome. Their religious belief was founded upon the written word of God, the
true system of Christianity. But those humble peasants, in their obscure
retreats, shut away from the world, and bound to daily toil among their flocks
and their vineyards, had not by themselves arrived at the truth in opposition
to the dogmas and heresies of the apostate church. Theirs was not a faith newly
received. Their religious belief was their inheritance from their fathers. They
contended for the faith of the apostolic church,—"the faith
which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 3. "The church in the
wilderness," and not the proud hierarchy enthroned in the world's great
capital, was the true church of Christ, the guardian of the treasures of truth
which God has committed to His people to be given to the world. [65]
{GC 64.2}
Among the leading causes that had led to the separation of
the true church from Rome was the hatred of the latter toward the Bible
Sabbath. As foretold by prophecy, the papal power cast down the truth to the
ground. The law of God was trampled in the dust, while the traditions and
customs of men were exalted. The churches that were under the rule of the
papacy were early compelled to honor the Sunday as a holy day. Amid the
prevailing error and superstition, many, even of the true people of God, became
so bewildered that while they observed the Sabbath, they refrained from labor
also on the Sunday. But this did not satisfy the papal leaders. They demanded
not only that Sunday be hallowed, but that the Sabbath be profaned; and they
denounced in the strongest language those who dared to show it honor. It was
only by fleeing from the power of Rome that any could obey God's law in peace.
(See Appendix.) {GC 65.1}
The Waldenses were among the first of the peoples of Europe
to obtain a translation of the Holy Scriptures. (See Appendix.) Hundreds of
years before the Reformation they possessed the Bible in manuscript in their
native tongue. They had the truth unadulterated, and this rendered them the
special objects of hatred and persecution. They declared the Church of Rome to
be the apostate Babylon of the Apocalypse, and at the peril of their lives they
stood up to resist her corruptions. While, under the pressure of long-continued
persecution, some compromised their faith, little by little yielding its
distinctive principles, others held fast the truth. Through ages of darkness
and apostasy there were Waldenses who denied the supremacy of Rome, who
rejected image worship as idolatry, and who kept the true Sabbath. Under the
fiercest tempests of opposition they maintained their faith. Though gashed by
the Savoyard spear, and scorched by the Romish fagot, they stood unflinchingly
for God's word and His honor. {GC 65.2}
Behind the lofty bulwarks of the mountains—in all
ages the refuge of the persecuted and oppressed—the Waldenses [66]
found a hiding place. Here the light of truth was kept burning amid the
darkness of the Middle Ages. Here, for a thousand years, witnesses for the
truth maintained the ancient faith. {GC 65.3}
God had provided for His people a sanctuary of awful
grandeur, befitting the mighty truths committed to their trust. To those
faithful exiles the mountains were an emblem of the immutable righteousness of
Jehovah. They pointed their children to the heights towering above them in
unchanging majesty, and spoke to them of Him with whom there is no variableness
nor shadow of turning, whose word is as enduring as the everlasting hills. God
had set fast the mountains and girded them with strength; no arm but that of
Infinite Power could move them out of their place. In like manner He had established
His law, the foundation of His government in heaven and upon earth. The arm of
man might reach his fellow men and destroy their lives; but that arm could as
readily uproot the mountains from their foundations, and hurl them into the
sea, as it could change one precept of the law of Jehovah, or blot out one of
His promises to those who do His will. In their fidelity to His law, God's
servants should be as firm as the unchanging hills. {GC 66.1}
The mountains that girded their lowly valleys were a constant
witness to God's creative power, and a never-failing assurance of His
protecting care. Those pilgrims learned to love the silent symbols of Jehovah's
presence. They indulged no repining because of the hardships of their lot; they
were never lonely amid the mountain solitudes. They thanked God that He had
provided for them an asylum from the wrath and cruelty of men. They rejoiced in
their freedom to worship before Him. Often when pursued by their enemies, the
strength of the hills proved a sure defense. From many a lofty cliff they
chanted the praise of God, and the armies of Rome could not silence their songs
of thanksgiving. [67] {GC 66.2}
Pure, simple, and fervent was the piety of these followers
of Christ. The principles of truth they valued above houses and lands, friends,
kindred, even life itself. These principles they earnestly sought to impress
upon the hearts of the young. From earliest childhood the youth were instructed
in the Scriptures and taught to regard sacredly the claims of the law of God.
