The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 79

no place in their natures. The same spirit that crucified Christ and slew
the apostles, the same that moved the blood-thirsty Nero against the
faithful in his day, was at work to rid the earth of those who were beloved
of God.
The persecutions visited for many centuries upon this God-fearing
people were endured by them with a patience and constancy that honored
their Redeemer. Notwithstanding the crusades against them, and the
inhuman butchery to which they were subjected, they continued to send
out their missionaries to scatter the precious truth. They were hunted
to death; yet their blood watered the seed sown, and it failed not of
yielding fruit. Thus the Waldenses witnessed for God centuries before
the birth of Luther. Scattered over many lands, they planted the seeds of
the Reformation that began in the time of Wycliffe, grew broad and deep
in the days of Luther, and is to be carried forward to the close of time by
those who also are willing to suffer all things for “the word of God, and
for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 1:9.

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