Ellen G. White and Her Critics

Harmonization of Bates’s Statement

This statement, standing alone, would indicate advocacy of the doctrine of the end of probation for all men in 1844, but when compared with Bates’s own statement regarding the 144,000, quoted in chapter 13, who are to be constituted in part of sincere people over the whole world who were not a part of the late Advent movement, it would seem that in this 1850 statement, “the whole world,” must be understood in a modified sense as describing those who have willfully refused to accept God’s proffered mercy. Such an understanding makes Bates consistent with himself and with James White, Arnold, and others. And do not even the critics of Seventh-day Adventism advocate the plan of comparing scripture with scripture, with a view to harmony, particularly when dealing with a difficult Bible passage? EGWC 603.4

In the The Review and Herald, December, 1850 (volume 1, number 3), Joseph Bates declares that the main Adventist body are in rebellion against God because of their repudiation of certain prophetic beliefs that had distinguished the whole movement in 1844. And borrowing the word of Hosea 5:6, 7, he calls their converts “strange children.” Then he declares: EGWC 603.5

“We say, that as long as they continue rebellious against their lawful Prince, it is morally impossible for them to beget for him one peaceful subject. God has a true test, by which to try every individual since the Midnight Cry. It is ‘the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’ Revelation 14:9-12. We have yet to learn, that one single one of their professed converts, or reclaimed backsliders, have reached this standard.—But we fully believe they have some honest souls that they have drawn away with them, into their delusive snares, by their treacherous dealing with the Lord, and false teaching. Our hearts yearn after these. We would use every right way to get them from this Laodicean state. This then is one strong reason why we send forth this article, to open the eyes of those who were, and still are honest, and may possibly be saved, if they will at once flee from this rebellious house of Israel.”—Page 24. EGWC 603.6

Willful turning away from light makes these ministers unable to bring in true converts. This is what Bates tells us here. But he also tells us that there are “some honest souls” among them who “may possibly be saved.” Then note Bates’s words regarding the ministers—“as long as they continue rebellious.” The natural meaning of those words is that if these ministers cease being rebellious, their labors will be acceptable to God. There is evidently a possibility of salvation not only for them but also for those whom they “beget.” A little further on in the same paragraph he exclaims: “Talk about searching out sinners, that the work of the Midnight Cry left in outer darkness six years ago!” Bates wishes it clearly understood that the willfully rebellious in the world have sinned away their day of grace. EGWC 604.1