Copies of the Bible were rare; therefore its precious words were committed to
memory. Many were able to repeat large portions of both the Old and the New
Testament. Thoughts of God were associated alike with the sublime scenery of
nature and with the humble blessings of daily life. Little children learned to
look with gratitude to God as the giver of every favor and every comfort. {GC 67.1}
Parents, tender and affectionate as they were, loved their
children too wisely to accustom them to self-indulgence. Before them was a life
of trial and hardship, perhaps a martyr's death. They were educated from
childhood to endure hardness, to submit to control, and yet to think and act
for themselves. Very early they were taught to bear responsibilities, to be guarded
in speech, and to understand the wisdom of silence. One indiscreet word let
fall in the hearing of their enemies might imperil not only the life of the
speaker, but the lives of hundreds of his brethren; for as wolves hunting their
prey did the enemies of truth pursue those who dared to claim freedom of
religious faith. {GC 67.2}
The Waldenses had sacrificed their worldly prosperity for
the truth's sake, and with persevering patience they toiled for their bread.
Every spot of tillable land among the mountains was carefully improved; the
valleys and the less fertile hillsides were made to yield their increase.
Economy and severe self-denial formed a part of the education which the
children received as their only legacy. They were taught that God designs life
to be a discipline, and that their wants could be supplied only by personal
labor, by forethought, care, and faith. The process was laborious and
wearisome, but it was [68] wholesome, just what man needs in
his fallen state, the school which God has provided for his training and
development. While the youth were inured to toil and hardship, the culture of
the intellect was not neglected. They were taught that all their powers
belonged to God, and that all were to be improved and developed for His service.
{GC 67.3}
The Vaudois churches, in their purity and simplicity,
resembled the church of apostolic times. Rejecting the supremacy of the pope
and prelate, they held the Bible as the only supreme, infallible authority.
Their pastors, unlike the lordly priests of Rome, followed the example of their
Master, who "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister." They
fed the flock of God, leading them to the green pastures and living fountains
of His holy word. Far from the monuments of human pomp and pride the people
assembled, not in magnificent churches or grand cathedrals, but beneath the
shadow of the mountains, in the Alpine valleys, or, in time of danger, in some
rocky stronghold, to listen to the words of truth from the servants of Christ.
The pastors not only preached the gospel, but they visited the sick, catechized
the children, admonished the erring, and labored to settle disputes and promote
harmony and brotherly love. In times of peace they were sustained by the
freewill offerings of the people; but, like Paul the tentmaker, each learned
some trade or profession by which, if necessary, to provide for his own
support. {GC 68.1}
From their pastors the youth received instruction. While
attention was given to branches of general learning, the Bible was made the
chief study. The Gospels of Matthew and John were committed to memory, with
many of the Epistles. They were employed also in copying the Scriptures. Some
manuscripts contained the whole Bible, others only brief selections, to which
some simple explanations of the text were added by those who were able to
expound the Scriptures. Thus were brought forth the treasures of truth so long [69]
concealed by those who sought to exalt themselves above God. {GC 68.2}
By patient, untiring labor, sometimes in the deep, dark
caverns of the earth, by the light of torches, the Sacred Scriptures were
written out, verse by verse, chapter by chapter. Thus the work went on, the
revealed will of God shining out like pure gold; how much brighter, clearer,
and more powerful because of the trials undergone for its sake only those could
realize who were engaged in the work. Angels from heaven surrounded these
faithful workers. {GC
69.1}
Satan had urged on the papal priests and prelates to bury
the word of truth beneath the rubbish of error, heresy, and superstition; but
in a most wonderful manner it was preserved uncorrupted through all the ages of
darkness. It bore not the stamp of man, but the impress of God. Men have been
unwearied in their efforts to obscure the plain, simple meaning of the
Scriptures, and to make them contradict their own testimony; but like the ark
upon the billowy deep, the word of God outrides the storms that threaten it
with destruction. As the mine has rich veins of gold and silver hidden beneath
the surface, so that all must dig who would discover its precious stores, so
the Holy Scriptures have treasures of truth that are revealed only to the
earnest, humble, prayerful seeker. God designed the Bible to be a lessonbook to
all mankind, in childhood, youth, and manhood, and to be studied through all
time. He gave His word to men as a revelation of Himself. Every new truth
discerned is a fresh disclosure of the character of its Author. The study of
the Scriptures is the means divinely ordained to bring men into closer
connection with their Creator and to give them a clearer knowledge of His will.
