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Great Apostasy
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had once been its defenders; and these apostate Christians, uniting
with their half-pagan companions, directed their warfare against the
most essential features of the doctrines of Christ.
It required a desperate struggle for those who would be faithful
to stand firm against the deceptions and abominations which were
disguised in sacerdotal garments and introduced into the church.
The Bible was not accepted as the standard of faith. The doctrine of
religious freedom was termed heresy, and its upholders were hated
and proscribed.
Withdrawal of the Faithful
After a long and severe conflict the faithful few decided to dis-
solve all union with the apostate church if she still refused to free
herself from falsehood and idolatry. They saw that separation was an
absolute necessity if they would obey the Word of God. They dared
not tolerate errors fatal to their own souls and set an example which
would imperil the faith of their children and children’s children. To
secure peace and unity they were ready to make any concession
consistent with fidelity to God; but they felt that even peace would
be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle. If unity could
be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness, then
let there be difference, and even war. Well would it be for the church
and the world if the principles that actuated those steadfast souls
were revived in the hearts of God’s professed people.
The apostle Paul declares that “all that will live godly in Christ
Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
2 Timothy 3:12
. Why is it, then, that
persecution seems in a great degree to slumber? The only reason is
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that the church has conformed to the world’s standard, and therefore
awakens no opposition. The religion current in our day is not of
the pure and holy character which marked the Christian faith in the
days of Christ and His apostles. It is only because of the spirit of
compromise with sin, because the great truths of the Word of God
are so indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness
in the church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the
world. Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the early
church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived and the fires of
persecution will be rekindled.
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