tic. It annulled all contracts made in favor of
Vaudois, ordered their domestics to abandon them, forbade all persons to
give them any aid whatever, and empowered all persons to take possession
of their property." This document clearly reveals the master-spirit behind
the scenes. It is the roar of the dragon, and not the voice of Christ,
that is heard therein.

The papal leaders would not conform their characters to the great standard
of God's law, but erected a standard to suit themselves, and determined to
compel all to conform to this because Rome willed it. The most horrible
tragedies were enacted. Corrupt and blasphemous priests and popes were
doing the work which Satan appointed them. Mercy had no place in their
natures. The same spirit that crucified Christ and slew the apostles, the
same that moved the bloodthirsty 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 the 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."(110)

5. JOHN WYCLIFFE.

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Before the Reformation, there were at times but very few copies of the
Bible in existence; but God had not suffered His word to be wholly
destroyed. Its truths were not to be forever hidden. He could as easily
unchain the words of life as He could open prison doors and unbolt iron
gates to set His servants free. In the different countries of Europe men
were moved by the Spirit of God to search for the truth as for hid
treasures. Providentially guided to the Holy Scriptures, they studied the
sacred pages with intense interest. They were willing to accept the light,
at any cost to themselves. Though they d