It is the medium of communication between God and man. {GC 69.2}
While the Waldenses regarded the fear of the Lord as the
beginning of wisdom, they were not blind to the importance of a contact with
the world, a knowledge of men and of [70] active
life, in expanding the mind and quickening the perceptions. From their schools
in the mountains some of the youth were sent to institutions of learning in the
cities of France or Italy, where was a more extended field for study, thought,
and observation than in their native Alps. The youth thus sent forth were
exposed to temptation, they witnessed vice, they encountered Satan's wily
agents, who urged upon them the most subtle heresies and the most dangerous
deceptions. But their education from childhood had been of a character to
prepare them for all this. {GC
69.3}
In the schools whither they went, they were not to make
confidants of any. Their garments were so prepared as to conceal their greatest
treasure—the precious manuscripts of the Scriptures. These, the fruit
of months and years of toil, they carried with them, and whenever they could do
so without exciting suspicion, they cautiously placed some portion in the way
of those whose hearts seemed open to receive the truth. From their mother's
knee the Waldensian youth had been trained with this purpose in view; they
understood their work and faithfully performed it. Converts to the true faith were
won in these institutions of learning, and frequently its principles were found
to be permeating the entire school; yet the papal leaders could not, by the
closest inquiry, trace the so-called corrupting heresy to its source. {GC 70.1}
The spirit of Christ is a missionary spirit. The very first
impulse of the renewed heart is to bring others also to the Saviour. Such was
the spirit of the Vaudois Christians. They felt that God required more of them
than merely to preserve the truth in its purity in their own churches; that a
solemn responsibility rested upon them to let their light shine forth to those
who were in darkness; by the mighty power of God's word they sought to break
the bondage which Rome had imposed. The Vaudois ministers were trained as missionaries,
everyone who expected to enter the ministry being required first to gain an
experience as an evangelist. Each [71] was to serve three years in some
mission field before taking charge of a church at home. This service, requiring
at the outset self-denial and sacrifice, was a fitting introduction to the
pastor's life in those times that tried men's souls. The youth who received
ordination to the sacred office saw before them, not the prospect of earthly
wealth and glory, but a life of toil and danger, and possibly a martyr's fate.
The missionaries went out two and two, as Jesus sent forth His disciples. With
each young man was usually associated a man of age and experience, the youth
being under the guidance of his companion, who was held responsible for his
training, and whose instruction he was required to heed. These colaborers were
not always together, but often met for prayer and counsel, thus strengthening
each other in the faith. {GC
70.2}
To have made known the object of their mission would have
ensured its defeat; therefore they carefully concealed their real character.
