The parable of the ten virgins is repeated to the very letter in the history of the one hundred and forty-four thousand. Habakkuk chapter two sets forth the heart of the parable when it identifies the vision which speaks at the end.

Prispodoba o deset djevica ponavlja se do u najsitnije pojedinosti u povijesti sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće. Drugo poglavlje Habakuka iznosi srž te prispodobe kada prepoznaje viđenje koje govori na svršetku.

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:1–4.

Stajat ću na svojoj straži i postaviti se na kulu, i motriti da vidim što će mi reći i što ću odgovoriti kad budem ukoren. I Gospodin mi odgovori i reče: Zapiši viđenje i učini ga jasnim na pločama, da može trčati onaj koji ga čita. Jer viđenje je još za određeno vrijeme, ali na svršetku će progovoriti i neće lagati; ako i oklijeva, čekaj ga, jer će zacijelo doći, neće zakasniti. Evo, duša onoga koji se uznosi nije prava u njemu; ali pravednik će živjeti po svojoj vjeri. Habakuk 2,1–4.

Verse twenty-seven of Daniel eleven also identifies the “appointed time.”

Dvadeset i sedmi redak jedanaestog poglavlja Daniela također određuje „određeno vrijeme”.

And both these kings’ hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed. Daniel 11:27.

I srce će obojice tih kraljeva biti naklonjeno zlu, i za jednim će stolom govoriti laži; ali im to neće uspjeti, jer će svršetak još biti u određeno vrijeme. Daniel 11,27.

The “vision” which is established by Rome is for “an appointed time” and the two kings whose heart is to do mischief and speak lies at one table identify a prophetic waymark which arrives before the vision “speaks.” Before the time appointed two kings speak “lies” and when the vision speaks at the time appointed, it does not lie. The time appointed is the Sunday law in the USA, and the meeting at the table marks the beginning of a prophetic period. The “vision” is fulfilled in history at the Sunday law, but it is established in advance of the Sunday law. This is evident for the faithful are told to wait for the vision, and they are told to publish the vision. They could not publish it in advance of the vision’s fulfillment if the vision was not yet established.

„Viđenje“ koje uspostavlja Rim jest „za određeno vrijeme“, a dva kralja kojima je srce na zlo i koji govore laži za jednim stolom označuju proročki putokaz koji dolazi prije nego što viđenje „progovori“. Prije određenoga vremena dva kralja govore „laži“, a kada viđenje progovori u određeno vrijeme, ono ne laže. Određeno vrijeme jest nedjeljni zakon u SAD-u, a sastanak za stolom označuje početak jednoga proročkog razdoblja. „Viđenje“ se u povijesti ispunjava pri nedjeljnom zakonu, ali se uspostavlja prije nedjeljnoga zakona. To je očito, jer se vjernima kaže da čekaju viđenje i kaže im se da objave viđenje. Ne bi ga mogli objaviti prije ispunjenja viđenja kad viđenje još ne bi bilo uspostavljeno.

Jeremiah represents those who “wait” for the vision:

Jeremija predstavlja one koji „čekaju“ viđenje:

O Lord, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke. Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation. Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail? Therefore thus saith the Lord, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them. And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the Lord. And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible. Jeremiah 15:15–21.

O Gospode, ti znaš; sjeti me se i pohodi me, i osveti me nad mojim progoniteljima; ne uzmi me u svojoj dugotrpnosti: znaj da sam radi tebe podnio porugu. Tvoje su riječi nađene, i ja sam ih pojeo; i tvoja mi je riječ bila radost i veselje srca mojega: jer sam nazvan tvojim imenom, o Gospode, Bože nad vojskama. Nisam sjedio u zboru podrugljivaca niti se veselio; sjedio sam sam zbog tvoje ruke, jer si me ispunio gnjevom. Zašto je moja bol trajna, i moja rana neizlječiva, koja ne prima ozdravljenja? Hoćeš li mi doista biti kao lažac, kao vode koje presuše? Zato ovako veli Gospod: Ako se vratiš, opet ću te dovesti, i stajat ćeš preda mnom; i ako odijeliš dragocjeno od ništavnoga, bit ćeš kao moja usta: neka se oni vrate k tebi, ali ti se ne vraćaj k njima. I učinit ću te ovom narodu tvrdom mjedenom zidinом: i borit će se protiv tebe, ali te neće nadvladati, jer sam ja s tobom da te spasim i da te izbavim, govori Gospod. I izbavit ću te iz ruke opakih, i otkupit ću te iz ruke strašnih. Jeremija 15:15–21.

The Sunday law in the USA is where the symbol of “remembering” is marked. It is there that the Sabbath that is always to be remembered becomes the final testing issue. It is there that the whore of Tyre, who has been forgotten is remembered. It is there that God remembers the sins of Babylon and gives her double judgment.

Nedjeljni zakon u SAD-u mjesto je na kojemu je obilježen simbol „spominjanja“. Ondje subota, koju se uvijek treba spominjati, postaje završno pitanje kušnje. Ondje se spominje bludnica iz Tira, koja je bila zaboravljena. Ondje se Bog spominje grijeha Babilona i daje joj dvostruki sud.

The waymark where speaking is located is the Sunday law in the USA, for there the earth beast “speaks” as a dragon. At the same waymark the ass in Balaam’s line of prophecy “speaks.” When John the Baptist is born his father, Zacharias who has been divinely restricted from speaking, “speaks.”

Putokaz na kojem je smješten govor jest nedjeljni zakon u SAD-u, jer ondje zvijer iz zemlje „govori“ kao zmaj. Na istom putokazu i magarica u Balaamovoj proročkoj liniji „govori“. Kada se rodi Ivan Krstitelj, njegov otac Zaharija, kojemu je božanski bilo uskraćeno govoriti, „govori“.

And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. Luke 1:59–64.

I dogodi se da osmoga dana dođoše obrezati dijete; i htjedoše ga nazvati Zaharija, po imenu njegova oca. A njegova majka odgovori i reče: Nipošto; nego zvat će se Ivan. I rekoše joj: Nikoga nema među tvojom rodbinom da se zove tim imenom. Tada znakovima upitahu njegova oca kako bi htio da se zove. A on zaiska daščicu za pisanje i napisa govoreći: Ime mu je Ivan. I svi se začudiše. I odmah mu se otvoriše usta i razriješi jezik te je govorio i hvalio Boga. Luka 1,59–64.

At the Sunday law in the USA the deadly wound of the papacy is healed, and she becomes the eighth kingdom that is of the seven, when the USA, whose president Donald Trump is the eighth president that is of the seven. At the same point in time the one hundred and forty-four thousand are lifted up as an ensign. The one hundred and forty-four thousand are the eighth church that is of the seven. At the Sunday law the number eight is marked, and it was on the eighth day that John was circumcised and Zacharias spoke. Zacharias means God has “remembered.” The Sunday law is the counterfeit of the true Sabbath that was to be “remembered.” At the Sunday law the whore of Tyre is “remembered.” It is at the Sunday law that God “remembers” the sins of Babylon and doubles her judgment.

Pri zakonu o nedjelji u SAD-u smrtonosna rana papinstva biva iscijeljena, i ona postaje osmo kraljevstvo koje je od sedam, kada SAD, čiji je predsjednik Donald Trump osmi predsjednik koji je od sedam. U istoj vremenskoj točki stotinu četrdeset i četiri tisuće bivaju uzdignuti kao stijeg. Stotinu četrdeset i četiri tisuće osma su crkva koja je od sedam. Pri zakonu o nedjelji obilježava se broj osam, i bijaše osmoga dana da Ivan bude obrezan i da Zaharija progovori. Zaharija znači da je Bog „zapamtio”. Zakon o nedjelji krivotvorina je istinske subote koje se trebalo „spominjati”. Pri zakonu o nedjelji bludnica Tira biva „spomenuta”. Upravo pri zakonu o nedjelji Bog „spominje” grijehe Babilona i udvostručuje njezin sud.

Jeremiah represents those who suffered the first disappointment and who wait for the vision which tarries. He represents the faithful who become God’s mouth at the appointed time when the vision speaks and does not lie. The vision which speaks at the time appointed is preceded by two kings telling lies to each other at one table. That event precedes the Sunday law and therefore occurs in the history of Panium as set forth in verses thirteen to fifteen, which is the same period when the “robbers of the people” establish the “vision.”

Jeremija predstavlja one koji su pretrpjeli prvo razočaranje i koji čekaju viđenje koje kasni. On predstavlja vjerne koji postaju Božja usta u određeno vrijeme, kada viđenje progovori i ne laže. Viđenju koje progovara u određeno vrijeme prethodi događaj u kojemu dva kralja govore laži jedan drugomu za istim stolom. Taj događaj prethodi zakonu o nedjelji i stoga se zbiva u povijesti Panija, kako je izloženo u recima trinaest do petnaest, što je isto razdoblje kada „nasilnici iz naroda” uspostavljaju „viđenje”.

And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall. Daniel 11:14.

I u ono će se vrijeme mnogi podići protiv kralja juga; a i nasilnici iz tvoga naroda uzvisit će se da utvrde viđenje; ali će pasti. Daniel 11:14.

The “robbers” are Rome, and Rome in the last days is Catholicism. The pope establishes the vision, and he does so in the period just before the Sunday law. He does so by interceding in the battle of Panium where Trump prevails over Putin. The battle took place in 200 BC, the same year pagan Rome entered prophetic history. Pompey the Great conquered Jerusalem in 63 BC. This event occurred during his campaign in the East, when he intervened in a civil war between the Hasmonean brothers Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II. Pompey sided with Hyrcanus II, besieged Jerusalem, and eventually took the city after a three-month siege. This marked the end of Judean independence and the beginning of Roman control over the region, which would later become a province under Roman rule.

„Razbojnici“ su Rim, a Rim u posljednjim danima jest katolicizam. Papa utvrđuje viđenje, i to čini u razdoblju neposredno prije nedjeljnoga zakona. On to čini posredovanjem u bitci kod Panija, gdje Trump prevladava nad Putinom. Bitka se odigrala 200. pr. Kr., iste godine kada je poganski Rim ušao u proročku povijest. Pompej Veliki osvojio je Jeruzalem 63. pr. Kr. Taj se događaj zbio tijekom njegova pohoda na Istok, kada je intervenirao u građanskom ratu između hasmonejske braće Hirkana II. i Aristobula II. Pompej je stao na stranu Hirkana II., opsjeo Jeruzalem i na kraju zauzeo grad nakon tromjesečne opsade. Time je označen kraj judejske neovisnosti i početak rimske kontrole nad tim područjem, koje će kasnije postati provincija pod rimskom vlašću.

Before the Sunday law the pope intercedes into the history associated with the battle of Panium. When he enters prophetic history, his appearance establishes the vision; the vision that will yet “speak” at the “appointed time” of the Sunday law in the USA. The “vision” that tarried is the failed prediction which marked the beginning of the tarrying time in the parable of the ten virgins. It also marked the arrival of the second angel of the three angels of Revelation fourteen. A failed prediction that ushered in a period of waiting, and an encouragement to “wait” for its fulfillment, even though it tarried.

