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of these led down to the village, into a building formerly used as a
convent; the other to a Catholic church in another part of the town.
Here the secret workings of the mystery of iniquity had been carried
on. Here many precious souls had lost their lives, and left their bones
to testify of their faith. But the history of their sufferings will be made
known only when every secret thing shall be revealed. The Judgment
alone will bring to light the cruelties practiced in connection with these
fortified heights.
There is no question as to whose banner those ranked under who
thus persecuted the saints. Their master, Satan, alone could instigate
men to inflict such terrible cruelties, such intense sufferings, such
excruciating agony, upon their fellow-men. Those ages of cruel re-
striction of liberty of conscience are now in the past; but, we inquire,
how long before Satan will, through his devices, again bring upon
God’s people a time of trouble? Satan is a deceiver, a murderer, and
his power will be felt in the near future by those who love and fear
God.
If their voices could be heard, what a history the everlasting moun-
tains surrounding these valleys could give of the sufferings of God’s
people because of their faith! What a history of the visits of angels
unrecognized by these Christian fugitives! Again and again have an-
gels talked with men, as man speaketh with a friend, and led them to
places of security. Again and again have the encouraging words of
angels renewed the drooping spirits of the faithful, and, carrying their
minds above the tops of the highest mountains, caused them to behold
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by faith the white robes, the crowns, the palm branches of victory,
which the overcomers will receive when they surround the great white
throne.
What valuable lessons these pilgrims and strangers must have
learned in the friendly asylum of the rocks! As they climb the steep
mountain paths, they have in mind, not the homes they have left,
although they still hope to possess them again; but they are looking for
a home so high that the highest peak of the Alps cannot reach it,—a
home with their heavenly Father in the mansions that Jesus has gone
to prepare for them, from which they will never be driven. The bitter
venom of the dragon cannot reach them there. Therefore they can well
afford to leave their earthly treasures, to grope their way among dark
and crooked paths, and to be inclosed in rocky chambers, away from