ersecuted for
Christ's sake, they were to be exceeding glad, for great would be their
reward in heaven; for so the prophets had been persecuted before them.
They rejoiced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for the truth, and
songs of triumph ascended from the midst of crackling flames. Looking
upward by faith, they saw Christ and angels leaning over the battlements
of heaven, gazing upon them with the deepest interest, and regarding their
steadfastness with approval, A voice came down to them from the throne of
God, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of
life."(62)

In vain were Satan's efforts to destroy the church of Christ by violence.
The great controversy in which the disciples of Jesus yielded up their
lives, did not cease when these faithful standard-bearers fell at their
post. By defeat they conquered. God's workmen were slain, but His work
went steadily forward. The gospel continued to spread, and the number of
its adherents to increase. It penetrated into regions that were
inaccessible, even to the eagles of Rome. Said a Christian, expostulating
with the heathen rulers who were urging forward the persecution: You may
"kill us, torture us, condemn us.... Your injustice is the proof that we
are innocent.... Nor does your cruelty ... avail you." It was but a
stronger invitation to bring others to their persuasion. "The oftener we
are mown down by you, the more in number we grow; the blood of Christians
is seed."(63)

Thousands were imprisoned and slain; but others sprung up to fill their
places. And those who were martyred for their faith were secured to
Christ, and accounted of Him as conquerors. They had fought the good
fight, and they were to receive the crown of glory when Christ should
come. The sufferings which they endured brought Christians nearer to one
another and to their Redeemer. Their living example and dying testimony
were a constant witness for the truth; and where least expected, the
subjects of Satan were leaving his service, and enlisting under the banner
of Christ.

Satan therefore laid his plans to war more successfully against the
government of God, by planting his banner in the Christian church. If the
followers of Christ could be deceived, and led to displease God, then
their strength, fortitude, and firmness would fail, and they would fall an
easy prey.

The great adversary now endeavored to gain by artifice what he had failed
to secure by force. Persecu