Prije zakona o nedjelji papa posreduje u povijesti povezanoj s bitkom kod Panija. Kad ulazi u proročku povijest, njegovo pojavljivanje utvrđuje viđenje; viđenje koje će još „govoriti” u „određeno vrijeme” zakona o nedjelji u SAD-u. „Viđenje” koje je odugovlačilo jest neuspjelo predviđanje koje je označilo početak vremena odgode u prispodobi o deset djevica. Ono je također označilo dolazak drugoga anđela od triju anđela iz Otkrivenja četrnaest. Neuspjelo predviđanje koje je uvelo razdoblje čekanja i ohrabrenje da se „čeka” na njegovo ispunjenje, premda je odugovlačilo.

In Millerite history the tarrying time ended at the Exeter camp meeting from August 12th unto the 17th, 1844. A disappointment brought about by a failed prediction, ushering in a period of waiting designed to finalize character in two classes of virgins, followed by the explanation of the previously failed prediction. The explanation at Exeter identifies the details associated with the vision when it is fulfilled. The same characteristics can be noted in Matthew chapter sixteen, when Christ took His disciples to Caesarea Philippi. From that point onward Christ directly taught the disciples what was going to happen at the cross.

U mileritskoj povijesti vrijeme odgode završilo je na taborovanju u Exeteru od 12. do 17. kolovoza 1844. godine. Razočaranje prouzročeno neuspjelim proročanstvom uvelo je razdoblje čekanja određeno da dovrši karakter u dvjema skupinama djevica, nakon čega je uslijedilo objašnjenje prethodno neuspjelog proročanstva. Objašnjenje u Exeteru utvrđuje pojedinosti povezane s viđenjem kada se ono ispunjava. Iste se značajke mogu uočiti u šesnaestom poglavlju Evanđelja po Mateju, kada je Krist odveo svoje učenike u Cezareju Filipovu. Od toga je trenutka nadalje Krist izravno poučavao učenike o onome što će se dogoditi na križu.

From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Matthew 16:21.

Otada Isus poče upućivati svoje učenike kako mora poći u Jeruzalem i mnogo pretrpjeti od starješina, glavara svećeničkih i pismoznanaca, i biti ubijen, i treći dan uskrsnuti. Matej 16,21.

It should be noted that the verse just cited comes between Jesus identifying that Peter had been directed by the Holy Spirit in his identification of Jesus as the Christ, the son of the living God. Then when Christ began to teach them of the coming cross Peter opposed the message and Christ called Peter Satan. The message that is unsealed when the vision is established produces two classes of worshippers, both represented by Peter.

Valja primijetiti da se upravo navedeni redak nalazi između Isusova prepoznavanja da je Petar, u svome priznanju Isusa kao Krista, Sina Boga živoga, bio vođen Duhom Svetim, i trenutka kada se Petar, nakon što ih je Krist počeo poučavati o dolazećem križu, usprotivio toj poruci, pa je Krist Petra nazvao Sotonom. Poruka koja se otpečaćuje kada se viđenje uspostavi stvara dvije skupine štovatelja, a obje su predstavljene Petrom.

Caesarea Philippi is Panium, and they both lead to the appointed time of the cross in the line of Christ, October 22, 1844 in the Millerite history and the Sunday law today. Panium, Caesarea Philippi and Exeter camp meeting are the same prophetic waymark. It is at this waymark that the vision is established with the introduction of the pope into the narrative. The establishment of the vision precedes the appointed time, for Caesarea Philippi preceded the cross, Exeter camp meeting preceded October 22, 1844, and Panium in 200 BC preceded Pompey conquering Jerusalem in 63 BC. Sometime before the Sunday law in the USA the pope, who is the whore of Tyre will enter openly into prophetic history. When he does the vision is established.

Cezareja Filipova jest Panium, i obje vode do određenoga vremena križa u Kristovoj liniji, 22. listopada 1844. u mileritskoj povijesti i zakona o nedjelji danas. Panium, Cezareja Filipova i taborni sastanak u Exeteru isti su proročki orijentir. Na tome se orijentiru viđenje utvrđuje uvođenjem pape u narativ. Utvrđivanje viđenja prethodi određenomu vremenu, jer je Cezareja Filipova prethodila križu, taborni sastanak u Exeteru prethodio je 22. listopada 1844., a Panium 200. pr. Kr. prethodio je Pompejevu osvajanju Jeruzalema 63. pr. Kr. Neko vrijeme prije zakona o nedjelji u SAD-u papa, koji je tirska bludnica, otvoreno će ući u proročku povijest. Kada se to dogodi, viđenje je utvrđeno.

The vision is established in the third proxy war of chapter eleven. The first proxy war illustrates the last proxy war, so the last proxy war will possess the same prophetic characteristics as the first. The king of the south, represented in the name Vladimir, meaning ruler of the community is swept away through an alliance between the pope and the president of the USA. The final pope will be the eighth that is of the seven in fulfillment of Revelation seventeen, and the last president will be the eighth that is of the seven, as will the ensign of the one hundred and forty-four thousand.

Vizija je utvrđena u trećem posredničkom ratu iz jedanaestog poglavlja. Prvi posrednički rat predočuje posljednji posrednički rat, stoga će posljednji posrednički rat posjedovati ista proročka obilježja kao i prvi. Kralj juga, predstavljen imenom Vladimir, što znači vladar zajednice, bit će pometen savezom između pape i predsjednika Sjedinjenih Američkih Država. Posljednji papa bit će osmi koji je od sedmorice, u ispunjenju Otkrivenja sedamnaest, a posljednji predsjednik bit će osmi koji je od sedmorice, kao što će to biti i stijeg sto četrdeset i četiri tisuće.

The relationship between the pope and the president in the beginning was a “secret alliance,” and the alliance of the eighth and final president with the pope will also be “secret,” for in this period the whore of Tyre is prophetically “forgotten.” The alliance between Reagan and Pope John Paul II was secret, but at the same time the pope became the most recognizable face on earth. What is “forgotten” concerning the whore of Tyre who commits fornication with all the kings of the earth is a specific characteristic of the papacy, that incorporates all of her sins into one category of rebellion. That characteristic is the Catholic churches claim to “infallibility.” This fact is so important to see that I will now close this article with a chapter from Sister White. We will continue these lines in the next article, but as you read the following chapter from The Great Controversy, remember that almost every one of Trump’s cabinet members are Roman Catholic, with a mix of Pentecostalism and an ever-present influence from Franklin Graham who recently called for public prayers for the antichrist of Bible prophecy.

Odnos između pape i predsjednika u početku je bio „tajni savez“, a savez osmoga i posljednjega predsjednika s papom također će biti „tajan“, jer je u ovom razdoblju bludnica iz Tira proročki „zaboravljena“. Savez između Reagana i pape Ivana Pavla II. bio je tajan, ali je u isto vrijeme papa postao najprepoznatljivije lice na zemlji. Ono što je „zaboravljeno“ u vezi s bludnicom iz Tira, koja bludniči sa svim kraljevima zemaljskim, jest određena značajka papinstva koja sve njezine grijehe uključuje u jednu kategoriju pobune. Ta je značajka tvrdnja Katoličke crkve o „nepogrešivosti“. Ovu je činjenicu toliko važno uvidjeti da ću sada zaključiti ovaj članak jednim poglavljem sestre White. Ove ćemo misli nastaviti u sljedećem članku, ali dok budete čitali sljedeće poglavlje iz Velike borbe, imajte na umu da su gotovo svi članovi Trumpova kabineta rimokatolici, uz mješavinu pentekostalizma i trajno prisutan utjecaj Franklina Grahama, koji je nedavno pozvao na javne molitve za antikrista biblijskog proroštva.

“Liberty of Conscience Threatened

„Ugrožena sloboda savjesti“

“Romanism is now regarded by Protestants with far greater favor than in former years. In those countries where Catholicism is not in the ascendancy, and the papists are taking a conciliatory course in order to gain influence, there is an increasing indifference concerning the doctrines that separate the reformed churches from the papal hierarchy; the opinion is gaining ground that, after all, we do not differ so widely upon vital points as has been supposed, and that a little concession on our part will bring us into a better understanding with Rome. The time was when Protestants placed a high value upon the liberty of conscience which had been so dearly purchased. They taught their children to abhor popery and held that to seek harmony with Rome would be disloyalty to God. But how widely different are the sentiments now expressed!

„Protestanti danas gledaju na rimokatolicizam s mnogo većom blagonaklonošću nego prijašnjih godina. U onim zemljama u kojima katolicizam nije u prevlasti, i u kojima papisti zauzimaju pomirljiv stav kako bi stekli utjecaj, raste ravnodušnost prema doktrinama koje razdvajaju reformirane crkve od papinske hijerarhije; sve više prevladava mišljenje da se, na koncu, ne razlikujemo tako mnogo u bitnim točkama kao što se pretpostavljalo te da će nas malo ustupaka s naše strane dovesti do boljega sporazumijevanja s Rimom. Bilo je vrijeme kada su protestanti visoko cijenili slobodu savjesti koja je bila tako skupo kupljena. Učili su svoju djecu da preziru papinstvo i držali su da bi traženje sklada s Rimom bilo nevjernost Bogu. Ali koliko su različita stajališta koja se sada iznose!”

“The defenders of the papacy declare that the church has been maligned, and the Protestant world are inclined to accept the statement. Many urge that it is unjust to judge the church of today by the abominations and absurdities that marked her reign during the centuries of ignorance and darkness. They excuse her horrible cruelty as the result of the barbarism of the times and plead that the influence of modern civilization has changed her sentiments.

„Branitelji papinstva izjavljuju da je Crkva bila oklevetana, a protestantski je svijet sklon prihvatiti tu tvrdnju. Mnogi tvrde da je nepravedno suditi današnjoj Crkvi prema odvratnostima i besmislicama koje su obilježavale njezinu vladavinu tijekom stoljeća neznanja i tame. Opravdavaju njezinu strašnu okrutnost kao posljedicu barbarstva onoga doba i tvrde da je utjecaj moderne civilizacije promijenio njezine osjećaje.”

“Have these persons forgotten the claim of infallibility put forth for eight hundred years by this haughty power? So far from being relinquished, this claim was affirmed in the nineteenth century with greater positiveness than ever before. As Rome asserts that the ‘church never erred; nor will it, according to the Scriptures, ever err’ (John L. von Mosheim, Institutes of Ecclesiastical History, book 3, century II, part 2, chapter 2, section 9, note 17), how can she renounce the principles which governed her course in past ages?

„Jesu li te osobe zaboravile na tvrdnju o nepogrješivosti koju je ta oholna sila iznosila tijekom osam stotina godina? Daleko od toga da bi bila napuštena, ta je tvrdnja u devetnaestom stoljeću bila potvrđena s većom odlučnošću nego ikada prije. Budući da Rim tvrdi da ‘crkva nikada nije pogriješila; niti će, prema Svetome pismu, ikada pogriješiti’ (John L. von Mosheim, Institutes of Ecclesiastical History, book 3, century II, part 2, chapter 2, section 9, note 17), kako se može odreći načela koja su upravljala njegovim postupanjem u prošlim vjekovima?”

“The papal church will never relinquish her claim to infallibility. All that she has done in her persecution of those who reject her dogmas she holds to be right; and would she not repeat the same acts, should the opportunity be presented? Let the restraints now imposed by secular governments be removed and Rome be reinstated in her former power, and there would speedily be a revival of her tyranny and persecution.

„Papinska crkva nikada se neće odreći svojega prava na nezabludivost. Sve što je učinila u svome progonstvu onih koji odbacuju njezine dogme drži ispravnim; i ne bi li ponovila ista djela kad bi joj se pružila prilika? Neka se uklone ograničenja koja sada nameću svjetovne vlasti i neka Rim bude ponovno uspostavljen u svojoj prijašnjoj moći, pa bi se ubrzo obnovili njezina tiranija i progonstvo.

