There is no doubt but that they continued for ages, preserving a sameness of views, and keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. When their congregations became too numerous, they separated, and formed new assemblies. They continually refused to observe any religious ordinances for which they found no warrant in the Scriptures. They refused baptism to children, only admitting to that ordinance those persons of whose repentance and spiritual regeneration no doubts were entertained. They maintained church discipline upon all, even their ministers. And though cast down, they were not disheartened; though persecuted, they were not extirpated, until the days for their prophesying[30] were accomplished, until they had borne witness for the truth during the time appointed, when it pleased the great Head of the Church to permit their enemies to consummate their everlasting glory, by bestowing upon them the crown of martyrdom, and, from being the church militant, they were removed, almost in a body, to join the church triumphant. Of their Sabbatarian character there is not the least room for doubt. Indeed, whatever novelty may be connected with this idea, I believe that every one, upon mature consideration, will perceive its consistency. They were planted in the valleys—if not in the apostolic age—before the antichristian power had obtained the dominance at Rome. Robinson asserts that there were many churches of Jewish Christians in the imperial city during the fourth century, which well accords with the declaration of Pope Gregory VII., that the Waldensian heresy originated from a company of Jewish heretics, who removed from Rome thither in the time of Constantine the Great; while a multitude of authorities, both friends and foes, are unanimous in declaring that they were never subjected to Rome, but persisted to the end in the abhorrence of all her feasts and festivals. SECTION III. CONCERNING THEIR PERSECUTIONS, DISPERSION, AND EXTIRPATION—MORE ACCOUNTS OF THEIR SABBATARIAN CHARACTER.