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Persecution in the First Centuries
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for thousands. Long galleries had been tunneled through earth and
rock to procure material for the vast structures of the capital, and the
dark and intricate network of passages extended for miles beyond
the walls. In these underground retreats, many of the followers of
Christ, when suspected and proscribed, found a home; and here also
they buried their dead. When the Lifegiver shall awaken those who
have fought the good fight, many a martyr for Christ’s sake will
come forth from those gloomy caverns.
Under the fiercest persecution, these witnesses for Jesus kept
their faith unsullied. Though deprived of every comfort, shut away
from the light of the sun, making their home in the dark but friendly
bosom of the earth, they uttered no complaint. With words of faith,
patience, and hope, they encouraged one another to endure privation
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and distress. The loss of every earthly blessing could not force them
to renounce their belief in Christ. Trials and persecutions were but
steps bringing them nearer their rest and their reward.
They called to mind the words of their Master, that when per-
secuted for Christ’s sake they were to be exceeding glad; for great
would be their reward in Heaven; for so had the prophets been perse-
cuted before them. Like God’s servants of old, they were “tortured,
not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrec-
tion.” [
Hebrews 11:35
.] They rejoiced that they were accounted
worthy to suffer for the truth, and songs of triumph ascended in the
midst of crackling flames. Looking upward by faith, they saw Christ
and angels leaning over the battlements of Heaven, gazing upon
them with the deepest interest, and regarding their steadfastness
with approval. A voice came down to them from the throne of God,
“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
[
Revelation 2:10
.]
In vain were Satan’s efforts to destroy the church of Christ by
violence. The great controversy in which the disciples of Jesus
yielded up their lives did not cease when these faithful standard-
bearers fell at their post. By defeat they conquered. God’s workmen
were slain, but his work went steadily forward. The gospel continued
to spread, and the number of its adherents to increase. It penetrated
into regions that were inaccessible, even to the eagles of Rome. Said
a Christian, expostulating with the heathen rulers who were urging
forward the persecution: “You may torment, afflict, and vex us. Your
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