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loving Saviour, standing with outstretched arms inviting all to come to
him with their burden of sin, their care and weariness. They longed to
clear away the obstructions which Satan had piled up that men might
not see the promises, and come directly to God, confessing their sins,
and obtaining pardon and peace.
Eagerly did the Vaudois missionary unfold to the inquiring mind
the precious truths of the gospel. Cautiously he produced the carefully
written portions of the Holy Scriptures. It was his greatest joy to give
hope to the conscientious, sin-stricken soul, who could see only a God
of vengeance, waiting to execute justice. With quivering lip and tearful
eye did he, often on bended knees, open to his brethren the precious
promises that reveal the sinner’s only hope. Thus the light of truth
penetrated many a darkened mind, rolling back the cloud of gloom,
until the Sun of Righteousness shone into the heart with healing in
his beams. It was often the case that some portion of Scripture was
read again and again, the hearer desiring it to be repeated, as if he
would assure himself that he had heard aright. Especially was the
repetition of these words eagerly desired: “The blood of Jesus Christ
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his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [
1 John 1:7
.] “As Moses lifted up
the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted
up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal
life.” [
John 3:14, 15
.]
Many were undeceived in regard to the claims of Rome. They
saw how vain is the mediation of men or angels in behalf of the
sinner. As the true light dawned upon their minds, they exclaimed
with rejoicing, “Christ is my priest; his blood is my sacrifice; his altar
is my confessional.” They cast themselves wholly upon the merits of
Jesus, repeating the words, “Without faith it is impossible to please
him.” [
Hebrews 11:6
.] “There is none other name under heaven given
among men, whereby we must be saved.” [
Acts 4:12
.]
The assurance of a Saviour’s love seemed too much for some of
these poor tempest-tossed souls to realize. So great was the relief
which it brought, such a flood of light was shed upon them, that they
seemed transported to Heaven. Their hand was laid confidingly in the
hand of Christ; their feet were planted upon the Rock of Ages. All
fear of death was banished. They could now covet the prison and the
fagot if they might thereby honor the name of their Redeemer.