Every minister possessed a knowledge of some trade or profession, and the
missionaries prosecuted their work under cover of a secular calling. Usually
they chose that of merchant or peddler. "They carried silks, jewelry, and
other articles, at that time not easily purchasable save at distant marts; and
they were welcomed as merchants where they would have been spurned as
missionaries."— Wylie, b. 1, ch. 7. All the while their hearts
were uplifted to God for wisdom to present a treasure more precious than gold
or gems. They secretly carried about with them copies of the Bible, in whole or
in part; and whenever an opportunity was presented, they called the attention
of their customers to these manuscripts. Often an interest to read God's word
was thus awakened, and some portion was gladly left with those who desired to
receive it. {GC 71.1}
The work of these missionaries began in the plains and
valleys at the foot of their own mountains, but it extended far beyond these
limits. With naked feet and in garments coarse and travel-stained as were those
of their Master, [72] they passed through great cities
and penetrated to distant lands. Everywhere they scattered the precious seed.
Churches sprang up in their path, and the blood of martyrs witnessed for the
truth. The day of God will reveal a rich harvest of souls garnered by the
labors of these faithful men. Veiled and silent, the word of God was making its
way through Christendom and meeting a glad reception in the homes and hearts of
men. {GC 71.2}
To the Waldenses the Scriptures were not merely a record of
God's dealings with men in the past, and a revelation of the responsibilities
and duties of the present, but an unfolding of the perils and glories of the
future. They believed that the end of all things was not far distant, and as
they studied the Bible with prayer and tears they were the more deeply
impressed with its precious utterances and with their duty to make known to others
its saving truths. They saw the plan of salvation clearly revealed in the
sacred pages, and they found comfort, hope, and peace in believing in Jesus. As
the light illuminated their understanding and made glad their hearts, they
longed to shed its beams upon those who were in the darkness of papal error. {GC 72.1}
They saw that under the guidance of pope and priest,
multitudes were vainly endeavoring to obtain pardon by afflicting their bodies
for the sin of their souls. Taught to trust to their good works to save them,
they were ever looking to themselves, their minds dwelling upon their sinful
condition, seeing themselves exposed to the wrath of God, afflicting soul and
body, yet finding no relief. Thus conscientious souls were bound by the
doctrines of Rome. Thousands abandoned friends and kindred, and spent their
lives in convent cells. By oft-repeated fasts and cruel scourgings, by midnight
vigils, by prostration for weary hours upon the cold, damp stones of their
dreary abode, by long pilgrimages, by humiliating penance and fearful torture,
thousands vainly sought to obtain peace of conscience. Oppressed with a sense
of sin, and haunted with the fear of God's avenging [73] wrath,
many suffered on, until exhausted nature gave way, and without one ray of light
or hope they sank into the tomb. {GC 72.2}
The Waldenses longed to break to these starving souls the
bread of life, to open to them the messages of peace in the promises of God,
and to point them to Christ as their only hope of salvation. The doctrine that
good works can atone for the transgression of God's law they held to be based
upon falsehood. Reliance upon human merit intercepts the view of Christ's
infinite love. Jesus died as a sacrifice for man because the fallen race can do
nothing to recommend themselves to God. The merits of a crucified and risen
Saviour are the foundation of the Christian's faith. The dependence of the soul
upon Christ is as real, and its connection with Him must be as close, as that
of a limb to the body, or of a branch to the vine. {GC 73.1}
The teachings of popes and priests had led men to look upon
the character of God, and even of Christ, as stern, gloomy, and forbidding. The
Saviour was represented as so far devoid of sympathy with man in his fallen
state that the mediation of priests and saints must be invoked. Those whose
minds had been enlightened by the word of God longed to point these souls to
Jesus as their compassionate, loving Saviour, standing with outstretched arms,
inviting all to come to Him with their burden of sin, their care and weariness.
