Waldenses
51
which extended even to these far-off shores, was the only gift that
the first churches of Britain received from Rome. Many of the Chris-
tians, fleeing from persecution in England, found refuge in Scotland;
thence the truth was carried to Ireland, and in all these countries it was
received with gladness.
When the Saxons invaded Britain, heathenism gained control. The
conquerors disdained to be instructed by their slaves, and the Chris-
tians were forced to retreat to the mountains and the wild moors. Yet
the light, hidden for a time, continued to burn. In Scotland, a cen-
tury later, it shone out with a brightness that extended to far-distant
lands. From Ireland came the pious Columba and his colaborers, who,
gathering about them the scattered believers on the lonely island of
Iona, made this the center of their missionary labors. Among these
evangelists was an observer of the Bible Sabbath, and thus this truth
was introduced among the people. A school was established at Iona,
from which missionaries went out, not only to Scotland and England,
but to Germany, Switzerland, and even Italy.
But Rome had fixed her eyes on Britain, and resolved to bring it
under her supremacy. In the sixth century her missionaries undertook
the conversion of the heathen Saxons. They were received with favor
[63]
by the proud barbarians, and they induced many thousands to profess
the Romish faith. 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 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 emissaries, 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.”—J. H. Merle