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Second Angel’s Message
153
does not exist. Instead of one Lord, one faith, one baptism, there are
numberless conflicting creeds and theories. Religious faith appears
so confused and discordant that the world know not what to believe
as truth. God is not in all this; it is the work of man,—the work of
Satan.
In
Revelation 17
, Babylon is represented as a woman, a figure
which is used in the Scriptures as the symbol of a church. A virtuous
woman represents a pure church, a vile woman an apostate church.
Babylon is said to be a harlot; and the prophet beheld her drunken
with the blood of saints and martyrs. The Babylon thus described
represents Rome, that apostate church which has so cruelly perse-
cuted the followers of Christ. But Babylon the harlot is the mother
of daughters who follow her example of corruption. Thus are rep-
resented those churches that cling to the doctrines and traditions of
Rome and follow her worldly practices, and whose fall is announced
in the second angel’s message.
The close relation of the church to Christ is represented under
the figure of marriage. The Lord had joined his people to himself by
a solemn covenant, he promising to be their God, and they pledg-
ing themselves to be his, and his alone. Said Paul, addressing the
church, “I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present
you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” [
2 Corinthians 11:2
.] But when her
confidence and affection were turned away from him, and she sought
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after vanity, and allowed the love of worldly things to separate her
from God, she forfeited the privileges included in this peculiar and
sacred relation. By the apostle James those who assimilate to the
world are addressed as “adulterers and adulteresses.” [
James 4:4
.]
A profession of religion has become popular with the world.
Rulers, politicians, lawyers, doctors, merchants, join the church
as a means of securing the respect and confidence of society, and
advancing their own worldly interests. Thus they seek to cover all
their unrighteous transactions under a profession of Christianity. The
various religious bodies, re-enforced by the wealth and influence
of these baptized worldlings, make a still higher bid for popularity
and patronage. Splendid churches, embellished in the most extrava-
gant manner, are erected on popular avenues. The worshipers array
themselves in costly and fashionable attire. A high salary is paid
for a talented minister to entertain and attract the people. His ser-