[Bates’ Pamphlet #2] Second Advent Way Marks and High Heaps

THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS

“Well may the Church of Rome claim the title of Mother Church; and those churches which have come out from her may as well be called H A R L O T S. For there are few of them at this time, but are partaking of the old mother’s character, and committing the same ABOMINATIONS of pride, vain show, worldly grandeur and riches, popular applause and political power. Where is there a Protestant sect but now claims the same authority as the Pope over those who may honestly differ from them in understanding the word of God? Never did the Church of Rome persecute the Protestant Covenanters more when they fled from their fellowship, than the sects of the present day would the Adventist had they the power. See the venom of our sectarian papers which is cast out against those who believe in the near coming of the dear Saviour? They have all in their turn been come-outers. Why not let the Advent brethren have the same privilege? [Sure enough.] Why complain? you gave us a sample, we are only working after the copy. You once called the Church of Rome the mother of harlots. We, because you partake of her nature and perform her acts CALL YOU HARLOTS. This is the scripture language, and was once yours when you came out. - The present moment is one in which the sins of the people are reaching ‘to heaven,’” 34 pg. Why keep back the message, then? why not allow those to declare it that were burdened with it also. This to us was paradoxical, first to preach and claim the privilege for all his brethren, showing it was right to do so, and then tell them that this message would not, nay could not be given (without perverting the scriptures) until the second advent. See also pages 39,40. The Advent Herald has also sustained corresponding views and opposed these messages. Look at the 309 No., April 6, 1847 - just read their article, The Churches Coming Out. After the message had ceased to have any real effect, they can say it is their ‘deliberate opinion and duty to teach this doctrine, (just as it had been done three years before) and call on them to come out of the churches.’ Just read it for yourselves. What is the matter? has immortality come! or is the time come now to give this message? or was it given in the right time? We say without hesitation the latter. If we need any further human testimony to prove the permanency of this waymark in our pathway, we know where to call. If these messages were not fulfilled there, they never have been any where. Then it is impossible for them to occur again. Can any wise man show where faith and zeal, and power, as in this case, will ever occur again to do any thing like what has been done? No, never! and whoever looks for its fulfilment in immortality is not with the ‘wise’. I think the state of the nominal churches around us are of themselves sufficient evidence that these two angels have passed. Indeed, they are confessing it themselves, in their own way. For brevity’s sake, I will give but one out of scores that might be adduced. Special fast - “The general association of Congregational Ministers of Massachusetts have recommended that the last Tuesday in September be observed by the churches throughout the State as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer, in view of the suspension of the divine influence now so general.” - New Bedford Mercury, Sept. 19, 1845. More of this in another place. As there are still thousands of living witnesses that can testify to these truths, we will now leave this way mark in its proper place in our pathway, and pass on and review what we see shining here so clearly at midnight. BP2 70.1