the Romish doctors in any assembly , they attacked them with such ease and confidence that these ignorant men hesitated , became embarrassed , and fell into a contempt merited in the eyes of all ." -- Ibid ., b . 9 , ch . 11 .
As the Romish clergy saw their congregations diminishing , they invoked the aid of the magistrates , and by every means in their power endeavoured to bring back their hearers . But the people had found in the new teachings that which supplied the wants of their souls , and they turned away from those who had so long fed them with the worthless husks of superstitious rites and human traditions . When persecution was kindled against the teachers of the truth , they gave heed to the words of Christ : " When they persecute you in this city , flee ye into another ." Matthew 10:23 . The light penetrated everywhere . The fugitives would find somewhere a hospitable door opened to them , and there abiding , they would preach Christ , sometimes in the church , or , if denied that privilege , in private houses or in the open air . Wherever they could obtain a hearing was a consecrated temple . The truth , proclaimed with such energy and assurance , spread with irresistible power .
In vain both ecclesiastical and civil authorities were invoked to crush the heresy . In vain they resorted to imprisonment , torture , fire , and sword . Thousands of believers sealed their faith with their blood , and yet the work went on . Persecution served only to extend the truth , and the fanaticism which Satan endeavoured to unite with it resulted in making more clear the contrast between the work of Satan and the work of God .
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