ed from
paganism, they entered upon a path which led farther and farther 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.

Well would it be for the church and the world if the principles that
actuated those steadfast souls were revived in the hearts of God's
professed people. There is an alarming indifference in regard to the
doctrines which are the pillars of the Christian faith. The opinion is
gaining ground, that, after all, these are not of vital importance. This
degeneracy is strengthening the hands of the agents of Satan, so that
false theories and fatal delusions which the faithful in ages past
imperiled their lives to resist and expose, are now regarded with favor by
thousands who claim to be followers of Christ.

The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people. Their blameless
deportment and unswerving faith were a continual reproof that disturbed
the sinner's peace. Though few in numbers, without wealth, position, or