The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 46

But there is no union between the Prince of light and the prince of
darkness, and there can be no union between their followers. When
Christians consented to unite with those who were but half converted
from paganism, they entered upon a path which led further and further
from the truth. Satan exulted that he had succeeded in deceiving so
large a number of the followers of Christ. He then brought his power
to bear more fully upon these, and inspired them to persecute those
who remained true to God. None understood so well how to oppose
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.

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