“A well-known writer speaks thus of the attitude of the papal hierarchy as regards freedom of conscience, and of the perils which especially threaten the United States from the success of her policy: ‘There are many who are disposed to attribute any fear of Roman Catholicism in the United States to bigotry or childishness. Such see nothing in the character and attitude of Romanism that is hostile to our free institutions, or find nothing portentous in its growth. Let us, then, first compare some of the fundamental principles of our government with those of the Catholic Church.’

„Jedan poznati pisac ovako govori o stajalištu papinske hijerarhije glede slobode savjesti te o pogibeljima koje osobito prijete Sjedinjenim Državama zbog uspjeha njezine politike: ‘Mnogi su skloni svaki strah od rimokatolicizma u Sjedinjenim Državama pripisivati netrpeljivosti ili djetinjastosti. Takvi ne vide ništa u značaju i stajalištu rimokatolicizma što bi bilo neprijateljsko prema našim slobodnim ustanovama, niti nalaze išta zlokobno u njegovu rastu. Usporedimo, dakle, najprije neka od temeljnih načela naše vlade s načelima Katoličke crkve.’“

“The Constitution of the United States guarantees liberty of conscience. Nothing is dearer or more fundamental. Pope Pius IX, in his Encyclical Letter of August 15, 1854, said: ‘The absurd and erroneous doctrines or ravings in defense of liberty of conscience are a most pestilential error—a pest, of all others, most to be dreaded in a state.’ The same pope, in his Encyclical Letter of December 8, 1864, anathematized ‘those who assert the liberty of conscience and of religious worship,’ also ‘all such as maintain that the church may not employ force.’

„Ustav Sjedinjenih Američkih Država jamči slobodu savjesti. Ništa nije dragocjenije niti temeljnije. Papa Pio IX. u svojoj enciklici od 15. kolovoza 1854. rekao je: ‘Apsurdne i zabludjele nauke ili buncanja u obranu slobode savjesti predstavljaju najpogubniju zabludu — kugu koje se, više od svih drugih, valja najviše bojati u državi.’ Isti je papa u svojoj enciklici od 8. prosinca 1864. izrekao anatemu protiv ‘onih koji tvrde slobodu savjesti i bogoštovlja’, kao i protiv ‘svih onih koji drže da Crkva ne smije primjenjivati silu.’”

“‘The specific tone of Rome in the United States does not imply a change of heart. She is tolerant where she is helpless. Says Bishop O’Connor: ‘Religious liberty is merely endured until the opposite can be carried into effect without peril to the Catholic world.’… The archbishop of St. Louis once said: ‘Heresy and unbelief are crimes; and in Christian countries, as in Italy and Spain, for instance, where all the people are Catholics, and where the Catholic religion is an essential part of the law of the land, they are punished as other crimes.’…

„Specifičan ton Rima u Sjedinjenim Državama ne podrazumijeva promjenu srca. Ona je tolerantna ondje gdje je nemoćna. Biskup O’Connor kaže: ‘Vjerska sloboda tek se podnosi sve dok se suprotno ne bude moglo provesti bez pogibelji za katolički svijet.’… Nadbiskup iz St. Louisa jednom je rekao: ‘Krivovjerje i nevjera zločini su; i u kršćanskim zemljama, kao što su, primjerice, Italija i Španjolska, gdje su svi ljudi katolici i gdje je katolička vjera bitan dio zakona zemlje, oni se kažnjavaju kao i drugi zločini.’…

“‘Every cardinal, archbishop, and bishop in the Catholic Church takes an oath of allegiance to the pope, in which occur the following words: ‘Heretics, schismatics, and rebels to our said lord (the pope), or his aforesaid successors, I will to my utmost persecute and oppose.’—Josiah Strong, Our Country, ch. 5, pars. 2–4.

„Svaki kardinal, nadbiskup i biskup u Katoličkoj crkvi polaže prisegu vjernosti papi, u kojoj se pojavljuju sljedeće riječi: ‘Heretike, raskolnike i pobunjenike protiv našega spomenutog gospodara (pape), ili njegovih gore spomenutih nasljednika, progonit ću i suprotstavljati im se svim svojim silama.’ — Josiah Strong, Our Country, pogl. 5, odsj. 2–4.

“It is true that there are real Christians in the Roman Catholic communion. Thousands in that church are serving God according to the best light they have. They are not allowed access to His word, and therefore they do not discern the truth. They have never seen the contrast between a living heart service and a round of mere forms and ceremonies. God looks with pitying tenderness upon these souls, educated as they are in a faith that is delusive and unsatisfying. He will cause rays of light to penetrate the dense darkness that surrounds them. He will reveal to them the truth as it is in Jesus, and many will yet take their position with His people.

“Istina je da u zajedništvu Rimokatoličke crkve ima istinskih kršćana. Tisuće u toj crkvi služe Bogu prema najboljem svjetlu koje imaju. Njima nije dopušten pristup Njegovoj Riječi, i stoga ne razabiru istinu. Nikada nisu uvidjeli razliku između žive službe srca i pukoga niza oblika i obreda. Bog gleda s nježnim sažaljenjem na te duše, odgojene kakve jesu u vjeri koja je varljiva i ne zadovoljava. On će učiniti da zrake svjetla prodru kroz gustu tamu koja ih okružuje. On će im otkriti istinu onakvu kakva je u Isusu, i mnogi će još zauzeti svoje mjesto s Njegovim narodom.

“But Romanism as a system is no more in harmony with the gospel of Christ now than at any former period in her history. The Protestant churches are in great darkness, or they would discern the signs of the times. The Roman Church is far-reaching in her plans and modes of operation. She is employing every device to extend her influence and increase her power in preparation for a fierce and determined conflict to regain control of the world, to re-establish persecution, and to undo all that Protestantism has done. Catholicism is gaining ground upon every side. See the increasing number of her churches and chapels in Protestant countries. Look at the popularity of her colleges and seminaries in America, so widely patronized by Protestants. Look at the growth of ritualism in England and the frequent defections to the ranks of the Catholics. These things should awaken the anxiety of all who prize the pure principles of the gospel.

„Ali romanizam kao sustav ni sada nije u većem skladu s Kristovim evanđeljem nego u bilo kojem prijašnjem razdoblju svoje povijesti. Protestantske crkve nalaze se u velikoj tami, jer bi inače razabrale znakove vremena. Rimska Crkva dalekosežna je u svojim planovima i načinima djelovanja. Ona se služi svakim sredstvom kako bi proširila svoj utjecaj i povećala svoju moć, pripremajući se za žestok i odlučan sukob kako bi ponovno zadobila nadzor nad svijetom, ponovno uspostavila progonstvo i poništila sve što je protestantizam učinio. Katolicizam napreduje sa svih strana. Pogledajte sve veći broj njezinih crkava i kapela u protestantskim zemljama. Pogledajte popularnost njezinih koledža i sjemeništa u Americi, koje protestanti tako naširoko pohađaju. Pogledajte porast ritualizma u Engleskoj i česte prijelaze u redove katolika. Sve bi to trebalo probuditi zabrinutost svih koji cijene čista načela evanđelja.“

“Protestants have tampered with and patronized popery; they have made compromises and concessions which papists themselves are surprised to see and fail to understand. Men are closing their eyes to the real character of Romanism and the dangers to be apprehended from her supremacy. The people need to be aroused to resist the advances of this most dangerous foe to civil and religious liberty.

„Protestanti su se poigrali s papinstvom i pokroviteljski mu pogodovali; učinili su kompromise i ustupke koje se i sami papisti čude vidjeti i ne uspijevaju razumjeti. Ljudi zatvaraju oči pred stvarnim karakterom rimokatolicizma i pred opasnostima koje valja očekivati od njegove nadmoći. Narod treba probuditi kako bi se odupro napredovanju ovoga najopasnijeg neprijatelja građanske i vjerske slobode.

“Many Protestants suppose that the Catholic religion is unattractive and that its worship is a dull, meaningless round of ceremony. Here they mistake. While Romanism is based upon deception, it is not a coarse and clumsy imposture. The religious service of the Roman Church is a most impressive ceremonial. Its gorgeous display and solemn rites fascinate the senses of the people and silence the voice of reason and of conscience. The eye is charmed. Magnificent churches, imposing processions, golden altars, jeweled shrines, choice paintings, and exquisite sculpture appeal to the love of beauty. The ear also is captivated. The music is unsurpassed. The rich notes of the deep-toned organ, blending with the melody of many voices as it swells through the lofty domes and pillared aisles of her grand cathedrals, cannot fail to impress the mind with awe and reverence.

„Mnogi protestanti pretpostavljaju da je katolička vjera neprivlačna i da je njezino bogoslužje dosadan, besmislen niz obreda. U tome griješe. Premda se rimokatolicizam temelji na obmani, on nije gruba i nespretna prijevara. Vjerska služba Rimske Crkve krajnje je dojmljiv ceremonijal. Njezin raskošni sjaj i svečani obredi opčinjuju osjetila naroda i utišavaju glas razuma i savjesti. Oko je očarano. Veličanstvene crkve, impozantne procesije, zlatni oltari, draguljima ukrašena svetišta, probrane slike i profinjeno kiparstvo obraćaju se ljubavi prema ljepoti. I uho je zarobljeno. Glazba je nenadmašna. Bogati tonovi dubokozvučnih orgulja, stapajući se s melodijom mnogih glasova dok se razliježu pod visokim kupolama i među stupovitim brodovima njezinih veličanstvenih katedrala, ne mogu a da ne ispune um strahopoštovanjem i poštovanjem.

“This outward splendor, pomp, and ceremony, that only mocks the longings of the sin-sick soul, is an evidence of inward corruption. The religion of Christ needs not such attractions to recommend it. In the light shining from the cross, true Christianity appears so pure and lovely that no external decorations can enhance its true worth. It is the beauty of holiness, a meek and quiet spirit, which is of value with God.

„Taj izvanjski sjaj, raskoš i obrednost, koji samo izruguju čežnje duše oboljele od grijeha, dokaz su unutarnje pokvarenosti. Kristovoj vjeri nisu potrebne takve privlačnosti da bi je preporučile. U svjetlu koje zrači s križa, istinsko se kršćanstvo pokazuje tako čistim i ljupkim da nikakvi vanjski ukrasi ne mogu uvećati njegovu pravu vrijednost. Ljepota svetosti, krotak i tih duh, to je ono što je dragocjeno pred Bogom.“

“Brilliancy of style is not necessarily an index of pure, elevated thought. High conceptions of art, delicate refinement of taste, often exist in minds that are earthly and sensual. They are often employed by Satan to lead men to forget the necessities of the soul, to lose sight of the future, immortal life, to turn away from their infinite Helper, and to live for this world alone.

„Sjajnost stila nije nužno pokazatelj čiste, uzvišene misli. Visoka shvaćanja umjetnosti, profinjena istančanost ukusa, često postoje u umovima koji su zemaljski i puteni. Sotona se njima često služi kako bi naveo ljude da zaborave potrebe duše, da izgube iz vida budući, besmrtni život, da se odvrate od svojega beskonačnog Pomoćnika i da žive samo za ovaj svijet.

