and even Italy.

But Rome had fixed her eyes on Britain, and resolved to bring it under her
supremacy. In the sixth century her missionaries undertook the conversion
of the heathen Saxons. They were received with favor by the proud
barbarians, and they induced many thousands to profess the Romish faith.
As the work progressed, the papal leaders and their converts encountered
the primitive Christians. A striking contrast was presented. The latter
were simple, humble, and scriptural in character, doctrine, and manners,
while the former manifested the superstition, pomp, and arrogance of
popery. The emissary of Rome demanded that these Christian churches
acknowledge the supremacy of the sovereign pontiff. The Britons meekly
replied that they desired to love all men, but that the pope was not
entitled to supremacy in the church, and they could render to him only
that submission which was due to every follower of Christ. Repeated
attempts were made to secure their allegiance to Rome; but these humble
Christians, amazed at the pride displayed by her emissaries, steadfastly
replied that they knew no other master than Christ. Now the true spirit of
the papacy was revealed. Said the Romish leader: "If you will not receive
brethren who bring you peace, you shall receive enemies who will bring you
war. If you will not unite with us in showing the Saxons the way of life,
you shall receive from them the stroke of death."(98) These were no idle
threats. War, intrigue, and deception were employed against these
witnesses for a Bible faith, until the churches of Britain were destroyed,
or forced to submit to the authority of the pope.

In lands beyond the jurisdiction of Rome, there existed for many centuries
bodies of Christians who remained almost wholly free from papal
corruption. They were surrounded by heathenism, and in the lapse of ages
were affected by its errors; but they continued to regard the Bible as the
only rule of faith, and adhered to many of its truths. These Christians
believed in the perpetuity of the law of God, and observed the Sabbath of
the fourth commandment. Churches that held to this faith and practice,
existed in Central Africa and among the Armenians of Asia.

But of those who resisted the encroachments of the papal power, the
Waldenses stood foremost. In the very land where popery had fixed its
seat, there its falsehood and corruption were most steadfastly resisted.
For centuries the churches of Piedmont m