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because of his defects of character； but notwithstanding them。 He was
connected with the disciples； that； through the instruction and example of
Christ； he might learn what constitutes Christian character； and thus be led
to see his errors； to repent； and； by the aid of divine grace； to purify his
soul 〃in obeying the truth。〃 But Judas did not walk in the light so
graciously permitted to shine upon him。 By indulgence in sin he invited the
temptations of Satan。 His evil traits of character became predominant。 He
yielded his mind to the control of the powers of darkness； he became angry
when his faults were reproved； and thus he was led to commit the fearful
crime of betraying his Master。 So do all who cherish evil under a profession
of godliness hate those who disturb their peace by condemning their course
of sin。 When a favorable opportunity is presented； they will； like Judas；
betray those who for their good have sought to reprove them。
The apostles encountered those in the church who professed godliness while
they were secretly cherishing iniquity。 Ananias and Sapphira acted the part
of deceivers； pretending to make an entire sacrifice for God； when they were
covetously withholding a portion for themselves。 The Spirit of truth
revealed to the apostles the real character of these pretenders； and the
judgments of God rid the church of this foul blot upon its purity。 This
signal evidence of the discerning Spirit of Christ in the church was a
terror to hypocrites and evildoers。 They could not long remain in connection
with those who were； in habit and disposition； constant representatives of
Christ； and as trials and persecution came upon His followers； those only
who were willing to forsake all for the truth's sake desired to become His
disciples。 Thus； as long as persecution continued； the church remained
comparatively pure。 But as it ceased； converts were added who were less
sincere and devoted； and the way was open for Satan to obtain a foothold。
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But there is no union between the Prince of light and the prince of
darkness； and there can be no union between their followers。 When Christians
consented to unite with those who were but half converted from paganism；
they entered upon a path which led further and further 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。
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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 honorary
titles； they were a terror to evildoers wherever their character and
doctrines were known。 Therefore they were hated by the wicked； even as Abel
was hated by the ungodly Cain。 For the same reason that Cain slew Abel； did
those who sought to throw off the restraint of the Holy Spirit； put to death
God's people。 It was for the same reason that the Jews rejected and
crucified the Saviourbecause the purity and holiness of His character was
a constant rebuke to their selfishness and corruption。 From the days of
Christ until now His faithful disciples have excited the hatred and
opposition of those who love and follow the ways of sin。
How； then； can the gospel be called a message of peace？ When Isaiah foretold
the birth of the Messiah； he ascribed to Him the title； 〃Prince of Peace。〃
When angels announced to the shepherds that Christ was born； they sang above
the plains of Bethlehem： 〃Glory to God in the highest； and on earth peace；
good will toward men。〃 Luke 2：14。 There is a seeming contradiction between
these prophetic declarations and the words of Christ： 〃I came not to send
peace； but a sword。〃 Matthew 10：34。 But； rightly understood； the two
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are in perfect harmony。 The gospel is a message of peace。 Christianity is a
system which； received and obeyed； would spread peace； harmony； and
happiness throughout the earth。 The religion of Christ will unite in close
brotherhood all who accept its teachings。 It was the mission of Jesus to
reconcile men to God； and thus to one another。 But the world at large are
under the control of Satan； Christ's bitterest foe。 The gospel presents to
them principles of life which are wholly at variance with their habits and
desires； and they rise in rebellion against it。 They hate the purity which
reveals and condemns their sins； and they persecute and destroy those who
would urge upon them its just and holy claims。 It is in this sensebecause
the exalted truths it brings occasion hatred and strifethat the gospel is
called a sword。
The mysterious providence which permits the righteous to suffer persecution
at the hand of the wicked has been a cause of great perplexity to many who
are weak in faith。 Some are even ready to cast away their confidence in God
because He suffers the basest of men to prosper； while the best and purest
are afflicted and tormented by their cruel p