“A religion of externals is attractive to the unrenewed heart. The pomp and ceremony of the Catholic worship has a seductive, bewitching power, by which many are deceived; and they come to look upon the Roman Church as the very gate of heaven. None but those who have planted their feet firmly upon the foundation of truth, and whose hearts are renewed by the Spirit of God, are proof against her influence. Thousands who have not an experimental knowledge of Christ will be led to accept the forms of godliness without the power. Such a religion is just what the multitudes desire.

„Religija izvanjštine privlačna je neobnovljenomu srcu. Sjaj i obrednost katoličkoga bogoslužja imaju zavodljivu, opčinjavajuću moć, kojom su mnogi prevareni; te Rimsku Crkvu počinju promatrati kao sama vrata neba. Nitko osim onih koji su svoje noge čvrsto postavili na temelj istine i čija su srca obnovljena Duhom Božjim nije zaštićen od njezina utjecaja. Tisuće onih koji nemaju iskustveno poznavanje Krista bit će navedene da prihvate obličje pobožnosti bez sile. Takva je religija upravo ono što mnoštvo želi.“

“The church’s claim to the right to pardon leads the Romanist to feel at liberty to sin; and the ordinance of confession, without which her pardon is not granted, tends also to give license to evil. He who kneels before fallen man, and opens in confession the secret thoughts and imaginations of his heart, is debasing his manhood and degrading every noble instinct of his soul. In unfolding the sins of his life to a priest,—an erring, sinful mortal, and too often corrupted with wine and licentiousness,—his standard of character is lowered, and he is defiled in consequence. His thought of God is degraded to the likeness of fallen humanity, for the priest stands as a representative of God. This degrading confession of man to man is the secret spring from which has flowed much of the evil that is defiling the world and fitting it for the final destruction. Yet to him who loves self-indulgence, it is more pleasing to confess to a fellow mortal than to open the soul to God. It is more palatable to human nature to do penance than to renounce sin; it is easier to mortify the flesh by sackcloth and nettles and galling chains than to crucify fleshly lusts. Heavy is the yoke which the carnal heart is willing to bear rather than bow to the yoke of Christ.

„Tvrdnja Crkve o pravu da oprašta navodi rimokatolika da se osjeća slobodnim griješiti; a obred ispovijedi, bez kojega se njezin oprost ne daje, također teži tomu da daje slobodu zlu. Onaj tko kleči pred palim čovjekom i u ispovijedi otkriva tajne misli i maštanja svoga srca, ponižava svoje čovještvo i degradira svaki plemeniti nagon svoje duše. Izlažući grijehe svojega života svećeniku — zabludjelom, grešnom smrtniku, a odviše često iskvarenu vinom i razuzdanošću — njegovo se mjerilo karaktera snižava i on se zbog toga onečišćuje. Njegova se misao o Bogu srozava na sličnost paloga čovještva, jer svećenik stoji kao Božji predstavnik. Ova ponižavajuća ispovijed čovjeka čovjeku tajni je izvor iz kojega je potekao velik dio zla što onečišćuje svijet i priprema ga za konačno uništenje. Ipak, onomu tko ljubi udovoljavanje sebi, ugodnije je ispovjediti se bližnjemu smrtniku nego otvoriti dušu Bogu. Ljudskoj je naravi prihvatljivije činiti pokoru nego odreći se grijeha; lakše je mrtviti tijelo kostrijeti, koprivama i žuljajućim lancima nego razapeti tjelesne požude. Težak je jaram koji je tjelesno srce spremno nositi radije negoli se prikloniti Kristovu jarmu.“

“There is a striking similarity between the Church of Rome and the Jewish Church at the time of Christ’s first advent. While the Jews secretly trampled upon every principle of the law of God, they were outwardly rigorous in the observance of its precepts, loading it down with exactions and traditions that made obedience painful and burdensome. As the Jews professed to revere the law, so do Romanists claim to reverence the cross. They exalt the symbol of Christ’s sufferings, while in their lives they deny Him whom it represents.

„Postoji zapanjujuća sličnost između Rimske crkve i Židovske crkve u vrijeme Kristova prvog dolaska. Dok su Židovi potajno gazili svako načelo Božjega zakona, izvana su bili strogi u vršenju njegovih propisa, opterećujući ga zahtjevima i predajama koje su poslušnost činile bolnom i tegobnom. Kao što su Židovi tvrdili da štuju Zakon, tako i rimokatolici tvrde da štuju križ. Uzvisuju simbol Kristovih patnji, dok ga u svojem životu niječu, Onoga koga on predstavlja.״

“Papists place crosses upon their churches, upon their altars, and upon their garments. Everywhere is seen the insignia of the cross. Everywhere it is outwardly honored and exalted. But the teachings of Christ are buried beneath a mass of senseless traditions, false interpretations, and rigorous exactions. The Saviour’s words concerning the bigoted Jews, apply with still greater force to the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church: ‘They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.’ Matthew 23:4. Conscientious souls are kept in constant terror fearing the wrath of an offended God, while many of the dignitaries of the church are living in luxury and sensual pleasure.

„Papisti stavljaju križeve na svoje crkve, na svoje oltare i na svoju odjeću. Posvuda se vidi znamenje križa. Posvuda mu se izvana iskazuje čast i uzvisuje ga se. Ali Kristov nauk pokopan je pod gomilom besmislenih predaja, lažnih tumačenja i strogih nameta. Spasiteljeve riječi o zadrtim Židovima primjenjuju se s još većom snagom na vođe Rimokatoličke crkve: ‘Svezuju teška i nepodnošljiva bremena i stavljaju ih ljudima na pleća; a sami ih neće ni prstom pokrenuti.’ Matej 23,4. Savjesne se duše drže u neprestanom strahu, bojeći se gnjeva uvrijeđenoga Boga, dok mnogi crkveni dostojanstvenici žive u raskoši i putenim užicima.“

“The worship of images and relics, the invocation of saints, and the exaltation of the pope are devices of Satan to attract the minds of the people from God and from His Son. To accomplish their ruin, he endeavors to turn their attention from Him through whom alone they can find salvation. He will direct them to any object that can be substituted for the One who has said: ‘Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11:28.

„Štovanje slika i relikvija, zazivanje svetaca i uzdizanje pape sredstva su Sotone kojima nastoji odvratiti umove ljudi od Boga i od Njegova Sina. Da bi postigao njihovu propast, nastoji skrenuti njihovu pozornost od Onoga po kome jedino mogu naći spasenje. On će ih usmjeriti na bilo koji predmet koji se može staviti na mjesto Onoga koji je rekao: ‘Dođite k meni svi koji ste izmoreni i opterećeni, i ja ću vas odmoriti.’ Matej 11,28.”

“It is Satan’s constant effort to misrepresent the character of God, the nature of sin, and the real issues at stake in the great controversy. His sophistry lessens the obligation of the divine law and gives men license to sin. At the same time he causes them to cherish false conceptions of God so that they regard Him with fear and hate rather than with love. The cruelty inherent in his own character is attributed to the Creator; it is embodied in systems of religion and expressed in modes of worship. Thus the minds of men are blinded, and Satan secures them as his agents to war against God. By perverted conceptions of the divine attributes, heathen nations were led to believe human sacrifices necessary to secure the favor of Deity; and horrible cruelties have been perpetrated under the various forms of idolatry.

„Sotona se neprestano trudi pogrešno prikazati Božji karakter, narav grijeha i stvarna pitanja o kojima je riječ u velikoj borbi. Njegova sofisterija umanjuje obvezatnost božanskoga zakona i ljudima daje slobodu da griješe. Istodobno ih navodi da njeguju pogrešne predodžbe o Bogu, tako da na Njega gledaju sa strahom i mržnjom, a ne s ljubavlju. Okrutnost svojstvena njegovu vlastitom karakteru pripisuje se Stvoritelju; ona se utjelovljuje u religijskim sustavima i očituje u oblicima bogoslužja. Tako se umovi ljudi zasljepljuju, a Sotona ih osigurava kao svoje oruđe za rat protiv Boga. Izopačenim shvaćanjima božanskih svojstava poganski su narodi bili navedeni da vjeruju kako su ljudske žrtve nužne za zadobivanje naklonosti Božanstva; i pod raznim oblicima idolopoklonstva počinjene su strašne okrutnosti.

“The Roman Catholic Church, uniting the forms of paganism and Christianity, and, like paganism, misrepresenting the character of God, has resorted to practices no less cruel and revolting. In the days of Rome’s supremacy there were instruments of torture to compel assent to her doctrines. There was the stake for those who would not concede to her claims. There were massacres on a scale that will never be known until revealed in the judgment. Dignitaries of the church studied, under Satan their master, to invent means to cause the greatest possible torture and not end the life of the victim. In many cases the infernal process was repeated to the utmost limit of human endurance, until nature gave up the struggle, and the sufferer hailed death as a sweet release.

„Rimokatolička crkva, sjedinjujući oblike poganstva i kršćanstva, i, poput poganstva, pogrešno prikazujući Božji karakter, posegnula je za postupcima ništa manje okrutnima i odvratnima. U danima rimske nadmoći postojale su sprave za mučenje kako bi se iznudilo pristajanje uz njezine nauke. Postojala je lomača za one koji nisu htjeli priznati njezina prava. Bilo je pokolja u razmjerima koji nikada neće biti poznati dok ne budu otkriveni na sudu. Crkveni dostojanstvenici proučavali su, pod Sotonom kao svojim gospodarom, kako izumiti sredstva koja će prouzročiti najveću moguću muku, a da pritom ne okončaju život žrtve. U mnogim je slučajevima taj pakleni postupak bio ponavljan do krajnje granice ljudske izdržljivosti, sve dok narav nije odustala od borbe, a mučenik pozdravio smrt kao slatko oslobođenje.“

“Such was the fate of Rome’s opponents. For her adherents she had the discipline of the scourge, of famishing hunger, of bodily austerities in every conceivable, heart-sickening form. To secure the favor of Heaven, penitents violated the laws of God by violating the laws of nature. They were taught to sunder the ties which He has formed to bless and gladden man’s earthly sojourn. The churchyard contains millions of victims who spent their lives in vain endeavors to subdue their natural affections, to repress, as offensive to God, every thought and feeling of sympathy with their fellow creatures.

„Takva bijaše sudbina protivnika Rima. Za svoje je pristaše on imao stegu biča, izgladnjujuće gladi, tjelesnih mrtvljenja u svakom zamislivom, srcu mučnom obliku. Da bi osigurali naklonost Neba, pokornici su kršili Božje zakone kršeći zakone naravi. Bili su poučavani da raskidaju veze koje je On uspostavio da blagoslove i razvedre čovjekov zemaljski boravak. Groblje sadrži milijune žrtava koje su svoj život provele u uzaludnim nastojanjima da obuzdaju svoje naravne osjećaje, da potisnu, kao uvredljivu Bogu, svaku misao i osjećaj suosjećanja sa svojim bližnjima.

“If we desire to understand the determined cruelty of Satan, manifested for hundreds of years, not among those who never heard of God, but in the very heart and throughout the extent of Christendom, we have only to look at the history of Romanism. Through this mammoth system of deception the prince of evil achieves his purpose of bringing dishonor to God and wretchedness to man. And as we see how he succeeds in disguising himself and accomplishing his work through the leaders of the church, we may better understand why he has so great antipathy to the Bible. If that Book is read, the mercy and love of God will be revealed; it will be seen that He lays upon men none of these heavy burdens. All that He asks is a broken and contrite heart, a humble, obedient spirit.

