THE WINE OF BABYLON
6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein].
6:17 Also I set watchmen over you, [saying], Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken." Jer. 6:16-17
GREAT ADVENT MOVEMENT, AS ILLUSTRATED BY THE THREE ANGELS - OF - REVELATION XIV. BY ELDER JAMES WHITE. On "Fundamental errors" (1868)THE MOTHER AND THE DAUGHTERS
"The cause of the fall of Babylon is said to be because she "made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." Her fornication was her unlawful connection with the kings of the earth. The wine of this is that with which the church has intoxicated the nations of the earth. There is but one thing to which this can refer, and that is, false doctrine. This harlot, in consequence of her unlawful union with the powers of earth, has corrupted the pure truths of the Bible, and with the wine of her false doctrine has intoxicated the nations. As a few of the gross errors which she has caused the masses to receive as Bible truth, we mention the following: 1. That the soul is immortal. 2. That sprinkling and pouring are baptism. 3. That Sunday is the Sabbath. 4. That there are to be a thousand years of peace and prosperity before the coming of the Lord. 5. That the saints' inheritance is not the earth made new, but an immaterial, intangible region beyond the bounds of time and space. 6. That the second advent is to be understood spiritually, and that it takes place at the destruction of Jerusalem, or that it takes place at conversion or at death. 7. That it is right and scriptural to hold human beings in bondage; and 8. That it is of no consequence, if we may judge from their practice, to come out and be separate from the world. Most of these pernicious errors Protestant sects have themselves originated, showing conclusively that they are but the daughters of the great apostasy."
IBID, page 0233 paragraph 1
"We have seen that Babylon is composed of several divisions; and we know that the name of the whole is frequently applied to any one of its parts. Hence the name Babylon may be applied to any one of these divisions. Consequently when it is announced that Babylon is fallen, it is not necessary to understand that as a whole it experienced a moral change for the worse. It would be true if such change took place in any one of its great branches. The cry, Babylon is fallen, being given subsequent to the first message, is evidence that the fall took place at that time." IBID, page 0233 paragraph 2
FUNDAMENTAL ERRORS
"The truths connected with the proclamation of the first angel were calculated to correct many of the fundamental errors of Babylon, and open the way for the reception of the whole truth in place of her false doctrines. That these errors were honestly held by the different churches, is not to be questioned. But after light has been given to a person sufficient to enable him to discard an error, he becomes guilty for longer retaining it. So when Babylon, through the proclamation of the first message, was called upon to correct her errors, and redeem her influence over the people, and refused to do so, she then became guilty of willfully refusing the truth, and making the nations intoxicated with her false teaching. Just as the people of God when they are called out after her fall, become guilty by longer retaining their connection with her. Hence the proclamation of the fall of Babylon comes in after the first message, stating the consequence of her rejection of that message. That message has already been located in the present generation; and Rev.xviii shows that Babylon's fall must take place in the last days, as it is just previous to her final destruction. But as we look over apostate Christendom, we see that the Romish and Greek churches are no more corrupt, either in doctrine or practice, than they have been for ages past. No marked change for the worse has taken place in those bodies within the present generation, nor is there scarcely room for them to become worse than they have already for centuries been. We therefore look to the religious bodies composing the great Protestant family for the fulfillment of the announcement made in the second message, especially in our own country, where the first message was more definitely proclaimed. The inquiry now arises, has there been any moral declension in these bodies within the memory of the generation now living? Did any such change take place with them about the time of the first message, and have they since been filling up their cup of iniquity, as represented in Rev.xviii? If so, we have the place for an unmistakable application of the second message." IBID, 0235 paragraph 1
"But that we may not seem to judge these denominations ourselves, as we might be accused of not rendering impartial judgment, we will let their own members speak, and on their testimony will let the question rest. To show that we are not alone in ranking the popular Protestant sects as a part of Babylon, we offer the following. If they themselves claim it, we are not disposed to dispute it." IBID, page 0235 paragraph 2
Mr. William Kinkade, in his "Bible Doctrine," p. 294, says:
"I also think Christ has a true church on earth, but its members are scattered among the various denominations, and are all more or less under the influence of Mystery Babylon and her daughters." IBID, page 0235 paragraph 4
Mr. Hopkins, in a treatise on the millennium, says:
"There is no reason to consider the antichristian spirit and practices confined to that which is now called the Church of Rome. The Protestant churches have much of antichrist in them, and are far from being wholly reformed from her corruptions and wickedness." IBID, page 0235 paragraph 6
Mr. Simpson, in his "Plea for Religion," says:
"For though the Pope and Church of Rome is at the head of the grand 1260 years' delusion, yet all other churches, of whatever denomination, whether established or tolerated, which partake of the same spirit, or have instituted doctrines or ceremonies inimical to the pure and unadulterated gospel of Christ, shall sooner or later share in the fate of that immense fabric of human ordinances; and that Protestant churches should imitate the Church of Rome, in this worst part of its conduct, can never be sufficiently bewailed." IBID, page 0236 paragraph 1
Alexander Campbell says:
"The worshiping establishments now in operation throughout Christendom, increased and cemented by their respective voluminous confessions of faith, and their ecclesiastical constitutions, are not churches of Jesus Christ, but the legitimate daughters of that mother of harlots, the Church of Rome." IBID, page 0236 paragraph 3
Lorenzo Dow says of the Romish Church:
"If she be a mother, who are the daughters? It must be the corrupt, national, established churches that came out of her." Dow's Life, p. 542.
