FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:
‘THE ROAR OF THE DRAGON’ AND NOT THE VOICE OF THE GENTLE SHEPHERD
“And the dragon was wroth with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev. 12:17, KJV
“The [Waldensian] messenger of truth went on his way [after sharing the precious truth with those hungering and thirsting for it]; but his appearance of humility, sincerity, his earnestness and deep fervor, were subjects of frequent remark. In many instances his hearers has not asked him whence he came and whither he went. They had been so overwhelmed, at first with surprise, and afterward with gratitude and joy, that they had not thought to question him. When they had urged him to accompany them to their homes, he replied that he must visit ‘the lost sheep of the flock.’
“In many cases the messenger of truth was seen no more. He had made his way to other lands, or he was WEARING OUT HIS LIFE in some unknown dungeon, or perhaps HIS BONES WERE WHITENING on the spot where he had witnessed [testified] for the truth But the WORDS HE HAD LEFT BEHIND COULD NOT BE DESTROYED. They were doing their work in the HEARTS of men; THE BLESSED RESULTS WILL BE FULLY KNOWN ONLY IN THE JUDGMENT.
“The Waldensian missionaries were invading the KINGDOM OF SATAN [on earth], and the powers of darkness aroused to greater vigilance. Every effort to advance the truth was watched by the prince of evil [especially now!], and he excited the fears of his agents. The PAPAL LEADERS saw a portent of danger to their cause from the labors of these humble itinerants. If the light of truth were allowed to shine unobstructed, it would sweep away the HEAVY CLOUDS OF ERROR that enveloped the people; it would direct the minds of the minds of men to GOD ALONE, and would eventually DESTROY THE SUPREMACY OF ROME…..
“When Rome determined to exterminate the hated sect, a BULL was issued by the Pope, condemning them as HERETICS, and delivering them to SLAUGHTER. (see appendix on this page of the book). They were NOT accused as idlers, or dishonest, or disorderly; but it was declared that they had the APPEARANCE of piety and sanctity that SEDUCED ‘THE SHEEP OF THE TRUE FOLD.’ Therefor the Pope ordered ‘that malicious and abominable sect of malignants,’ if they ‘refuse to abjure, to be crushed like venomous snakes.’ (Wylie, b.16, ch.1).
“Did this haughty potentate expect to meet those words again? Did he know they were registered in the books of heaven, to CONFRONT him at the judgment? [Matt. 25:40 quoted].
“This bull called upon all members of the church (of Rome) to join the CRUSADE [Islamic counterpart is jihad] against the heretics. As an INCENTIVE to engage in this cruel work, it ‘absolved from all ecclesiastical pains and penalties, general or particular; it released all who joined the crusade from ANY OATHS they might taken; it LEGITIMIZED their title to any property that they might have ILLEGALLY acquired; and promised REMISSION OF ALL THEIR SINS to such as should KILL any heretic. If ANNULLED all contracts made in favor of Vaudois (Waldenses), ordered their domestics [servants, employees] to ABANDON them, FORBADE all persons to give them any aid whatever, and EMPOWERED all persons to take possession of their property.’ (Ibid)
“This document clearly reveals the masterful spirit BEHIND the scenes. It is the ROAR OF THE DRAGON, AND NOT THE VOICE OF CHRIST, that is heard therein.” – ‘Great Controversy,’ 1911 ed., E. G. White, pp. 75,76,77. Pacific Press Publishing Asso., Mt. View, CA.
Soon God’s last-day “Waldenses” will hear the voice of the “beast with lamb-like horns” “speaking like a dragon” (Rev. 13:11-17). Are they prepared? God bless all, NMF