the true Christian faith as did those who had once been its defenders ; and these apostate Christians , uniting with their half-pagan companions , directed their warfare against the most essential features of the doctrines of Christ .
It required a desperate struggle for those who would be faithful to stand firm against the deceptions and abominations which were disguised in sacerdotal garments and introduced into the church . The Bible was not accepted as the standard of faith . The doctrine of religious freedom was termed heresy , and its upholders were hated and proscribed . After a long and severe conflict , the faithful few decided to dissolve all union with the apostate church if she still refused to free herself from falsehood and idolatry . They saw that separation was an absolute necessity if they would obey the word of God . They dared not tolerate errors fatal to their own souls , and set an example which would imperil the faith of their children and children ' s children . To secure peace and unity they were ready to make any concession consistent with fidelity to God ; but they felt that even peace would be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle . If unity could be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness , then let there be difference , and even war .
Well would it be for the church and the world if the principles that actuated those steadfast souls were revived in the hearts of God ' s professed people . There is an alarming indifference in regard to the doctrines which are the pillars of the Christian faith . The opinion is gaining ground , that , after all , these are not of vital importance . This degeneracy is strengthening the hands of the agents of Satan , so that false theories and fatal delusions which the faithful in ages past imperiled their lives to resist and expose , are now regarded with favor by thousands who claim to be followers of Christ .
The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people . Their blameless deportment and unswerving faith were a continual reproof that disturbed the sinner ' s peace . Though few in numbers , without wealth , position , or honorary titles , they were a terror to evildoers wherever their character and doctrines were known . Therefore they were hated by the wicked , even as Abel was hated by the ungodly Cain . For the same reason that Cain slew Abel , did those who sought to throw off the restraint of the Holy Spirit , put to death God ' s people . It was for the same reason that the Jews rejected and crucified the Saviour--because the purity and holiness of His character was a constant rebuke to their selfishness and corruption . From the days of Christ until now His faithful disciples have excited the hatred and opposition of those who love and follow the ways of sin .
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