IBID, page 0236 paragraph 5
In the Religious Encyclopedia, (Art. Antichrist), we read:
"The writer of the book of Revelation tells us he heard a voice from Heaven, saying, `Come of her, my people, that ye partake not of her sins, and receive not of her plagues.' If such persons are to be found in the `mother of harlots,' with much less hesitation may it be inferred that they are connected with her unchaste daughters, those national churches which are founded upon what are called Protestant principles."
IBID, page 0236 paragraph 7
In the spring and summer of 1844, a distant message was proclaimed, setting forth the fallen condition of the churches, which resulted in calling from them fifty thousand believers in the immediate coming of Christ. And the testimonies from the very churches they had left could but convince them that they had entertained correct views of the fallen state of the churches, and had done the will of God in separating from them." IBID, page 0236 paragraph 8
THE REVIEW AND HERALD
ROCHESTER THIRD-DAY, SEPT. 12, 1854.
________________________________________________________
THE POSITION OF THE REMNANT.
"THE third angel [Rev.xiv,9-12] utters a solemn and dreadful message of warning, and threatened wrath. His message closes as follows: "Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." These, of course, are the true worshipers of God. The warning of this angel is against false worship - the worship of the "beast and his image." The two classes, and the two kinds of worship, are apparent. One class worship God. They keep his commandments and the faith of his Son. The other class worship the beast. They observe at least one of the beast's institutions, which stands in opposition to some commandment and institution of the God of heaven. And we believe the Sabbath to be the very institution."
JW 6R&H5 page 0036 paragraph 4 "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth."
"God rested on the seventh day, then sanctified and blessed the day in which he had rested, and thus "made the Sabbath for man." The fourth commandment guards and enforces the day of Jehovah's rest, and points us back to creation for the reason of the existence of the institution. Christ intimates no change in this precept of the law of God, but says, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law," and affirms that, "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass" from it. The apostles intimated no change of the Sabbath, but observed it, [Acts xiii,42-44; xvi,13; xviii,4,11; xxviii,17,30,31,] and taught the law and commandments of God. So far as the Bible speaks of a weekly Sabbath, it knows none but the seventh day. But we find a very large majority of the professed Christian world observing the first day of the week instead of the Sabbath of the Bible. Where is their authority for so doing? It is not in the Bible. Where then shall we look for it? It can be found only in the history of the "beast" - Papacy. Then as those who keep God's commandments, (and no man can do this and break the Sabbath of the fourth,) are the worshipers of God, are not those who observe the institutions of the beast, (one of which is the observance of First-day in the place of the Sabbath of the Lord our God,) the worshipers of the beast?" IBID, page 0036 paragraph 7"
"As fundamental errors, we might class with this counterfeit sabbath other errors which Protestants have brought away from the Catholic church, such as sprinkling for baptism, the trinity, the consciousness of the dead and eternal life in misery. The mass who have held these fundamental errors, have doubtless done it ignorantly; but can it be supposed that the church of Christ will carry along with her these errors till the judgment scenes burst upon the world? We think not. "Here are they [in the period of a message given just before the Son of man takes his place upon the white cloud, Rev.xiv,14] that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." This class, who live just prior to the second advent, will not be keeping the traditions of men, neither will they be holding fundamental errors relative to the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. And as the true light shines out upon these subjects, and is rejected by the mass, then condemnation will come upon them. When the true Sabbath is set before men, and the claims of the fourth commandment are urged upon them, and they reject this holy institution of the God of heaven, and choose in its place an institution of the beast, it can then be said, in the fullest sense, that such worship the beast. The warning message of the third angel is given in reference to that period, when the mark of the beast will be received, instead of the seal of the living God. Solemn dreadful, swiftly-approaching hour!" IBID, page 0036 paragraph 8
Importance of a Correct System of Belief.
THE REVIEW AND HERALD
"Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth."
BATTLE CREEK, MICH., THIRD-DAY, OCTOBER 7, 1862.
_____________________________________________________
JAMES WHITE, EDITOR.