They longed to clear away the obstructions which Satan had piled up that men
might not see the promises, and come directly to God, confessing their sins,
and obtaining pardon and peace. {GC 73.2}
Eagerly did the Vaudois missionary unfold to the inquiring
mind the precious truths of the gospel. Cautiously he produced the carefully
written portions of the Holy Scriptures. It was his greatest joy to give hope
to the conscientious, sin-stricken soul, who could see only a God of vengeance,
waiting to execute justice. With quivering lip and tearful eye did he, often on
bended knees, open to his brethren the [74]
precious promises that reveal the sinner's only hope. Thus the light of truth
penetrated many a darkened mind, rolling back the cloud of gloom, until the Sun
of Righteousness shone into the heart with healing in His beams. It was often
the case that some portion of Scripture was read again and again, the hearer
desiring it to be repeated, as if he would assure himself that he had heard
aright. Especially was the repetition of these words eagerly desired: "The
blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.
"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of
man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have
eternal life." John 3:14, 15. {GC 73.3}
Many were undeceived in regard to the claims of Rome. They
saw how vain is the mediation of men or angels in behalf of the sinner. As the
true light dawned upon their minds they exclaimed with rejoicing: "Christ
is my priest; His blood is my sacrifice; His altar is my confessional."
They cast themselves wholly upon the merits of Jesus, repeating the words,
"Without faith it is impossible to please Him." Hebrews 11:6.
"There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be
saved." Acts 4:12. {GC
74.1}
The assurance of a Saviour's love seemed too much for some
of these poor tempest-tossed souls to realize. So great was the relief which it
brought, such a flood of light was shed upon them, that they seemed transported
to heaven. Their hands were laid confidingly in the hand of Christ; their feet
were planted upon the Rock of Ages. All fear of death was banished. They could
now covet the prison and the fagot if they might thereby honor the name of
their Redeemer. {GC 74.2}
In secret places the word of God was thus brought forth and
read, sometimes to a single soul, sometimes to a little company who were
longing for light and truth. Often the entire night was spent in this manner.
So great would be the wonder and admiration of the listeners that the messenger
of mercy was not infrequently compelled to cease his reading [75]
until the understanding could grasp the tidings of salvation. Often would words
like these be uttered: "Will God indeed accept my offering? Will He
smile upon me? Will He pardon me?" The answer was read:
"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you
rest." Matthew 11:28. {GC
74.3}
Faith grasped the promise, and the glad response was heard:
"No more long pilgrimages to make; no more painful journeys to holy
shrines. I may come to Jesus just as I am, sinful and unholy, and He will not
spurn the penitential prayer. 'Thy sins be forgiven thee.' Mine, even mine, may
be forgiven!" {GC
75.1}
A tide of sacred joy would fill the heart, and the name of
Jesus would be magnified by praise and thanksgiving. Those happy souls returned
to their homes to diffuse light, to repeat to others, as well as they could,
their new experience; that they had found the true and living Way. There was a
strange and solemn power in the words of Scripture that spoke directly to the
hearts of those who were longing for the truth. It was the voice of God, and it
carried conviction to those who heard. {GC 75.2}
The messenger of truth went on his way; but his appearance
of humility, his sincerity, his earnestness and deep fervor, were subjects of
frequent remark. In many instances his hearers had not asked him whence he came
or whither he went. They had been so overwhelmed, at first with surprise, and
afterward with gratitude and joy, that they had not thought to question him.
When they had urged him to accompany them to their homes, he had replied that
he must visit the lost sheep of the flock. Could he have been an angel from
heaven? they queried. {GC
75.3}
In many cases the messenger of truth was seen no more. He
had made his way to other lands, or he was wearing out his life in some unknown
dungeon, or perhaps his bones were whitening on the spot where he had witnessed
for the [76]
truth. But the words he had left behind could not be destroyed. They were doing
their work in the hearts of men; the blessed results will be fully known only
in the judgment. {GC 75.4}
The Waldensian missionaries were invading the kingdom of
Satan, and the powers of darkness aroused to greater vigilance. Every effort to
advance the truth was watched by the prince of evil, and he excited the fears
of his agents. The papal leaders saw a portent of danger to their cause from
the labors of these humble itinerants. If the light of truth were allowed to
shine unobstructed, it would sweep away the heavy clouds of error that
enveloped the people. It would direct the minds of men to God alone and would
eventually destroy the supremacy of Rome. {GC 76.1}
The very existence of this people, holding the faith of the
ancient church, was a constant testimony to Rome's apostasy, and therefore
excited the most bitter hatred and persecution. Their refusal to surrender the
Scriptures was also an offense that Rome could not tolerate. She determined to
blot them from the earth. Now began the most terrible crusades against God's
people in their mountain homes. Inquisitors were put upon their track, and the
scene of innocent Abel falling before the murderous Cain was often repeated. {GC 76.2}
Again and again were their fertile lands laid waste, their
dwellings and chapels swept away, so that where once were flourishing fields
and the homes of an innocent, industrious people, there remained only a desert.
