Persecution in the First Centuries
37
It required a desperate struggle for those who would be faithful
to stand firm against the deceptions and abominations which were
disguised in sacerdotal garments and introduced into the church. The
Bible was not accepted as the standard of faith. The doctrine of
religious freedom was termed heresy, and its upholders were hated
and proscribed.
After a long and severe conflict, the faithful few decided to dissolve
all union with the apostate church if she still refused to free herself
from falsehood and idolatry. They saw that separation was an absolute
necessity if they would obey the word of God. They dared not tolerate
errors fatal to their own souls, and set an example which would imperil
the faith of their children and children’s children. To secure peace and
unity they were ready to make any concession consistent with fidelity
to God; but they felt that even peace would be too dearly purchased
at the sacrifice of principle. If unity could be secured only by the
compromise of truth and righteousness, then let there be difference,
and even war.
[46]
Well would it be for the church and the world if the principles
that actuated those steadfast souls were revived in the hearts of God’s
professed people. There is an alarming indifference in regard to the
doctrines which are the pillars of the Christian faith. The opinion
is gaining ground, that, after all, these are not of vital importance.
This degeneracy is strengthening the hands of the agents of Satan, so
that false theories and fatal delusions which the faithful in ages past
imperiled their lives to resist and expose, are now regarded with favor
by thousands who claim to be followers of Christ.
The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people. Their blame-
less deportment and unswerving faith were a continual reproof that
disturbed the sinner’s peace. Though few in numbers, without wealth,
position, or honorary titles, they were a terror to evildoers wherever
their character and doctrines were known. Therefore they were hated
by the wicked, even as Abel was hated by the ungodly Cain. For the
same reason that Cain slew Abel, did those who sought to throw off the
restraint of the Holy Spirit, put to death God’s people. It was for the
same reason that the Jews rejected and crucified the Saviour—because
the purity and holiness of His character was a constant rebuke to their
selfishness and corruption. From the days of Christ until now His