When the parable of the ten virgins was fulfilled in Millerite history it took place during the second angel’s message. The second angel’s message represents two distinct messages, both in the period of time which they cover and in terms of the intended audience of the message. The second angel’s message was directed to the Protestant churches that had just returned to Rome and became daughters of Babylon. The Midnight Cry was directed to the sleeping Millerites. The first message was directed outside of the Millerites, the second was directed inside. This will be fulfilled to the letter in our day.

Kada se prispodoba o deset djevica ispunila u mileritskoj povijesti, to se dogodilo tijekom poruke drugoga anđela. Poruka drugoga anđela predstavlja dvije različite poruke, kako u vremenskom razdoblju koje obuhvaćaju, tako i u pogledu publike kojoj su namijenjene. Poruka drugoga anđela bila je upućena protestantskim crkvama koje su se upravo vratile Rimu i postale kćeri Babilona. Ponoćni poklič bio je upućen usnulim mileritima. Prva je poruka bila upućena izvan milerita, druga je bila upućena unutar njih. To će se u naše dane ispuniti doslovno.

The difference that needs to be noted in the repetition of our day is that in the beginning of Adventism the message of the second angel first went outside the Millerites and then part two of the message went inside the Millerites. At the end of Adventism, when the parable is again repeated, so also is the second angel’s message. We are told that directly more than a handful of times. But the two-fold nature of the message is reversed at the end. The first message goes to Adventism and the second to those outside of Adventism. We are told that the work and message represented by the angel of Revelation eighteen is a repetition of the second angel’s message.

Razlika koju treba zapaziti u ponavljanju naših dana jest ta da je na početku adventizma poruka drugoga anđela najprije otišla izvan milerita, a zatim je drugi dio poruke ušao među milerite. Na kraju adventizma, kada se prispodoba ponovno ponavlja, tako se ponavlja i poruka drugoga anđela. Rečeno nam je to izravno više nego nekolicinu puta. Ali dvostruka narav poruke na kraju je obrnuta. Prva poruka ide adventizmu, a druga onima izvan adventizma. Rečeno nam je da su djelo i poruka koje predstavlja anđeo iz Otkrivenja osamnaest ponavljanje poruke drugoga anđela.

“The prophet says, ‘I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils’ (Revelation 18:1, 2). This is the same message that was given by the second angel. Babylon is fallen, ‘because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication’ (Revelation 14:8). What is that wine?—Her false doctrines. She has given to the world a false sabbath instead of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and has repeated the falsehood that Satan first told Eve in Eden—the natural immortality of the soul. Many kindred errors she has spread far and wide, ‘teaching for doctrines the commandments of men’ (Matthew 15:9).

„Prorok kaže: ‘I vidjeh drugoga anđela gdje silazi s neba, imajući veliku vlast; i zemlja se prosvijetli slavom njegovom. I povika silno jakim glasom govoreći: Pade, pade Babilon veliki i postade prebivalište đavola’ (Otkrivenje 18,1.2). To je ista poruka koja je dana po drugom anđelu. Babilon je pao, ‘jer je sve narode napojio vinom gnjeva bluda svojega’ (Otkrivenje 14,8). Što je to vino? — Njezini lažni nauci. Dala je svijetu lažnu subotu umjesto Subote četvrte zapovijedi i ponovila laž koju je Sotona najprije rekao Evi u Edenu — naravnu besmrtnost duše. Mnoge srodne zablude raširila je nadaleko i naširoko, ‘učeći kao nauke zapovijedi ljudske’ (Matej 15,9).”

“When Jesus began His public ministry, He cleansed the Temple from its sacrilegious profanation. Among the last acts of His ministry was the second cleansing of the Temple. So in the last work for the warning of the world, two distinct calls are made to the churches. The second angel’s message is, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication’ (Revelation 14:8). And in the loud cry of the third angel’s message a voice is heard from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities’ (Revelation 18:4, 5).” Selected Messages, book 2, 118.