„Ako želimo razumjeti smišljenu Sotoninu okrutnost, očitovanu tijekom stotina godina, ne među onima koji nikada nisu čuli za Boga, nego u samom središtu i diljem čitavog kršćanstva, trebamo samo pogledati povijest rimokatolicizma. Kroz taj golemi sustav obmane knez zla ostvaruje svoju svrhu da nanese sramotu Bogu i bijedu čovjeku. A dok vidimo kako uspijeva prerušiti se i izvršiti svoje djelo preko vođa crkve, možemo bolje razumjeti zašto osjeća tako veliko neprijateljstvo prema Bibliji. Ako se ta Knjiga čita, otkrit će se Božje milosrđe i ljubav; vidjet će se da On ne stavlja na ljude nijedan od tih teških tereta. Sve što On traži jest slomljeno i skrušeno srce, ponizan, poslušan duh.“

“Christ gives no example in His life for men and women to shut themselves in monasteries in order to become fitted for heaven. He has never taught that love and sympathy must be repressed. The Saviour’s heart overflowed with love. The nearer man approaches to moral perfection, the keener are his sensibilities, the more acute is his perception of sin, and the deeper his sympathy for the afflicted. The pope claims to be the vicar of Christ; but how does his character bear comparison with that of our Saviour? Was Christ ever known to consign men to the prison or the rack because they did not pay Him homage as the King of heaven? Was His voice heard condemning to death those who did not accept Him? When He was slighted by the people of a Samaritan village, the apostle John was filled with indignation, and inquired: ‘Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?’ Jesus looked with pity upon His disciple, and rebuked his harsh spirit, saying: ‘The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.’ Luke 9:54, 56. How different from the spirit manifested by Christ is that of His professed vicar.

„Krist u svojem životu ne daje nikakav primjer da bi se muškarci i žene trebali zatvarati u samostane kako bi se osposobili za nebo. On nikada nije učio da ljubav i suosjećanje moraju biti potisnuti. Srce Spasiteljevo prelijevalo se ljubavlju. Što se čovjek više približava moralnom savršenstvu, to su njegove osjećajnosti istančanije, to je njegov uvid u grijeh prodorniji, i to je dublje njegovo suosjećanje s nevoljnima. Papa tvrdi da je Kristov namjesnik; ali kako njegov karakter podnosi usporedbu s karakterom našega Spasitelja? Je li ikada bilo poznato da je Krist ljude predavao tamnici ili spravama za mučenje zato što Mu nisu odavali počast kao Kralju neba? Je li se Njegov glas ikada čuo kako osuđuje na smrt one koji Ga nisu prihvatili? Kad su Ga stanovnici jednoga samarijanskog sela prezreli, apostol Ivan bio je ispunjen ogorčenjem te upitao: ‘Gospodine, hoćeš li da zapovjedimo da oganj siđe s neba i istrijebi ih, kao što je i Ilija učinio?’ Isus je sa sažaljenjem pogledao svojega učenika i ukorio njegov oštar duh govoreći: ‘Sin Čovječji nije došao da pogubi živote ljudske, nego da ih spasi.’ Luka 9,54.56. Kako je samo različit od duha što ga je Krist očitovao duh Njegova navodnog namjesnika.“

“The Roman Church now presents a fair front to the world, covering with apologies her record of horrible cruelties. She has clothed herself in Christlike garments; but she is unchanged. Every principle of the papacy that existed in past ages exists today. The doctrines devised in the darkest ages are still held. Let none deceive themselves. The papacy that Protestants are now so ready to honor is the same that ruled the world in the days of the Reformation, when men of God stood up, at the peril of their lives, to expose her iniquity. She possesses the same pride and arrogant assumption that lorded it over kings and princes, and claimed the prerogatives of God. Her spirit is no less cruel and despotic now than when she crushed out human liberty and slew the saints of the Most High.

„Rimska Crkva sada se svijetu prikazuje lijepim licem, prekrivajući isprikama svoj zapis strašnih okrutnosti. Zaodjenula se u odjeću nalik Kristovoj, ali je nepromijenjena. Svako načelo papinstva koje je postojalo u prošlim vjekovima postoji i danas. Nauci smišljeni u najtamnijim vjekovima još se uvijek drže. Neka se nitko ne vara. Papinstvo koje su protestanti sada tako spremni častiti isto je ono koje je vladalo svijetom u danima Reformacije, kada su Božji ljudi ustajali, uz pogibelj vlastitih života, da razotkriju njezinu bezakonost. Ono posjeduje istu oholost i drsku preuzetnost koja je gospodarila nad kraljevima i knezovima te prisvajala Božje povlastice. Njegov duh nije nimalo manje okrutan i despotski sada nego onda kada je gušio ljudsku slobodu i ubijao svece Svevišnjega.“

“The papacy is just what prophecy declared that she would be, the apostasy of the latter times. 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4. It is a part of her policy to assume the character which will best accomplish her purpose; but beneath the variable appearance of the chameleon she conceals the invariable venom of the serpent. ‘Faith ought not to be kept with heretics, nor persons suspected of heresy’ (Lenfant, volume 1, page 516), she declares. Shall this power, whose record for a thousand years is written in the blood of the saints, be now acknowledged as a part of the church of Christ?

„Papinstvo je upravo ono za što je proročanstvo objavilo da će biti: otpad posljednjih vremena. 2. Solunjanima 2:3, 4. Dio je njegove politike da poprimi onaj karakter koji će najbolje ostvariti njegovu svrhu; ali ispod promjenjive pojavnosti kameleona ono skriva nepromjenjivi zmijski otrov. ‘Vjera se ne treba držati prema hereticima, niti prema osobama osumnjičenima za herezu’ (Lenfant, svezak 1, stranica 516), izjavljuje ono. Treba li sada tu silu, čiji je zapis tijekom tisuću godina ispisan krvlju svetih, priznati kao dio Kristove Crkve?”

“It is not without reason that the claim has been put forth in Protestant countries that Catholicism differs less widely from Protestantism than in former times. There has been a change; but the change is not in the papacy. Catholicism indeed resembles much of the Protestantism that now exists, because Protestantism has so greatly degenerated since the days of the Reformers.

„Nije bez razloga u protestantskim zemljama iznesena tvrdnja da se katolicizam manje razlikuje od protestantizma nego u prijašnjim vremenima. Doista je došlo do promjene; ali promjena nije u papinstvu. Katolicizam uistinu nalikuje velikom dijelu protestantizma koji danas postoji, jer je protestantizam tako silno izopačen od dana reformatora.

“As the Protestant churches have been seeking the favor of the world, false charity has blinded their eyes. They do not see but that it is right to believe good of all evil, and as the inevitable result they will finally believe evil of all good. Instead of standing in defense of the faith once delivered to the saints, they are now, as it were, apologizing to Rome for their uncharitable opinion of her, begging pardon for their bigotry.

„Kako protestantske crkve nastoje steći naklonost svijeta, lažna je milosrdnost zaslijepila njihove oči. One ne vide da je ispravno vjerovati dobro o svakome zlu, i kao neizbježan rezultat na kraju će povjerovati zlo o svakome dobru. Umjesto da stoje u obranu vjere jednom predane svetima, one sada, takoreći, upućuju ispriku Rimu zbog svojega nemilosrdnog mišljenja o njemu, moleći oprost za svoju uskogrudnost.“

“A large class, even of those who look upon Romanism with no favor, apprehend little danger from her power and influence. Many urge that the intellectual and moral darkness prevailing during the Middle Ages favored the spread of her dogmas, superstitions, and oppression, and that the greater intelligence of modern times, the general diffusion of knowledge, and the increasing liberality in matters of religion forbid a revival of intolerance and tyranny. The very thought that such a state of things will exist in this enlightened age is ridiculed. It is true that great light, intellectual, moral, and religious, is shining upon this generation. In the open pages of God’s Holy Word, light from heaven has been shed upon the world. But it should be remembered that the greater the light bestowed, the greater the darkness of those who pervert and reject it.

„Velik broj ljudi, čak i među onima koji ne gledaju blagonaklono na rimokatolicizam, malo naslućuje opasnost od njegove moći i utjecaja. Mnogi tvrde da su intelektualna i moralna tama koja je vladala tijekom srednjega vijeka pogodovale širenju njegovih dogmi, praznovjerja i ugnjetavanja te da veća prosvijećenost modernoga doba, opća raširenost znanja i sve veća snošljivost u pitanjima vjere priječe obnovu netrpeljivosti i tiranije. Sama pomisao da bi takvo stanje moglo postojati u ovom prosvijećenom dobu izvrgava se ruglu. Istina je da veliko svjetlo, intelektualno, moralno i vjersko, obasjava ovaj naraštaj. Na otvorenim stranicama svete Božje Riječi svjetlo s neba izlilo se na svijet. Ali valja imati na umu da što je veće dano svjetlo, to je veća tama onih koji ga izvrću i odbacuju.“

“A prayerful study of the Bible would show Protestants the real character of the papacy and would cause them to abhor and to shun it; but many are so wise in their own conceit that they feel no need of humbly seeking God that they may be led into the truth. Although priding themselves on their enlightenment, they are ignorant both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. They must have some means of quieting their consciences, and they seek that which is least spiritual and humiliating. What they desire is a method of forgetting God which shall pass as a method of remembering Him. The papacy is well adapted to meet the wants of all these. It is prepared for two classes of mankind, embracing nearly the whole world—those who would be saved by their merits, and those who would be saved in their sins. Here is the secret of its power.

„Molitveno proučavanje Biblije pokazalo bi protestantima pravi karakter papinstva i navelo ih da ga se gnušaju i da ga se klone; ali mnogi su toliko mudri u vlastitoj umišljenosti da ne osjećaju potrebu da ponizno traže Boga kako bi bili vođeni u istinu. Premda se ponose svojom prosvijećenošću, ne poznaju ni Pisma ni Božju silu. Moraju imati neko sredstvo kojim će umiriti svoju savjest, pa traže ono što je najmanje duhovno i najmanje ponižavajuće. Ono što žele jest način da zaborave Boga, a da to ipak prođe kao način da Ga se sjećaju. Papinstvo je vrlo prikladno da udovolji potrebama svih takvih. Ono je pripravljeno za dvije klase ljudi, koje obuhvaćaju gotovo cijeli svijet — one koji bi se htjeli spasiti svojim zaslugama i one koji bi se htjeli spasiti u svojim grijesima. U tome je tajna njegove moći.״

“A day of great intellectual darkness has been shown to be favorable to the success of the papacy. It will yet be demonstrated that a day of great intellectual light is equally favorable for its success. In past ages, when men were without God’s word and without the knowledge of the truth, their eyes were blindfolded, and thousands were ensnared, not seeing the net spread for their feet. In this generation there are many whose eyes become dazzled by the glare of human speculations, ‘science falsely so called;’ they discern not the net, and walk into it as readily as if blindfolded. God designed that man’s intellectual powers should be held as a gift from his Maker and should be employed in the service of truth and righteousness; but when pride and ambition are cherished, and men exalt their own theories above the word of God, then intelligence can accomplish greater harm than ignorance. Thus the false science of the present day, which undermines faith in the Bible, will prove as successful in preparing the way for the acceptance of the papacy, with its pleasing forms, as did the withholding of knowledge in opening the way for its aggrandizement in the Dark Ages.

