Great Apostasy
71
Christians, they brought along with them their idolatry. They changed
the objects only of their worship, to images of saints, and even the
image of Christ, and Mary the mother of Jesus. Christians gradually
united with them,
[105]
and the Christian religion was corrupted, and the church lost its purity
and power. Some refused to unite, with them and they preserved their
purity, and worshiped God alone. They would not bow down to any
image of any thing in the heavens above, or in the earth beneath.
Satan exulted over the fall of so many; and then he stirred up the
fallen church to force those who would preserve the purity of their
religion, to either yield to their ceremonies and image worship, or to
put them to death. The fires of persecution were again kindled against
the true church of Jesus Christ, and millions were slain without mercy.
It was presented before me in the following manner: A large
company of heathen idolaters bore a black banner upon which were
figures of the sun, moon and stars. The company seemed to be very
fierce and angry. I was then shown another company bearing a pure
white banner, and upon it was written Purity, and Holiness unto the
Lord. Their countenances were marked with firmness and heavenly
resignation. I saw the heathen idolaters approach them, and there was
a great slaughter. The Christians melted away before them; and yet
the Christian company pressed the more closely together, and held the
banner more firmly. As many fell, others rallied around the banner and
filled their places.
I saw the company of idolaters consulting together. They failed to
[106]
make the Christians yield, and they agreed to another plan. I saw them
lower their banner, and they approached that firm Christian company,
and made propositions to them. At first their propositions were utterly
refused. Then I saw the Christian company consulting together. Some
said that they would lower the banner, accept the propositions, and
save their lives, and at last they could gain strength to raise their banner
among those heathen idolaters. But some would not yield to this plan,
but firmly chose to die holding their banner, rather than lower it. Then
I saw many of that Christian company lower the banner, and unite
with the heathen; while the firm and steadfast seized the banner, and
bore it high again. I saw individuals continually leaving the company
of those bearing the pure banner, and joining the idolaters, and they
united together under the black banner, to persecute those bearing the