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From Here to Forever
Valued Principles of Truth
Principles of truth they valued above houses and lands, friends,
kindred, even life itself. From earliest childhood the youth were
taught to regard sacredly the claims of the law of God. Copies of
the Bible were rare; therefore its precious words were committed to
memory. Many were able to repeat large portions of both the Old
and the New Testament.
They were educated from childhood to endure hardness and to
think and act for themselves. They were taught to bear responsi-
bilities, to be guarded in speech, and to understand the wisdom of
silence. One indiscreet word in the hearing of their enemies might
imperil the lives of hundreds of brethren, for as wolves hunting prey,
the enemies of truth pursued those who dared to claim freedom of
religious faith.
The Waldenses with persevering patience toiled for their bread.
Every spot of tillable land among the mountains was carefully im-
proved. Economy and self-denial formed a part of the education the
children received. The process was laborious but wholesome, just
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what man needs in his fallen state. The youth were taught that all
their powers belonged to God, to be developed for His service.
The Vaudois churches resembled the church of apostolic times.
Rejecting the supremacy of pope and prelate, they held the Bible as
the only infallible authority. Their pastors, unlike the lordly priests
of Rome, fed the flock of God, leading them to the green pastures
and living fountains of His Holy Word. The people assembled, not in
magnificent churches or grand cathedrals, but in the Alpine valleys,
or, in time of danger, in some rocky stronghold, to listen to the words
of truth from the servants of Christ. The pastors not only preached
the gospel, they visited the sick and labored to promote harmony
and brotherly love. Like Paul the tentmaker, each learned some trade
by which, if necessary, to provide for his own support.
From their pastors the youth received instruction. The Bible
was made the chief study. The Gospels of Matthew and John were
committed to memory, with many of the Epistles.
By untiring labor, sometimes in the dark caverns of the earth, by
the light of torches, the Sacred Scriptures were written out, verse by
verse. Angels from heaven surrounded these faithful workers.