„Pokazalo se da je razdoblje velike intelektualne tame bilo pogodno za uspjeh papinstva. Još će se pokazati da je i razdoblje velike intelektualne svjetlosti jednako pogodno za njegov uspjeh. U prošlim vjekovima, kada su ljudi bili bez Božje riječi i bez spoznaje istine, njihove su oči bile povezane, i tisuće su bile uhvaćene u zamku, ne videći mrežu razastrtu pred svojim nogama. U ovom naraštaju ima mnogo onih kojima oči zasljepljuje blještavilo ljudskih spekulacija, ‘znanosti lažno nazvane’; oni ne razabiru mrežu te u nju ulaze jednako spremno kao da su im oči povezane. Bog je odredio da čovjekove umne sposobnosti budu čuvane kao dar njegova Stvoritelja i da budu upotrijebljene u službi istine i pravednosti; ali kada se njeguju oholost i častohleplje, i ljudi uzdižu vlastite teorije iznad Božje riječi, tada inteligencija može nanijeti veću štetu nego neznanje. Tako će lažna znanost sadašnjega doba, koja potkopava vjeru u Bibliju, biti jednako uspješna u pripravljanju puta za prihvaćanje papinstva, s njegovim privlačnim oblicima, kao što je uskraćivanje znanja bilo uspješno u otvaranju puta njegovu uzdizanju u mračnim vjekovima.“

“In the movements now in progress in the United States to secure for the institutions and usages of the church the support of the state, Protestants are following in the steps of papists. Nay, more, they are opening the door for the papacy to regain in Protestant America the supremacy which she has lost in the Old World. And that which gives greater significance to this movement is the fact that the principal object contemplated is the enforcement of Sunday observance—a custom which originated with Rome, and which she claims as the sign of her authority. It is the spirit of the papacy—the spirit of conformity to worldly customs, the veneration for human traditions above the commandments of God—that is permeating the Protestant churches and leading them on to do the same work of Sunday exaltation which the papacy has done before them.

„U pokretima koji su sada u tijeku u Sjedinjenim Državama, a kojima se za ustanove i običaje crkve nastoji osigurati potpora države, protestanti idu stopama papista. Štoviše, oni otvaraju vrata papinstvu da u protestantskoj Americi ponovno zadobije nadmoć koju je izgubilo u Starome svijetu. A ono što ovom pokretu daje još veće značenje jest činjenica da je glavni cilj koji se ima na umu prisilno nametanje svetkovanja nedjelje — običaja koji potječe iz Rima i koji on prisvaja kao znak svoje vlasti. Duh papinstva — duh prilagođavanja svjetovnim običajima, štovanja ljudskih predaja iznad Božjih zapovijedi — prožima protestantske crkve i vodi ih da obavljaju isto djelo uzdizanja nedjelje koje je papinstvo učinilo prije njih.“

“If the reader would understand the agencies to be employed in the soon-coming contest, he has but to trace the record of the means which Rome employed for the same object in ages past. If he would know how papists and Protestants united will deal with those who reject their dogmas, let him see the spirit which Rome manifested toward the Sabbath and its defenders.

„Ako bi čitatelj želio razumjeti čimbenike koji će biti upotrijebljeni u uskoro nadolazećem sukobu, treba samo pratiti zapis o sredstvima kojima se Rim služio radi istoga cilja u prošlim vjekovima. Ako želi znati kako će papisti i protestanti, ujedinjeni, postupati s onima koji odbacuju njihove dogme, neka vidi duh koji je Rim pokazao prema suboti i njezinim braniteljima.

“Royal edicts, general councils, and church ordinances sustained by secular power were the steps by which the pagan festival attained its position of honor in the Christian world. The first public measure enforcing Sunday observance was the law enacted by Constantine. (A.D. 321) This edict required townspeople to rest on “the venerable day of the sun,” but permitted countrymen to continue their agricultural pursuits. Though virtually a heathen statute, it was enforced by the emperor after his nominal acceptance of Christianity.

„Kraljevski edikti, opći sabori i crkvene odredbe poduprte svjetovnom vlašću bili su koraci kojima je poganski blagdan dosegnuo svoj počasni položaj u kršćanskom svijetu. Prva javna mjera kojom se nametalo svetkovanje nedjelje bio je zakon koji je donio Konstantin. (A.D. 321) Ovaj je edikt zahtijevao da stanovnici gradova počivaju na „časnom danu sunca“, ali je dopuštao seoskom stanovništvu da nastavi sa svojim poljoprivrednim poslovima. Premda je u biti bio poganski zakon, car ga je proveo nakon svojega nominalnog prihvaćanja kršćanstva.“

“The royal mandate not proving a sufficient substitute for divine authority, Eusebius, a bishop who sought the favor of princes, and who was the special friend and flatterer of Constantine, advanced the claim that Christ had transferred the Sabbath to Sunday. Not a single testimony of the Scriptures was produced in proof of the new doctrine. Eusebius himself unwittingly acknowledges its falsity and points to the real authors of the change. ‘All things,’ he says, ‘whatever that it was duty to do on the Sabbath, these we have transferred to the Lord’s Day.’—Robert Cox, Sabbath Laws and Sabbath Duties, page 538. But the Sunday argument, groundless as it was, served to embolden men in trampling upon the Sabbath of the Lord. All who desired to be honored by the world accepted the popular festival.

„Kako se kraljevski nalog nije pokazao dostatnom zamjenom za božanski autoritet, Euzebije, biskup koji je tražio naklonost knezova i koji je bio osobit prijatelj i laskavac Konstantinu, iznio je tvrdnju da je Krist prenio subotu na nedjelju. Nije izneseno ni jedno jedino svjedočanstvo iz Svetoga pisma kao dokaz za taj novi nauk. Sam Euzebije nesvjesno priznaje njegovu neistinitost i upućuje na stvarne začetnike te promjene. „Sve što je“, kaže on, „bila dužnost činiti u subotu, to smo prenijeli na Dan Gospodnji.“ —Robert Cox, Sabbath Laws and Sabbath Duties, stranica 538. No argument u prilog nedjelji, premda je bio bez ikakva temelja, poslužio je da ohrabri ljude u gaženju subote Gospodnje. Svi koji su željeli biti poštovani od svijeta prihvatili su taj omiljeni blagdan.

“As the papacy became firmly established, the work of Sunday exaltation was continued. For a time the people engaged in agricultural labor when not attending church, and the seventh day was still regarded as the Sabbath. But steadily a change was effected. Those in holy office were forbidden to pass judgment in any civil controversy on the Sunday. Soon after, all persons, of whatever rank, were commanded to refrain from common labor on pain of a fine for freemen and stripes in the case of servants. Later it was decreed that rich men should be punished with the loss of half of their estates; and finally, that if still obstinate they should be made slaves. The lower classes were to suffer perpetual banishment.

„Kako se papinstvo čvrsto utvrđivalo, tako se nastavljalo djelo uzdizanja nedjelje. Neko su vrijeme ljudi, kad nisu prisustvovali crkvi, obavljali poljodjelske poslove, a sedmi se dan i dalje smatrao subotom. No postupno je provedena promjena. Onima na svetoj službi bilo je zabranjeno izricati presudu u bilo kakvu građansku sporu u nedjelju. Uskoro potom svim je osobama, bez obzira na stalež, bilo zapovjeđeno da se uzdrže od uobičajenoga rada, pod prijetnjom novčane kazne za slobodne ljude i batinanja u slučaju slugu. Kasnije je određeno da se bogati kažnjavaju gubitkom polovice svoje imovine; i naposljetku, da se, ako i dalje budu nepokolebljivi, imaju pretvoriti u robove. Niži su slojevi morali trpjeti trajno progonstvo.“

“Miracles also were called into requisition. Among other wonders it was reported that as a husbandman who was about to plow his field on Sunday cleaned his plow with an iron, the iron stuck fast in his hand, and for two years he carried it about with him, ‘to his exceeding great pain and shame.’—Francis West, Historical and Practical Discourse on the Lord’s Day, page 174.

„U pomoć su bili prizvani i čudotvorni događaji. Među ostalim čudesima izvješćivalo se da je jednom seljaku, koji je u nedjelju namjeravao poorati svoje polje, dok je željezom čistio svoj plug, željezo čvrsto prionulo uz njegovu ruku, te ga je dvije godine nosio sa sobom, ‘na svoju preveliku bol i sramotu.’ —Francis West, Historical and Practical Discourse on the Lord’s Day, str. 174.

“Later the pope gave directions that the parish priest should admonish the violators of Sunday and wish them to go to church and say their prayers, lest they bring some great calamity on themselves and neighbors. An ecclesiastical council brought forward the argument, since so widely employed, even by Protestants, that because persons had been struck by lightning while laboring on Sunday, it must be the Sabbath. ‘It is apparent,’ said the prelates, ‘how high the displeasure of God was upon their neglect of this day.’ An appeal was then made that priests and ministers, kings and princes, and all faithful people ‘use their utmost endeavors and care that the day be restored to its honor, and, for the credit of Christianity, more devoutly observed for the time to come.’—Thomas Morer, Discourse in Six Dialogues on the Name, Notion, and Observation of the Lord’s Day, page 271.

„Kasnije je papa izdao upute da župnik treba opominjati prekršitelje nedjelje i poticati ih da idu u crkvu i izgovaraju svoje molitve, da ne bi navukli kakvu veliku nesreću na sebe i na svoje susjede. Jedan crkveni sabor iznio je tvrdnju, toliko široko primjenjivanu, čak i od protestanata, da, budući da su osobe bile pogođene munjom dok su radile nedjeljom, to mora biti subota. ‘Očito je’, rekoše prelati, ‘koliko je veliko bilo Božje nezadovoljstvo zbog njihova zanemarivanja ovoga dana.’ Tada je upućen poziv da svećenici i službenici, kraljevi i knezovi, i sav vjerni puk ‘ulože svoj najveći trud i skrb da se tome danu vrati njegova čast i da se, radi ugleda kršćanstva, ubuduće pobožnije svetkuje.’ —Thomas Morer, Discourse in Six Dialogues on the Name, Notion, and Observation of the Lord’s Day, str. 271.

“The decrees of councils proving insufficient, the secular authorities were besought to issue an edict that would strike terror to the hearts of the people and force them to refrain from labor on the Sunday. At a synod held in Rome, all previous decisions were reaffirmed with greater force and solemnity. They were also incorporated into the ecclesiastical law and enforced by the civil authorities throughout nearly all Christendom. (See Heylyn, History of the Sabbath, pt. 2, ch. 5, sec. 7.)

„Budući da su se odluke sabora pokazale nedostatnima, svjetovne su vlasti bile zamoljene da izdaju edikt koji će utjerati strah u srca naroda i prisiliti ih da se suzdrže od rada nedjeljom. Na sinodi održanoj u Rimu sve su prethodne odluke bile ponovno potvrđene s većom snagom i svečanošću. One su također bile uključene u crkveno pravo i provođene od građanskih vlasti gotovo u cijelom kršćanstvu. (Vidi Heylyn, History of the Sabbath, pt. 2, ch. 5, sec. 7.)”

