Joseph Bates (Adventist)

Joseph Bates (1865)

Joseph Bates
Born	(1792-07-08)July 8, 1792 Rochester, Massachusetts, United States
Died	March 19, 1872(1872-03-19) (aged 79) Battle Creek, Michigan, United States
Occupation	Seaman, Minister
Known for	Co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Joseph Bates (July 8, 1792 – March 19, 1872) was an American seaman and a co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He is best known for his role in the development of the Adventist movement and his advocacy for Sabbatarianism.

Early Life

Joseph Bates was born in Rochester, Massachusetts, in 1792. He began his career as a seaman at a young age, eventually becoming a ship captain. His experiences at sea played a significant role in shaping his character and beliefs.

Conversion and Ministry

In the early 1830s, Bates experienced a religious conversion and became involved in the Millerite movement, which predicted the imminent return of Jesus Christ. After the Great Disappointment of 1844, when Christ did not return as expected, Bates continued to study the Bible and became convinced of the importance of observing the seventh-day Sabbath.

Role in the Adventist Movement

Bates was instrumental in the formation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He published a pamphlet titled "The Seventh-day Sabbath, a Perpetual Sign," which influenced other early Adventist leaders, including James White and Ellen G. White. Bates' advocacy for the seventh-day Sabbath became a foundational belief of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Later Life and Legacy

Joseph Bates continued to be an active leader in the Adventist movement until his death in 1872. He is remembered for his dedication to the principles of Sabbatarianism and his role in establishing the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

See Also

• Seventh-day Adventist Church
• Ellen G. White
• James White (Adventist)
• Millerite movement
• Great Disappointment