[SINGULAR as it may seem, the writer of the following article is a believer in Sunday-keeping, Immortal-soulism, Infant Sprinkling, the Trinity, Reward at death, &c., &c. How can he harmonize all these with the sound remarks presented below?] 20R&H page 0150 paragraph 4
All nations have their systems of belief. These are all more or less correct, as they are directed by revelation and a desire for the truth. Few nations have lived but what have incorporated some great truths as well as great errors into their national faith. These have exerted a powerful influence upon them for good or evil. IBID, page 0150 paragraph 5
As nations have their systems of belief, so have individuals. And here is presented an endless variety - from the Christian who subscribes to all the great doctrines of the Bible - to the bold atheist, who rejects them all. Let us see the importance of a correct system: page 0150 paragraph 6
1. All fundamental errors in doctrine, will lead to errors in practice. We have all seen men whose belief was better than their practice, but how seldom do we see one whose practice is better than his belief. As the stream will not rise above the fountain, so a man's practice will not rise above his belief. Hence, if we believe wrong, we shall do wrong. Suppose we believe there is no God. Then we should not seek him; neither love nor obey him; should disregard his word; the calls of his Spirit and the voice of Providence; and neglecting all preparation for the future, live and die like brutes. IBID, page 0150 paragraph 7
Or if we believe that all men will be saved; then we need not keep the law, or repent of our sins, for all is safe. IBID,150 paragraph 8
If we believe that the Sabbath is abolished, who will keep it? This principle holds good in other things. The ancients believed that the earth was fixed, and the sun and moon revolved around it - hence, all their maps and charts were made on this principle. The Romanist, believing that man can pardon sin, and the Virgin Mary hear his prayer, acts accordingly. The Jew, believing in a Messiah to come, rejects the true one. IBID, page 0150 paragraph 9
2. All errors in belief, leading us to act, will meet with disappointment. Let us illustrate: Suppose we believe that riches will make us happy. This will lead us to set our hearts upon them, and to neglect God and his requirements, but in the end we shall find that,
page 0150 paragraph 11
"This world can never give
The bliss for which we sigh."
And the heart that once beat with pleasure at the shining prospect, will be pierced with many sorrows. IBID, 0150 paragraph 12
Suppose we believe the command to "love our neighbor as ourselves," is abolished, we should be led to disregard his rights, and perhaps to follow Cain and take his life; but soon the prison walls will show how much we erred. Or that we can break the laws of our physical nature with impunity, but how soon will sickness tell the sad mistake we made. Or that there is no future state. This would lead us to neglect the interests of the soul and all preparation for another life; to seek happiness only in the present, and to stifle all the aspirations of the soul for another state of action." IBID, 0150 paragraph 13
But I need not pursue this thought: enough has been said to show that if our faith is wrong, we shall be disappointed." IBID, page 0150 paragraph 14
3. We are accountable for our belief. Many have adopted the opinion that it matters but little what we believe, if we are only sincere. This seems very plausible at first sight, but what does it really amount to? Let me ask, Can we believe anything without being sincere? And can a man's sincerity change facts? IBID, page 0150 paragraph 15
But we remark, that God has given us his word containing a system of truths to be believed and obeyed, with fearful penalties attached if we do not; and it is but fair to suppose if we use the means that God has given us, we may all believe them. Hence if we do not have a system of faith that is in the main correct, it will be our own fault. Doubtless most of the infidelity in the world, is owing to a want of investigation with a desire to find the truth. A celebrated infidel confessed he had never read the New Testament with attention. Dr. Beattie was appointed by his infidel club to collect all objections he could find against Christianity; but before he had completed the task, he became convinced of the truth of religion, and boldly renounced his infidelity. So would it be with many, if they would seek after the truth. But if men close their eyes against light and choose darkness, by rejecting those truths that God has written on the earth beneath our feet, and on the heavens above, as well as those revealed in his word, will they not be guilty in the sight of God for this, their unbelief? See the words of Scripture - "Because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved; and for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." IBID, page 0150 paragraph 16
Now we gather from this subject that it is as bad to believe wrong as it is to do wrong; and that we have as much right to do the one as the other. It is true that we are at liberty to believe as we choose, as well as to act; but men thinks God will ask us by and by why we have believed and done thus! Now if the above reasons are valid, we see at once the importance of having a correct system of belief. Let us beware what we believe! - Y. - Standard Bearer." IBID, page 0150 paragraph 17
"The second angel's message of Revelation 14 was first preached in the summer of 1844, and it then had a more direct application to the churches of the United States, where the warning of the judgment had been most widely proclaimed and most generally rejected, and where the declension in the churches had been most rapid. But the message of the second angel did not reach its complete fulfillment in 1844. The churches then experienced a moral fall, in consequence of their refusal of the light of the advent message; but that fall was not complete. As they have continued to reject the special truths for this time they have fallen lower and lower. Not yet, however, can it be said that "Babylon is fallen,... because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." She has not yet made all nations do this. The spirit of world conforming and indifference to the testing truths for our time exists and has been gaining ground in churches of the Protestant faith in all the countries of Christendom; and these churches are included in the solemn and terrible denunciation of the second angel. But the work of apostasy has not yet reached its culmination." Great Controversy, 389.2
"HOLINESS TO THE LORD". Exodus 28:36
"The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord, Satan will work "with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness;" and they that "received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved," will be left to receive "strong delusion, that they should believe a lie." 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11. Not until this condition shall be reached, and the union of the church with the world shall be fully accomplished throughout Christendom, will the fall of Babylon be complete. The change is a progressive one, and the perfect fulfillment of Revelation 14:8 is yet future." IBID, 389.3
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