„Kad je Isus započeo svoju javnu službu, očistio je Hram od njegova svetogrđem oskvrnjenog stanja. Među posljednjim činima Njegove službe bilo je drugo čišćenje Hrama. Tako se i u posljednjem djelu opomene svijetu Crkvama upućuju dva različita poziva. Poruka drugog anđela glasi: ‘Pade, pade Babilon, grad veliki, jer je vinom gnjeva bluda svojega napoji sve narode’ (Otkrivenje 14,8). A u glasnom pokliču poruke trećega anđela čuje se glas s neba koji govori: ‘Iziđite iz nje, narode moj, da ne budete sudionicima njezinih grijeha i da ne primite od njezinih zala. Jer grijesi njezini dopriješe do neba, i Bog se spomenu njezinih nepravdi’ (Otkrivenje 18,4.5).” Odabrane poruke, knjiga 2, 118.

The message of the second angel at the beginning of Adventism is the same message as the message represented by the angel of Revelation eighteen, and in that warning, there are two voices that proclaim a message. The first voice is proclaimed when the earth is lightened by his glory and in verse four John heard another voice saying, “come out of her.”

Poruka drugoga anđela na početku adventizma ista je poruka kao i poruka predstavljena anđelom iz osamnaestoga poglavlja Otkrivenja, i u toj opomeni postoje dva glasa koja objavljuju poruku. Prvi glas objavljuje se kada se zemlja rasvjetljuje njegovom slavom, a u četvrtom retku Ivan je čuo drugi glas kako govori: „Izađite iz nje.”

In Millerite history the call out of Babylon came first and the message to the Millerites came second. In Revelation eighteen it is the second voice, or second message that addresses those outside of Adventism. Along with the declaration that there are “two distinct calls made to the churches” we find that the two times Christ cleansed the temple (at the beginning and ending of His ministry) is also an illustration of the beginning and ending of Adventism.

U mileritskoj povijesti poziv da se izađe iz Babilona došao je najprije, a poruka mileritima došla je kao druga. U osamnaestom poglavlju Otkrivenja upravo je drugi glas, odnosno druga poruka, upućena onima izvan advenizma. Uz tvrdnju da postoje „dva različita poziva upućena crkvama“, nalazimo i to da dva puta kada je Krist očistio hram (na početku i na završetku svoje službe) također predstavljaju ilustraciju početka i završetka advenizma.

The beginning of Adventism illustrated a purification of the workers that helped in building the foundation that William Miller was used to establish. The foundation was completed at the conclusion of the second angel’s message, for with the arrival of the third angel on October 22, 1844 the truths that make up the foundations of Adventism were made available to understand, for those who are willing to hear.

Početak adventizma prikazivao je pročišćenje radnika koje je pomoglo u izgradnji temelja što je Williamu Milleru bilo dano uspostaviti. Temelj je bio dovršen pri završetku poruke drugoga anđela, jer su s dolaskom trećega anđela 22. listopada 1844. istine koje sačinjavaju temelje adventizma postale dostupne za razumijevanje onima koji su voljni čuti.

The work of building the foundation concluded at the climax of the history of the second angel, when “two distinct calls were made to the churches.” The first call was outside the Millerites, the second was for the Millerites. But another beginning that aligns with Adventism’s beginning is the ministry of Christ when He cleansed His temple the first time. The prophetic illustration of the temple being cleansed is marking a purification at the beginning and end of His ministry, that in turn typifies a purification of Adventism at its beginning and ending. Christ’s two temple cleansings align with the beginning and ending of Adventism, but His message was just for His covenant people who were in the process of forever divorcing themselves from God.