“Still the absence of Scriptural authority for Sundaykeeping occasioned no little embarrassment. The people questioned the right of their teachers to set aside the positive declaration of Jehovah, ‘The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God,’ in order to honor the day of the sun. To supply the lack of Bible testimony, other expedients were necessary. A zealous advocate of Sunday, who about the close of the twelfth century visited the churches of England, was resisted by faithful witnesses for the truth; and so fruitless were his efforts that he departed from the country for a season and cast about him for some means to enforce his teachings. When he returned, the lack was supplied, and in his after labors he met with greater success. He brought with him a roll purporting to be from God Himself, which contained the needed command for Sunday observance, with awful threats to terrify the disobedient. This precious document—as base a counterfeit as the institution it supported—was said to have fallen from heaven and to have been found in Jerusalem, upon the altar of St. Simeon, in Golgotha. But, in fact, the pontifical palace at Rome was the source whence it proceeded. Frauds and forgeries to advance the power and prosperity of the church have in all ages been esteemed lawful by the papal hierarchy.

Ipak, nedostatak biblijskoga autoriteta za svetkovanje nedjelje izazivao je nemalu nelagodu. Narod je dovodio u pitanje pravo svojih učitelja da stave po strani izričitu Jehovinu izjavu: „Sedmi dan je subota Gospoda Boga tvojega“, kako bi iskazivali čast danu sunca. Da bi se nadomjestio nedostatak biblijskoga svjedočanstva, bila su potrebna druga sredstva. Jedan gorljivi zagovornik nedjelje, koji je potkraj dvanaestoga stoljeća posjetio crkve u Engleskoj, naišao je na otpor vjernih svjedoka istine; i njegovi su napori bili tako bezuspješni da je na neko vrijeme napustio zemlju i tražio neko sredstvo kojim bi nametnuo svoja učenja. Kad se vratio, nedostatak je bio nadoknađen, te je u svome daljnjem radu nailazio na veći uspjeh. Sa sobom je donio svitak koji se predstavljao kao da dolazi od samoga Boga i koji je sadržavao potrebnu zapovijed za svetkovanje nedjelje, zajedno sa strašnim prijetnjama da zastraši neposlušne. Za taj dragocjeni dokument — podlu krivotvorinu jednako kao i ustanovu koju je podupirao — govorilo se da je pao s neba i da je bio pronađen u Jeruzalemu, na oltaru svetoga Šimuna, na Golgoti. No, zapravo, izvor iz kojega je potekao bila je papinska palača u Rimu. Prijevare i krivotvorine radi promicanja moći i napretka crkve papinska je hijerarhija u svim vjekovima smatrala dopuštenima.

“The roll forbade labor from the ninth hour, three o’clock, on Saturday afternoon, till sunrise on Monday; and its authority was declared to be confirmed by many miracles. It was reported that persons laboring beyond the appointed hour were stricken with paralysis. A Miller who attempted to grind his corn, saw, instead of flour, a torrent of blood come forth, and the mill wheel stood still, notwithstanding the strong rush of water. A woman who placed dough in the oven found it raw when taken out, though the oven was very hot. Another who had dough prepared for baking at the ninth hour, but determined to set it aside till Monday, found, the next day, that it had been made into loaves and baked by divine power. A man who baked bread after the ninth hour on Saturday found, when he broke it the next morning, that blood started therefrom. By such absurd and superstitious fabrications did the advocates of Sunday endeavor to establish its sacredness. (See Roger de Hoveden, Annals, vol. 2, pp. 526–530.)

„Spis je zabranjivao rad od devetoga sata, to jest od tri sata poslije podne, u subotu, pa sve do izlaska sunca u ponedjeljak; a tvrdilo se da je njegov autoritet potvrđen mnogim čudima. Izvješćivalo se da su osobe koje su radile nakon određenoga sata bile pogođene uzetošću. Neki mlinar koji je pokušao samljeti svoje žito vidio je kako umjesto brašna potekne bujica krvi, a mlinsko se kolo zaustavilo unatoč snažnom naviranju vode. Žena koja je stavila tijesto u peć našla ga je sirovim kada ga je izvadila, premda je peć bila veoma vruća. Druga, koja je u deveti sat imala pripravljeno tijesto za pečenje, ali ga je odlučila ostaviti do ponedjeljka, našla je sljedećega dana da je ono božanskom silom bilo oblikovano u kruhove i ispečeno. Čovjek koji je pekao kruh nakon devetoga sata u subotu ustanovio je, kad ga je sljedećega jutra razlomio, da je iz njega potekla krv. Takvim su apsurdnim i praznovjernim izmišljotinama zagovornici nedjelje nastojali utvrditi njezinu svetost. (Vidi Roger de Hoveden, Annals, sv. 2, str. 526–530.)”

“In Scotland, as in England, a greater regard for Sunday was secured by uniting with it a portion of the ancient Sabbath. But the time required to be kept holy varied. An edict from the king of Scotland declared that ‘Saturday from twelve at noon ought to be accounted holy,’ and that no man, from that time till Monday morning, should engage in worldly business.—Morer, pages 290, 291.

„U Škotskoj, kao i u Engleskoj, veće poštovanje prema nedjelji osigurano je time što joj je pridružen dio drevnoga subotnjeg dana. Ali vrijeme koje je trebalo svetkovati razlikovalo se. Proglas škotskoga kralja objavio je da se ‘subota od dvanaest sati u podne ima smatrati svetom’ i da se nitko, od toga vremena pa do ponedjeljka ujutro, ne smije baviti svjetovnim poslovima.—Morer, stranice 290, 291.

“But notwithstanding all the efforts to establish Sunday sacredness, papists themselves publicly confessed the divine authority of the Sabbath and the human origin of the institution by which it had been supplanted. In the sixteenth century a papal council plainly declared: ‘Let all Christians remember that the seventh day was consecrated by God, and hath been received and observed, not only by the Jews, but by all others who pretend to worship God; though we Christians have changed their Sabbath into the Lord’s Day.’—Ibid., pages 281, 282. Those who were tampering with the divine law were not ignorant of the character of their work. They were deliberately setting themselves above God.

„No usprkos svim nastojanjima da se uspostavi svetost nedjelje, sami su papisti javno priznali božanski autoritet subote i ljudsko podrijetlo ustanove kojom je ona bila zamijenjena. U šesnaestom stoljeću jedan je papinski sabor jasno izjavio: ‘Neka se svi kršćani sjete da je sedmi dan posvetio Bog te da su ga primili i svetkovali ne samo Židovi, nego i svi drugi koji tvrde da štuju Boga; premda smo mi kršćani njihovu subotu promijenili u Dan Gospodnji.’—Ibid., str. 281, 282. Oni koji su zadirali u božanski zakon nisu bili neupućeni u narav svojega djela. Namjerno su se uzdizali iznad Boga.“

“A striking illustration of Rome’s policy toward those who disagree with her was given in the long and bloody persecution of the Waldenses, some of whom were observers of the Sabbath. Others suffered in a similar manner for their fidelity to the fourth commandment. The history of the churches of Ethiopia and Abyssinia is especially significant. Amid the gloom of the Dark Ages, the Christians of Central Africa were lost sight of and forgotten by the world, and for many centuries they enjoyed freedom in the exercise of their faith. But at last Rome learned of their existence, and the emperor of Abyssinia was soon beguiled into an acknowledgment of the pope as the vicar of Christ. Other concessions followed.

„Upečatljiv prikaz rimske politike prema onima koji se s njom ne slažu dan je u dugotrajnom i krvavom progonstvu valdenza, od kojih su neki svetkovali subotu. I drugi su na sličan način stradali zbog svoje vjernosti četvrtoj zapovijedi. Povijest crkava Etiopije i Abesinije osobito je značajna. Usred tmine mračnoga srednjeg vijeka kršćani središnje Afrike izgubili su se iz vida i svijet ih je zaboravio, te su tijekom mnogih stoljeća uživali slobodu u ispovijedanju svoje vjere. No naposljetku je Rim doznao za njihovo postojanje, i car Abesinije ubrzo je bio zaveden da prizna papu kao Kristova namjesnika. Uslijedili su i drugi ustupci.

“An edict was issued forbidding the observance of the Sabbath under the severest penalties. (See Michael Geddes, Church History of Ethiopia, pages 311, 312.) But papal tyranny soon became a yoke so galling that the Abyssinians determined to break it from their necks. After a terrible struggle the Romanists were banished from their dominions, and the ancient faith was restored. The churches rejoiced in their freedom, and they never forgot the lesson they had learned concerning the deception, the fanaticism, and the despotic power of Rome. Within their solitary realm they were content to remain, unknown to the rest of Christendom.

„Izdana je naredba kojom se, pod najstrožim kaznama, zabranjivalo svetkovanje subote. (Vidi Michael Geddes, Church History of Ethiopia, str. 311, 312.) Ali papinska je tiranija uskoro postala jaram toliko mučan da su ga Abesinci odlučili zbaciti sa svojih vratova. Nakon strašne borbe rimokatolici su bili protjerani iz njihovih krajeva, a drevna je vjera bila obnovljena. Crkve su se radovale svojoj slobodi i nikada nisu zaboravile pouku koju su naučile o prijevari, fanatizmu i despotskoj moći Rima. Unutar svojega osamljenog kraljevstva bile su zadovoljne ostati, nepoznate ostatku kršćanstva.

“The churches of Africa held the Sabbath as it was held by the papal church before her complete apostasy. While they kept the seventh day in obedience to the commandment of God, they abstained from labor on the Sunday in conformity to the custom of the church. Upon obtaining supreme power, Rome had trampled upon the Sabbath of God to exalt her own; but the churches of Africa, hidden for nearly a thousand years, did not share in this apostasy. When brought under the sway of Rome, they were forced to set aside the true and exalt the false sabbath; but no sooner had they regained their independence than they returned to obedience to the fourth commandment.

„Crkve u Africi držale su subotu onako kako ju je držala papinska crkva prije svojega potpunog otpada. Dok su svetkovale sedmi dan u poslušnosti Božjoj zapovijedi, uzdržavale su se od rada u nedjelju u skladu s običajem crkve. Kad je zadobio vrhovnu vlast, Rim je pogazio Božju subotu kako bi uzvisio svoju vlastitu; ali crkve u Africi, skrivene gotovo tisuću godina, nisu sudjelovale u tom otpadu. Kad su bile stavljene pod vlast Rima, bile su prisiljene ostaviti po strani pravu i uzvisiti lažnu subotu; no čim su ponovno stekle svoju neovisnost, vratile su se poslušnosti četvrtoj zapovijedi.״

“These records of the past clearly reveal the enmity of Rome toward the true Sabbath and its defenders, and the means which she employs to honor the institution of her creating. The word of God teaches that these scenes are to be repeated as Roman Catholics and Protestants shall unite for the exaltation of the Sunday.

„Ovi zapisi iz prošlosti jasno otkrivaju neprijateljstvo Rima prema istinskoj suboti i njezinim braniteljima, kao i sredstva kojima se on služi da bi odao čast ustanovi koju je sam stvorio. Božja riječ uči da će se ovi prizori ponoviti kad se rimokatolici i protestanti ujedine radi uzdizanja nedjelje.

