Basic HTML Version
Waldenses Defend the Faith
47
The dependence of the soul upon Christ must be as close as that of a
limb to the body or of a branch to the vine.
The teachings of popes and priests had led men to look upon
God and even Christ as stern and forbidding, so devoid of sympathy
with man that the mediation of priests and saints must be invoked.
Those whose minds had been enlightened longed to clear away the
[48]
obstructions which Satan had piled up, that men might come directly
to God, confess their sins, and obtain pardon and peace.
Invading the Kingdom of Satan
The Vaudois missionary cautiously produced the carefully writ-
ten portions of the Holy Scriptures. The light of truth penetrated
many a darkened mind, until the Sun of Righteousness shone into
the heart with healing in His beams. Often the hearer desired some
portion of Scripture to be repeated, as if he would assure himself he
had heard aright.
Many saw how vain is the mediation of men in behalf of the
sinner. They exclaimed with rejoicing, “Christ is my priest; His
blood is my sacrifice; His altar is my confessional.” So great was
the flood of light shed upon them, that they seemed transported to
heaven. All fear of death was banished. They could now covet prison
if they might thereby honor their Redeemer.
In secret places the Word of God was brought forth and read,
sometimes to a single soul, sometimes to a little company longing
for light. Often the entire night was spent in this manner. Often
would words like these be uttered: “Will God accept my offering?
Will He smile upon me? Will He pardon me?” The answer was read,
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
.
Those happy souls returned to their homes to diffuse light, to
repeat to others, as well as they could, their new experience. They
had found the true and living way! Scripture spoke to the hearts of
those longing for truth.
The messenger of truth went on his way. In many instances his
hearers had not asked whence he came or whither he went. They
had been so overwhelmed that they had not thought to question him.
Could he have been an angel from heaven? they queried.