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42
From Here to Forever
Rome Meets Bible Religion
But Rome resolved to bring Britain under her supremacy. In
the sixth century her missionaries undertook the conversion of the
heathen Saxons. As the work progressed, the papal leaders encoun-
tered the primitive Christians—simple, humble, and scriptural in
character, doctrine, and manners. The former manifested the super-
stition, pomp, and arrogance of popery. Rome demanded that these
Christian churches acknowledge the sovereign pontiff. The Britons
replied that the pope was not entitled to supremacy in the church and
they could render to him only that submission due every follower of
Christ. 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.
War and deception
were employed against these witnesses for Bible faith, until the
churches of Britain were destroyed or forced to submit to the pope.
In lands beyond the jurisdiction of Rome, for centuries Christian
bodies remained almost wholly free from papal corruption. They
continued to regard the Bible as the only rule of faith. These Chris-
tians believed in the perpetuity of the law of God and observed the
Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Churches that held to this faith
and practice existed in Central Africa and among the Armenians of
Asia.
Of those who resisted the papal power, the Waldenses stood
foremost. In the very land where popery had fixed its seat, the
churches of Piedmont maintained their independence. But the time
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came when Rome insisted upon their submission. Some, however,
refused to yield to pope or prelate, determined to preserve the purity
and simplicity of their faith. A separation took place. Those who
adhered to the ancient faith now withdrew. Some, forsaking their
native Alps, raised the banner of truth in foreign lands. Others
retreated to the rocky fastnesses of the mountains and there preserved
their freedom to worship God.
Their religious belief was founded upon the written Word of
God. Those humble peasants, shut away from the world, had not by
1
J. H. Merle D’Aubigne, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, bk.
17, ch. 2.