and even Italy . But Rome had fixed her eyes on Britain , and resolved to bring it under her supremacy . In the sixth century her missionaries undertook the conversion of the heathen Saxons .
They were received with favour by the proud barbarians , and they induced many thousands to profess the Romish faith . As the work progressed , the papal leaders and their converts encountered the primitive Christians . A striking contrast was presented . The latter were simple , humble , and Scriptural in character , doctrine , and manners , while the former manifested the superstition , pomp , and arrogance of popery . The emissary of Rome demanded that these Christian churches acknowledge the supremacy of the sovereign pontiff . The Britons meekly replied that they desired to love all men , but that the pope was not entitled to supremacy in the church , and they could render to him only that submission which was due to every follower of Christ . Repeated attempts were made to secure their allegiance to Rome ; but these humble Christians , amazed at the pride displayed by her emissaries , steadfastly replied that they knew no other master than Christ . Now the true spirit of the papacy was revealed . Said the Romish leader : " If you will not receive brethren who bring you peace , you shall receive enemies who will bring you war . If you will not unite with us in showing the Saxons the way of life , you shall receive from them the stroke of death ." --J . H . Merle D ' Aubigne , History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century , b . 17 , ch . 2 . These were no idle threats . War , intrigue , and deception were employed against these witnesses for a Bible faith , until the churches of Britain were destroyed , or forced to submit to the authority of the pope .
In lands beyond the jurisdiction of Rome there existed for many centuries bodies of Christians who remained almost wholly free from papal corruption . They were surrounded by heathenism and in the lapse of ages were affected by its errors ; but they continued to regard the Bible as the only rule of faith and adhered to many of its truths . These Christians believed in the perpetuity of the law of God and observed the Sabbath of the fourth commandment . Churches that held to this faith and practice existed in Central Africa and among the Armenians of Asia .
But of those who resisted the encroachments of the papal power , the Waldenses stood foremost . In the very land where popery had fixed its seat , there its falsehood and corruption were most steadfastly resisted . For centuries the churches of Piedmont maintained their independence ; but the time came at last when Rome insisted upon their submission . After ineffectual struggles against her tyranny , the leaders of these churches reluctantly acknowledged the supremacy of the power to which the whole world seemed to pay homage . There were some , however , who refused to yield to the authority of pope or prelate . They were determined to maintain their allegiance to God and to preserve the purity and simplicity of their faith . A separation took place . Those who adhered to the ancient faith now withdrew ; some , forsaking their native Alps , raised the banner of truth in foreign lands ; others retreated to the secluded glens and rocky fastnesses of the mountains , and there preserved their freedom to worship God .
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