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46
From Here to Forever
To have made known their mission would have ensured its defeat.
Every minister possessed a knowledge of some trade or profession,
and the missionaries prosecuted their work under cover of a secular
calling, usually that of merchant or peddler. “They carried silks,
jewelry, and other articles, ... and were welcomed as merchants
where they would have been spurned as missionaries.
They secretly
carried copies of the Bible, in whole or in part. Often an interest
to read God’s Word was awakened, and some portion was left with
those who desired it.
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With naked feet and garments coarse and travel-stained, these
missionaries passed through great cities and penetrated to distant
lands. Churches sprang up in their path, and the blood of martyrs
witnessed for the truth. Veiled and silent, the Word of God was
meeting a glad reception in the homes and hearts of men.
The Waldenses believed that the end of all things was not far
distant. As they studied the Bible they were deeply impressed with
their duty to make known to others its saving truths. They found
comfort, hope, and peace in believing in Jesus. As the light made
glad their hearts, they longed to shed its beams upon those in the
darkness of papal error.
Under the guidance of pope and priest, multitudes were taught
to trust to their good works to save them. They were ever looking
to themselves, their minds dwelling upon their sinful condition,
afflicting soul and body, yet finding no relief. Thousands spent
their lives in convent cells. By oft-repeated fasts and scourgings,
by midnight vigils, by prostration upon cold, damp stones, by long
pilgrimages—haunted with the fear of God’s avenging wrath—many
suffered on, until exhausted nature gave way. Without one ray of
hope they sank into the tomb.
Sinners Pointed to Christ
The Waldenses longed to open to these starving souls messages
of peace in the promises of God and to point them to Christ as their
only hope of salvation. The doctrine that good works can atone for
transgression they held to be based upon falsehood. The merits of a
crucified and risen Saviour are the foundation of the Christian faith.
1
Wylie, bk. 1, ch. 7.