in 1811, bates was forced into servitude for the british navy and spent time as a prisoner during the war of 1812. after his release he continued his career, eventually becoming captain of a ship. during one of his voyages, he read a copy of the bible that his wife packed for him. he experienced conversion and became involved in a variety of reforms, including helping to found an early temperance society. bates became disturbed by the way the sailors (regardless of their religion) were forced to go to anglican services; later in life he became adamant that the separation of church and state should be upheld. he also was a strong supporter of abolition. in his everyday life as a sailor, he noticed the intemperance of the sailors and the resulting side effects. many of these problems came from poor rations, but many more were the result of overindulgence by the men. he became one of the champions of health reform; abstaining from all alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, even becoming a vegetarian. in 1839 he accepted the teachings of william miller that jesus was coming soon.