Chapter 66—December 12, 1850

Joseph Bates Urges First-Day Adventists to Accept the Sabbath.

We know that these people are saying, and will still insist, that they have reclaimed hundreds of backsliders, and that scores have been converted to God, under their teaching, since the Albany Conference, April, 1845.SDD 45.2

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.SDD 45.3

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.—Review and Herald, vol. 1, no. 3 (December, 1850), p. 24.SDD 45.4