“The prophecy of Revelation 13 declares that the power represented by the beast with lamblike horns shall cause ‘the earth and them which dwell therein’ to worship the papacy—there symbolized by the beast ‘like unto a leopard.’ The beast with two horns is also to say ‘to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast;’ and, furthermore, it is to command all, ‘both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,’ to receive the mark of the beast. Revelation 13:11–16. It has been shown that the United States is the power represented by the beast with lamblike horns, and that this prophecy will be fulfilled when the United States shall enforce Sunday observance, which Rome claims as the special acknowledgment of her supremacy. But in this homage to the papacy the United States will not be alone. The influence of Rome in the countries that once acknowledged her dominion is still far from being destroyed. And prophecy foretells a restoration of her power. ‘I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.’ Verse 3. The infliction of the deadly wound points to the downfall of the papacy in 1798. After this, says the prophet, ‘his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.’ Paul states plainly that the ‘man of sin’ will continue until the second advent. 2 Thessalonians 2:3–8. To the very close of time he will carry forward the work of deception. And the revelator declares, also referring to the papacy: ‘All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life.’ Revelation 13:8. In both the Old and the New World, the papacy will receive homage in the honor paid to the Sunday institution, that rests solely upon the authority of the Roman Church.

„Proročanstvo iz Otkrivenja 13 objavljuje da će sila predstavljena zvijeri s janjećim rogovima učiniti da se ‘zemlja i oni koji na njoj prebivaju’ klanjaju papinstvu — ondje simboliziranom zvijeri ‘nalik leopardu’. Zvijer s dva roga također treba reći ‘onima koji prebivaju na zemlji da načine lik zvijeri’; a nadalje, treba zapovjediti svima, ‘malima i velikima, bogatima i siromašnima, slobodnima i robovima’, da prime žig zvijeri. Otkrivenje 13:11–16. Pokazano je da su Sjedinjene Države sila predstavljena zvijeri s janjećim rogovima te da će se ovo proročanstvo ispuniti kada Sjedinjene Države budu nametnule svetkovanje nedjelje, koje Rim smatra posebnim priznanjem svoje vrhovne vlasti. Ali u tom iskazivanju štovanja papinstvu Sjedinjene Države neće biti same. Utjecaj Rima u zemljama koje su nekoć priznavale njegovu vlast još je daleko od toga da bude uništen. A proročanstvo pretkazuje obnovu njegove moći. ‘I vidjeh jednu od njegovih glava kao smrtno ranjenu; i izliječena bi njegova smrtna rana: i sav se svijet začudi za zvijeri.’ Redak 3. Zadavanje smrtne rane upućuje na slom papinstva 1798. godine. Nakon toga, kaže prorok, ‘izliječena bi njegova smrtna rana: i sav se svijet začudi za zvijeri’. Pavao jasno izjavljuje da će ‘čovjek grijeha’ ostati sve do drugog dolaska. 2 Solunjanima 2:3–8. Sve do samoga svršetka vremena on će nastaviti djelo obmane. A i pisac Otkrivenja izjavljuje, također upućujući na papinstvo: ‘I poklonit će mu se svi koji prebivaju na zemlji, kojima imena nisu zapisana u knjizi života.’ Otkrivenje 13:8. I u Starome i u Novome svijetu papinstvu će biti iskazano štovanje čašću koja se odaje ustanovi nedjelje, koja počiva jedino na vlasti Rimske Crkve.“

“Since the middle of the nineteenth century, students of prophecy in the United States have presented this testimony to the world. In the events now taking place is seen a rapid advance toward the fulfillment of the prediction. With Protestant teachers there is the same claim of divine authority for Sundaykeeping, and the same lack of Scriptural evidence, as with the papal leaders who fabricated miracles to supply the place of a command from God. The assertion that God’s judgments are visited upon men for their violation of the Sunday-sabbath, will be repeated; already it is beginning to be urged. And a movement to enforce Sunday observance is fast gaining ground.

„Od sredine devetnaestoga stoljeća proučavatelji proroštva u Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama iznosili su ovo svjedočanstvo pred svijet. U događajima koji se sada zbivaju vidi se brz napredak prema ispunjenju ovoga proročanstva. Među protestantskim učiteljima postoji isto pozivanje na božanski autoritet za svetkovanje nedjelje i isti nedostatak biblijskih dokaza kao i među papinskim vođama koji su izmišljali čudesa kako bi nadomjestili nedostatak zapovijedi od Boga. Tvrdnja da Božji sudovi dolaze na ljude zbog njihova kršenja nedjeljne subote ponavljat će se; već se sada počinje snažno iznositi. A pokret za nametanje svetkovanja nedjelje brzo uzima maha.״

“Marvelous in her shrewdness and cunning is the Roman Church. She can read what is to be. She bides her time, seeing that the Protestant churches are paying her homage in their acceptance of the false sabbath and that they are preparing to enforce it by the very means which she herself employed in bygone days. Those who reject the light of truth will yet seek the aid of this self-styled infallible power to exalt an institution that originated with her. How readily she will come to the help of Protestants in this work it is not difficult to conjecture. Who understands better than the papal leaders how to deal with those who are disobedient to the church?

„Čudesna je Rimska crkva u svojoj pronicavosti i lukavosti. Ona može razabrati ono što će biti. Čeka svoje vrijeme, videći da joj protestantske crkve odaju počast svojim prihvaćanjem lažne subote i da se pripremaju nametnuti je upravo onim sredstvima kojima se i sama služila u minulim vremenima. Oni koji odbacuju svjetlo istine ipak će tražiti pomoć te samoproglašene nepogrješive sile kako bi uzvisili ustanovu koja potječe od nje. Koliko će spremno priteći u pomoć protestantima u tome djelu, nije teško naslutiti. Tko bolje od papinskih vođa razumije kako postupati s onima koji su neposlušni crkvi?”

“The Roman Catholic Church, with all its ramifications throughout the world, forms one vast organization under the control, and designed to serve the interests, of the papal see. Its millions of communicants, in every country on the globe, are instructed to hold themselves as bound in allegiance to the pope. Whatever their nationality or their government, they are to regard the authority of the church as above all other. Though they may take the oath pledging their loyalty to the state, yet back of this lies the vow of obedience to Rome, absolving them from every pledge inimical to her interests.

Rimokatolička crkva, sa svim svojim ograncima diljem svijeta, tvori jednu golemu organizaciju pod nadzorom papinske stolice i ustanovljenu da služi interesima papinske stolice. Njezini milijuni vjernika, u svakoj zemlji na kugli zemaljskoj, poučeni su da se smatraju vezanima odanošću papi. Kakva god bila njihova narodnost ili njihova vlast, oni trebaju smatrati autoritet Crkve iznad svakog drugog. Premda mogu položiti prisegu kojom jamče svoju odanost državi, ipak iza toga stoji zavjet poslušnosti Rimu, koji ih oslobađa od svake obveze neprijateljske njegovim interesima.

“History testifies of her artful and persistent efforts to insinuate herself into the affairs of nations; and having gained a foothold, to further her own aims, even at the ruin of princes and people. In the year 1204, Pope Innocent III extracted from Peter II, king of Arragon, the following extraordinary oath: ‘I, Peter, king of Arragonians, profess and promise to be ever faithful and obedient to my lord, Pope Innocent, to his Catholic successors, and the Roman Church, and faithfully to preserve my kingdom in his obedience, defending the Catholic faith, and persecuting heretical pravity.’—John Dowling, The History of Romanism, b. 5, ch. 6, sec.

„Povijest svjedoči o njezinim vještim i ustrajnim nastojanjima da se uvuče u poslove naroda; a nakon što je stekla uporište, da promiče vlastite ciljeve, čak i po cijenu propasti knezova i puka. Godine 1204. papa Inocent III. iznudio je od Petra II., kralja Aragona, sljedeću neobičnu prisegu: ‘Ja, Petar, kralj Aragonaca, izjavljujem i obećavam da ću vazda biti vjeran i poslušan svome gospodaru, papi Inocentu, njegovim katoličkim nasljednicima i Rimskoj crkvi, te da ću vjerno očuvati svoje kraljevstvo u njegovoj poslušnosti, braneći katoličku vjeru i progoneći heretičku pokvarenost.’ —John Dowling, The History of Romanism, b. 5, ch. 6, sec.

“55. This is in harmony with the claims regarding the power of the Roman pontiff ‘that it is lawful for him to depose emperors’ and ‘that he can absolve subjects from their allegiance to unrighteous rulers.’—Mosheim, b. 3, cent. 11, pt. 2, ch. 2, sec. 9, note 17.

„55. To je u skladu s tvrdnjama o vlasti rimskoga pontifa, ‘da mu je dopušteno svrgnuti careve’ i ‘da može osloboditi podanike njihove odanosti nepravednim vladarima’. — Mosheim, knj. 3, st. 11, dio 2, pogl. 2, odsj. 9, bilješka 17.

“And let it be remembered, it is the boast of Rome that she never changes. The principles of Gregory VII and Innocent III are still the principles of the Roman Catholic Church. And had she but the power, she would put them in practice with as much vigor now as in past centuries. Protestants little know what they are doing when they propose to accept the aid of Rome in the work of Sunday exaltation. While they are bent upon the accomplishment of their purpose, Rome is aiming to re-establish her power, to recover her lost supremacy. Let the principle once be established in the United States that the church may employ or control the power of the state; that religious observances may be enforced by secular laws; in short, that the authority of church and state is to dominate the conscience, and the triumph of Rome in this country is assured.

„I neka se zapamti: Rim se hvali time da se nikada ne mijenja. Načela Grgura VII. i Inocenta III. još su uvijek načela Rimokatoličke crkve. A kada bi samo imala moć, ona bi ih danas provodila s jednakom snagom kao i u prošlim stoljećima. Protestanti malo znaju što čine kada predlažu prihvatiti pomoć Rima u djelu uzdizanja nedjelje. Dok su oni zaokupljeni ostvarenjem svoje namjere, Rim teži ponovno uspostaviti svoju moć, povratiti svoju izgubljenu prevlast. Neka se samo jednom u Sjedinjenim Državama uspostavi načelo da crkva može koristiti ili nadzirati moć države; da se vjerski obredi mogu nametati svjetovnim zakonima; ukratko, da vlast crkve i države treba gospodariti savješću — i trijumf Rima u ovoj zemlji bit će osiguran.

“God’s word has given warning of the impending danger; let this be unheeded, and the Protestant world will learn what the purposes of Rome really are, only when it is too late to escape the snare. She is silently growing into power. Her doctrines are exerting their influence in legislative halls, in the churches, and in the hearts of men. She is piling up her lofty and massive structures in the secret recesses of which her former persecutions will be repeated. Stealthily and unsuspectedly she is strengthening her forces to further her own ends when the time shall come for her to strike. All that she desires is vantage ground, and this is already being given her. We shall soon see and shall feel what the purpose of the Roman element is. Whoever shall believe and obey the word of God will thereby incur reproach and persecution.” The Great Controversy, 563–581.

„Božja je riječ dala upozorenje o prijetećoj opasnosti; ako se na to ne obrati pozornost, protestantski će svijet spoznati koje su doista namjere Rima tek kada bude prekasno da izbjegne zamku. Ona potiho raste u moći. Njezini nauci vrše svoj utjecaj u zakonodavnim dvoranama, u crkvama i u srcima ljudi. Ona podiže svoje uzvišene i goleme građevine, u čijim će se tajnim skrovištima ponoviti njezina prijašnja progonstva. Potajno i neopaženo ona jača svoje snage kako bi promicala svoje vlastite ciljeve kada dođe vrijeme da zada udarac. Sve što ona želi jest povoljan položaj, a to joj se već daje. Uskoro ćemo vidjeti i osjetiti koja je namjera rimskog čimbenika. Tko god bude vjerovao i slušao Božju riječ, time će navući na sebe prijekor i progonstvo.“ Velika borba, 563–581.