Page 26 - 04 The Waldenses

missionaries, everyone who expected to

enter the ministry being required first to gain

an experience as an evangelist. Each was to

serve three years in some mission field

before taking charge of a church at home.

This service, requiring at the outset self-

denial and sacrifice, was a fitting introduction

to the pastor's life in those times that tried

men's souls. The youth who received

ordination to the sacred office saw before

them, not the prospect of earthly wealth and

glory, but a life of toil and danger, and

possibly a martyr's fate. The missionaries

went out two and two, as Jesus sent forth His

disciples. With each young man was usually

associated a man of age and experience, the

youth being under the guidance of his

companion, who was held responsible for his

training, and whose instruction he was

required to heed. These colaborers were not