Djelo izgradnje temelja završilo je na vrhuncu povijesti drugoga anđela, kada su „upućena dva različita poziva crkvama“. Prvi je poziv bio izvan milerita, a drugi je bio za milerite. No još jedan početak koji se podudara s početkom adventizma jest Kristova služba kada je prvi put očistio svoj hram. Proročki prikaz čišćenja hrama označava očišćenje na početku i na kraju Njegove službe, što zauzvrat predočava očišćenje adventizma na njegovu početku i završetku. Kristova dva čišćenja hrama podudaraju se s početkom i završetkom adventizma, ali Njegova je poruka bila samo za Njegov zavjetni narod, koji se nalazio u procesu da se zauvijek razvede od Boga.

The beginning of Adventism presented a message announcing the opening of the judgment and the end of Adventism is announcing the end of judgment. Jesus cleansed the temple the first time and rebuked the Jews for turning His house into a den of thieves, but the second cleansing of the temple was “among the last acts of His ministry.” At the end of His ministry, He no longer told the Jews that they had made His Father’s house a den of thieves, he then told them that their house “was left to them desolate.”

Početak adventizma iznio je poruku koja je navješćivala otvaranje suda, a kraj adventizma navješćuje završetak suda. Isus je prvi put očistio hram i ukorio Židove što su Njegov Dom pretvorili u razbojničku pećinu, ali drugo čišćenje hrama bilo je „među posljednjim činovima Njegove službe“. Na kraju svoje službe više nije govorio Židovima da su Dom Njegova Oca pretvorili u razbojničku pećinu, nego im je tada rekao da im je njihova kuća „ostavljena pusta“.

“Meanwhile worshipers from every nation sought the temple which had been dedicated to the worship of God. Glittering with gold and precious stones, it was a vision of beauty and grandeur. But Jehovah was no longer to be found in that palace of loveliness. Israel as a nation had divorced herself from God. When Christ, near the close of His earthly ministry, looked for the last time upon the interior of the temple, He said, ‘Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.’ Matthew 23:38. Hitherto He had called the temple His Father’s house; but as the Son of God passed out from those walls, God’s presence was withdrawn forever from the temple built to His glory.” Acts of the Apostles, 145.

U međuvremenu su štovatelji iz svakoga naroda tražili Hram koji je bio posvećen štovanju Boga. Blistajući zlatom i dragim kamenjem, bio je prizor ljepote i veličanstvenosti. Ali Jehove više nije bilo u toj palači ljupkosti. Izrael se kao narod rastavio od Boga. Kad je Krist, pri samome kraju svoje zemaljske službe, posljednji put pogledao unutrašnjost Hrama, rekao je: „Eto, vaša će vam kuća ostati pusta.“ Matej 23,38. Dotad je Hram nazivao kućom svojega Oca; ali kad je Sin Božji izašao iz tih zidova, Božja se prisutnost zauvijek povukla iz Hrama sagrađenoga Njemu na slavu.” Djela apostolska, 145.

The temple He cleansed at the beginning was a different temple than what He cleansed at the end. The first temple was His Father’s house, but the second temple was the Jew’s house. The Lord entered into covenant with Adventism at the beginning and Adventists became priests in His temple. At the end of Adventism, they are to be no more priests, and their house will be desolated.

Hram koji je očistio na početku bio je drugačiji hram od onoga koji je očistio na kraju. Prvi je hram bio kuća Njegova Oca, a drugi je hram bio kuća Židova. Gospodin je na početku sklopio savez s adventizmom, i adventisti su postali svećenici u Njegovu hramu. Na kraju adventizma više neće biti svećenici, i njihova će kuća opustjeti.

The second angel represents two messages. This is one reason the message is represented as Babylon falling twice. This is not the primary reason for the twice repeated announcement of Babylon’s fall, but is one reason. How is it two messages?

Drugi anđeo predstavlja dvije poruke. To je jedan od razloga što je poruka prikazana kao da Babilon pada dvaput. To nije glavni razlog dvaput ponovljene objave Babilonova pada, ali jest jedan razlog. Kako su to dvije poruke?

