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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4
done it unto one of the least of these my brethren,” said Jesus, “ye
have done it unto me.” [
Matthew 25:40
.]
This bull invited all Catholics to take up the cross against the
heretics. In order to stimulate them in this cruel work, it absolved
them from all ecclesiastical pains and penalties, it released all who
joined the crusade from any oaths they might have taken; it legalized
their title to any property which they might have illegally acquired,
and promised remission of all their sins to such as should kill any
heretic. It annulled all contracts made in favor of the Vaudois,
ordered their domestics to abandon them, forbade all persons to
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give them any aid whatever, and empowered all persons to take
possession of their property How clearly does this document reveal
the master spirit behind the scenes! It is the roar of the dragon, and
not the voice of Christ, that is heard therein.
The papal leaders would not conform their characters to the great
standard of God’s law, but erected a standard to suit themselves, and
determined to compel all to conform to this because Rome willed it.
The most horrible tragedies were enacted. Corrupt and blasphemous
priests and popes were doing the work which Satan appointed them.
Mercy had no place in their natures. The same spirit that crucified
Christ, and that slew the apostles, the same that moved the blood-
thirsty Nero against the faithful in his day, was at work to rid the
earth of those who were beloved of God.
The persecutions visited for many centuries upon this God-
fearing people were endured by them with a patience and constancy
that honored their Redeemer. Notwithstanding the crusades against
them, and the inhuman butchery to which they were subjected, they
continued to send out their missionaries to scatter the precious truth.
They were hunted to the death; yet their blood watered the seed
sown, and it failed not of yielding fruit. Thus the Waldenses wit-
nessed for God, centuries before the birth of Luther. Scattered over
many lands, they planted the seeds of the Reformation that began in
the time of Wycliffe, grew broad and deep in the days of Luther, and
is to be carried forward to the close of time by those who also are
willing to suffer all things for “the word of God and for the testimony
of Jesus Christ.” [
Revelation 1:9
.]
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