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Persecution in the First Centuries
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At last the larger portion of the Christian company lowered their
standard, and a union was formed between Christianity and pagan-
ism. Although the worshipers of idols professed to be converted,
and united with the church, they still clung to their idolatry, only
changing the objects of their worship to images of Jesus, and even of
Mary and the saints. The foul leaven of idolatry, thus introduced into
the church, continued its baleful work. Unsound doctrines, super-
stitious rites, and idolatrous ceremonies were incorporated into her
faith and worship. As the followers of Christ united with idolaters,
the Christian religion became corrupted, and the church lost her
purity and power. There were some, however, who were not misled
by these delusions. They still maintained their fidelity to the Author
of truth, and worshiped God alone.
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There have ever been two classes among those who profess to
be followers of Christ. While one class study the Saviour’s life, and
earnestly seek to correct their defects and to conform to the Pattern,
the other class shun the plain, practical truths which expose their
errors. Even in her best estate, the church was not composed wholly
of the true, pure, and sincere. Our Saviour taught that those who
willfully indulge in sin are not to be received into the church; yet
he connected with himself men who were faulty in character, and
granted them the benefits of his teachings and example, that they
might have an opportunity to see and correct their errors. Among the
twelve apostles was a traitor. Judas was accepted, not because of his
defects of character, but notwithstanding them. He was connected
with the disciples, that, through the instructions and example of
Christ, he might learn what constitutes Christian character, and thus
be led to see his errors, to repent, and, by the aid of divine grace, to
purify his soul “in obeying the truth.” But Judas did not walk in the
light so graciously permitted to shine upon him. By indulgence in
sin, he invited the temptations of Satan. His evil traits of character
became predominant. He yielded his mind to the control of the
powers of darkness, he became angry when his faults were reproved,
and thus he was led to commit the fearful crime of betraying his
Master. In like manner do all who cherish evil under a profession of
godliness hate those who disturb their peace by condemning their
course of sin. When a favorable opportunity is presented, they will,