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The Great Controversy
introduction to the pastor’s life in those times that tried men’s souls.
The youth who received ordination to the sacred office saw before
them, not the prospect of earthly wealth and glory, but a life of toil
and danger, and possibly a martyr’s fate. The missionaries went out
two and two, as Jesus sent forth His disciples. With each young man
was usually associated a man of age and experience, the youth being
under the guidance of his companion, who was held responsible for
his training, and whose instruction he was required to heed. These
colaborers were not always together, but often met for prayer and
counsel, thus strengthening each other in the faith.
To have made known the object of their mission would have en-
sured its defeat; therefore they carefully concealed their real character.
Every minister possessed a knowledge of some trade or profession,
and the missionaries prosecuted their work under cover of a secular
calling. Usually they chose that of merchant or peddler. “They carried
silks, jewelry, and other articles, at that time not easily purchasable
save at distant marts; and they were welcomed as merchants where
they would have been spurned as missionaries.”—Wylie, b. 1, ch. 7.
All the while their hearts were uplifted to God for wisdom to present a
treasure more precious than gold or gems. They secretly carried about
with them copies of the Bible, in whole or in part; and whenever an
opportunity was presented, they called the attention of their customers
to these manuscripts. Often an interest to read God’s word was thus
awakened, and some portion was gladly left with those who desired to
receive it.
The work of these missionaries began in the plains and valleys
at the foot of their own mountains, but it extended far beyond these
limits. With naked feet and in garments coarse and travel-stained
as were those of their Master, they passed through great cities and
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penetrated to distant lands. Everywhere they scattered the precious
seed. Churches sprang up in their path, and the blood of martyrs
witnessed for the truth. The day of God will reveal a rich harvest of
souls garnered by the labors of these faithful men. Veiled and silent,
the word of God was making its way through Christendom and meeting
a glad reception in the homes and hearts of men.
To the Waldenses the Scriptures were not merely a record of God’s
dealings with men in the past, and a revelation of the responsibilities
and duties of the present, but an unfolding of the perils and glories