As the ravenous beast is rendered more furious by the taste of blood, so the
rage of the papists was kindled to greater intensity by the sufferings of their
victims. Many of these witnesses for a pure faith were pursued across the
mountains and hunted down in the valleys where they were hidden, shut in by
mighty forests and pinnacles of rock. {GC 76.3}
No charge could be brought against the moral character of
this proscribed class. Even their enemies declared them to be a peaceable,
quiet, pious people. Their grand offense was that they would not worship God
according to the will [77] of the pope. For this crime every
humiliation, insult, and torture that men or devils could invent was heaped
upon them. {GC 76.4}
When Rome at one time determined to exterminate the hated
sect, a bull was issued by the pope, condemning them as heretics, and
delivering them to slaughter. (See Appendix.) They were not accused as idlers,
or dishonest, or disorderly; but it was declared that they had an appearance of
piety and sanctity that seduced "the sheep of the true fold."
Therefore the pope ordered "that malicious and abominable sect of
malignants," if they "refuse to abjure, to be crushed like venomous
snakes."—Wylie, b. 16, ch. 1. Did this haughty potentate expect
to meet those words again? Did he know that they were registered in the books
of heaven, to confront him at the judgment? "Inasmuch as ye have done it
unto one of the least of these My brethren," said Jesus, "ye have
done it unto Me." Matthew 25:40. {GC 77.1}
This bull called upon all members of the church to join the
crusade against the heretics. As an incentive to engage in this cruel work, it
"absolved from all ecclesiastical pains and penalties, general and
particular; it released all who joined the crusade from any oaths they might
have taken; it legitimatized their title to any property they might have
illegally acquired; and promised remission of all their sins to such as should
kill any heretic. It annulled all contracts made in favor of Vaudois, ordered
their domestics to abandon them, forbade all persons to give them any aid
whatever, and empowered all persons to take possession of their property."—Wylie,
b. 16, ch. 1. This document clearly reveals the master spirit behind the scenes.
It is the roar of the dragon, and not the voice of Christ, that is heard
therein. {GC 77.2}
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The papal leaders would not conform their characters to the
great standard of God's law, but erected a standard to suit themselves, and
determined to compel all to conform to this because Rome willed it. The most
horrible tragedies were enacted. Corrupt and blasphemous priests and popes were
doing the work which Satan appointed them. Mercy had [78] no
place in their natures. The same spirit that crucified Christ and slew the
apostles, the same that moved the blood-thirsty Nero against the faithful in
his day, was at work to rid the earth of those who were beloved of God. {GC 77.3}
The persecutions visited for many centuries upon this
God-fearing people were endured by them with a patience and constancy that
honored their Redeemer. Notwithstanding the crusades against them, and the
inhuman butchery to which they were subjected, they continued to send out their
missionaries to scatter the precious truth. They were hunted to death; yet
their blood watered the seed sown, and it failed not of yielding fruit. Thus
the Waldenses witnessed for God centuries before the birth of Luther. Scattered
over many lands, they planted the seeds of the Reformation that began in the time
of Wycliffe, grew broad and deep in the days of Luther, and is to be carried
forward to the close of time by those who also are willing to suffer all things
for "the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Revelation 1:9. {GC 78.1}
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"John Wycliffe"
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