Babylon might have been healed
By R. F. Cottrell
We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies. Jer. li, 9. It is evident that the ancient prophets, in speaking of Babylon, allude to something more than ancient, literal Babylon. The overthrow of that power, which held Israel in bondage for a long time, is, doubtless, used as a type to shadow forth the destruction of the mystical Babylon mentioned in the book of Revelation, from whose spiritual bondage God's people are delivered, just before "her plagues come in a day." The great similarity of expression which is found in Revelation and the more ancient prophecies, shows that they refer to the same thing. And, certainly, the Christian Seer, in being shown the "things which must be hereafter," could not have been taken back to describe the fate of that ancient city, which had ceased to be so many hundred years before. No; among the events which immediately precede the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven, the fallen state of Babylon is announced. The character and condition of this Babylon as given by the revelator, together with her connection with the people of God, have an evident application to the state of the professed churches of the "last days," described by Paul, as "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." From such, says the Apostle, turn away. "Come out of her my people. I shall not, at this time, stop to prove the correctness of this application, but only say, it has been repeatedly shown, that the entire representation of Babylon, given by inspiration, can apply to nothing in existence but the churches in their present confused, divided and fallen state. Babylon has need of healing, but she is not healed. And why? Because she rejected the only medicine that could effect a cure. God, in his providence and in fulfillment of his prophetic word, provided a remedy. It was the gospel of the kingdom—the everlasting gospel which has been proclaimed, to this generation, according to the scriptures. Matt. xxiv, 14; Rev. xiv, 6, 7. Based upon prophetic time, given in the sure word of prophecy, the message went forth with a loud voice, saying, Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come. Had this message been heeded, it would have effected a cure. This is evident from the healing effect which it had on those who did receive it. Christians of every creed were brought into unity of faith. They ceased disputing about the doctrines of men, and came directly to the doctrines of the Bible. Those who had been taught that sprinkling would do just as well, were now buried with Christ in baptism; and the desire of each heart was to do their whole duty, and so get ready for their coming King. If men had no desires but to obey God and seek for salvation, how soon might they discover the sanctifying, saving truth!—But, Alas! Babylon is not healed, because she rejected this healing balm; as a necessary consequence the second message must follow, Babylon is fallen, is fallen. She is not healed, forsake her. She has rejected the only medicine that could work her cure, Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. That the announcement of her fall, in 1844, was a message from heaven, is evident from the fact, that it has been followed by the "working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders, and all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." And God is now sending them strong delusion,—permitting Satan to make them believe a lie. 2 Thess. ii, 9. The angel of Rev. xviii, repeats the cry that Babylon is fallen, and further declares, she is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, &c. The "rapping spirits" have commenced their work since 1844, and are filling the professed churches with their delusions; and very soon it may be said, "her sins have reached unto heaven." While men reject the truths revealed in the Bible, they are prepared to be led captive by Satan at his will. Babylon is not healed, and soon her plagues will come. How can we escape? God in his mercy and long-suffering answers in the third angel's message: "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation. . . . Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. R. F. COTTRELL.
Mill Grove, N. Y., July 5th, 1853.