The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 64

They were received with favor 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 t he 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.

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