naries prosecuted their work under cover of a secular calling.
Usually they chose that of merchant or peddler. "They carried silks,
jewelry, and other articles, at that time not easily purchasable save at
distant marts; and they were welcomed as merchants where they would have
been spurned as missionaries."(101) All the while their hearts were
uplifted to God for wisdom to present a treasure more precious than gold
or gems. They secretly carried about with them copies of the Bible, in
whole or in part; and whenever an opportunity was presented, they called
the attention of their customers to these manuscripts. Often an interest
to read God's word was thus awakened, and some portion was gladly left
with those who desired to receive it.

The work of these missionaries began in the plains and valleys at the foot
of their own mountains, but it extended far beyond these limits. With
naked feet and in garments coarse and travel-stained as were those of
their Master, they passed through great cities, and penetrated to distant
lands. Everywhere they scattered the precious seed. Churches sprung up in
their path, and the blood of martyrs witnessed for the truth. The day of
God will reveal a rich harvest of souls garnered by the labors of these
faithful men. Veiled and silent, the word of God was making its way
through Christendom, and meeting a glad reception in the homes and hearts
of men.

To the Waldenses the Scriptures were not merely a record of God's dealings
with men in the past, and a revelation of the responsibilities and duties
of the present, but an unfolding of the perils and glories of the future.
They believed that the end of all things was not far distant; and as they
studied the Bible with prayer and tears, they were the more deeply
impressed with its precious utterances, and with their duty to make known
to others its saving truths. They saw the plan of salvation clearly
revealed in the sacred pages, and they found comfort, hope, and peace in
believing in Jesus. As the light illuminated their understanding and made
glad their hearts, they longed to shed its beams upon those who were in
the darkness of papal error.

They saw that under the guidance of pope and priests, multitudes were
vainly endeavoring to obtain pardon by afflicting their bodies for the sin
of their souls. Taught to trust to their good works to save them, they
were ever looking to themselves, their minds dwelling upon their sinful
condition, se