Babylon Is Fallen by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 19, 1911

Babylon Is Fallen

By F. M. W.

THERE are two Babylons brought to view in the Scriptures of truth: (1) The ancient monarchy, with its pagan gods and goddesses, its heathen temples and priests and worship, with all their mystic rites and ceremonies; (2) the Babylon of the apocalypse, representing primarily the Roman Catholic system of worship as the mother, and the daughters, those churches which have followed in her steps. In a general sense the New Testament term applies to fallen and apostate Christianity, especially in the last days.

To the church God sends a message declaring to it the fact of its great moral fall, its departure from truth and simplicity. This message is found in Rev. 14:8 and in Revelation 18. Of the application of this scripture to our own day, we see indications on every side, not in any one church, but too greatly and generally in all the great churches of the land. Religious faith has been corrupted; simplicity has been sacrificed. The spirit of the world is entering the church, and the line of demarcation between it and the world has been well-nigh obliterated.

The apostle declares that the church during this time should be “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” The extent to which this spirit has entered into some of the churches of the land is strikingly illustrated in a recent church carnival held in Walla Walla, Wash. The Morning Union of December 15, published in that city, gives the following as some of the attractive features:—

From the moment one enters the door — it and kisses the Blarney (two well-known society women, of which you have a choice between the blonde and brunette at ten cents per), until the Japanese bazaar is reached, a continual round of pleasure and thrills is experienced at very nominal cost considering the enjoyment and merriment received. The amusement features are unique. By paying ten cents one can climb a step-ladder to a platform above, on which sit two well-known society women of the town with ready lips. This was one of the biggest drawing cards of the carnival last night. By paying a small sum, one can have his past, present, and future read by most alluring gipsies in fantastic costumes and languid poses, under shady cozy corners. Another feature is the dances given on a raised platform on one side of the hall, which is also drawing large crowds. The fishing-pond, conducted by several ladies, assisted by their Chinese protectors, catches many a sucker.

What excuse can any local church give for its existence when it indulges in affairs of this sort? Indeed, what is the difference between those in the church who do such things and those out of the church who follow the same practises?—The only difference is in the profession, not in the life and character. And how can the blessing of God be expected upon money for church activities raised in such ways as this? The church of God can never convert the world by descending to the world's level. It must take its stand upon the pure principles of the gospel of Christ, and by the aid of the divine Spirit bring man up to this high and holy standard. Thus only can it be the power in the world which God designed it should be in the conversion of mankind.

F. M. W.