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Waldenses
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and success. Among the leading evangelists was an observer of the
Bible Sabbath, and thus this truth found its way among the people for
whom he labored. Toward the close of the sixth century, missionaries
were sent from Rome to England to convert the barbarian Saxons.
They induced many thousands to profess the Romish faith, and 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
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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 apostles, 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.” 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.
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.
But of those who resisted the encroachments of the papal power,
the Waldenses stood foremost. For centuries the churches of Pied-
mont maintained their independence; but the time came at last when
Rome demanded their submission. After ineffectual struggles against