The second angel arrived in response to the rejection of the first angel’s message. When the failed prediction, identifying 1843 as the conclusion of the 2300-year prophecy, the Protestant churches used the erroneous message to reject Miller’s message. Miller’s message was the first angel’s message. At its rejection the Protestant churches, who had been God’s church in the wilderness for over 1260 years, were rejected and became a daughter of Babylon. At that point the second angel arrived with his message.

Drugi je anđeo došao kao odgovor na odbacivanje poruke prvoga anđela. Kada su protestantske crkve, zbog neuspjeloga predviđanja koje je 1843. godinu označilo kao završetak proročanstva od 2300 godina, iskoristile pogrešnu poruku da odbace Millerovu poruku, tada je Millerova poruka bila poruka prvoga anđela. Pri njezinu odbacivanju protestantske crkve, koje su bile Božja crkva u pustinji više od 1260 godina, bile su odbačene i postale su kćer Babilona. U tom je trenutku došao drugi anđeo sa svojom porukom.

There are some very important points involved with the various elements of this history we are considering. There is at least one point that must be developed slowly for it definitely contributes to the understanding of the message of the Revelation of Jesus Christ that is currently being unsealed. For this reason, I am including a very important passage about that history. It is two chapters that I am pointing to, but there is also a third important chapter in the middle of those two chapters. I am not including this at this time in order to limit the scope of our consideration.

Postoje neke vrlo važne pojedinosti uključene u razne elemente ove povijesti koju razmatramo. Postoji barem jedna točka koja se mora razvijati polagano, jer ona nedvojbeno pridonosi razumijevanju poruke Otkrivenja Isusa Krista koje se upravo sada razotkriva. Iz toga razloga uključujem vrlo važan odlomak o toj povijesti. Riječ je o dva poglavlja na koja upućujem, ali postoji i treće važno poglavlje između ta dva poglavlja. To ovdje za sada ne uključujem kako bih ograničio opseg našega razmatranja.

Notice which angel is being addressed as you read through, look for the progressive testing process, note in the first paragraph that the prophetic characteristics of the angel of Revelation eighteen are also the characteristics of the first angel. Notice that to crucify one of the messages is to crucify Christ, and notice that the three angels are all presented as single angels, but the Midnight Cry message is a multitude of angels.

Primijetite kojemu je anđelu upućen govor dok čitate, uočite postupni proces kušnje, zapazite u prvom odlomku da su proročke značajke anđela iz Otkrivenja osamnaest također značajke prvoga anđela. Primijetite da razapeti jednu od poruka znači razapeti Krista, i primijetite da su sva tri anđela prikazana kao pojedinačni anđeli, dok je poruka Ponoćnoga poklika mnoštvo anđela.

“I was shown the interest which all heaven had taken in the work which had been going on upon the earth. Jesus commissioned a strong and mighty angel to descend and warn the inhabitants of earth to get ready for his second appearing. I saw the mighty angel leave the presence of Jesus in heaven. Before him went an exceedingly bright and glorious light. I was told that his mission was to lighten the earth with his glory, and warn man of the coming wrath of God. Multitudes received the light. Some seemed to be very solemn, while others were joyful and enraptured. The light was shed upon all, but some merely came under the influence of the light, and did not heartily receive it. But all who received it, turned their faces upward to heaven, and glorified God. Many were filled with great wrath. Ministers and people united with the vile, and stoutly resisted the light shed by the mighty angel. But all who received it withdrew from the world, and were closely united together.

„Bilo mi je pokazano zanimanje koje je cijelo nebo imalo za djelo koje se odvijalo na zemlji. Isus je ovlastio snažnog i moćnog anđela da siđe i upozori stanovnike zemlje da se priprave za njegov drugi dolazak. Vidjela sam moćnog anđela kako napušta Isusovu prisutnost na nebu. Pred njim je išla iznimno sjajna i slavna svjetlost. Rečeno mi je da je njegovo poslanje bilo obasjati zemlju svojom slavom i upozoriti čovjeka na nadolazeći gnjev Božji. Mnoštva su primila svjetlost. Neki su se činili vrlo ozbiljnima, dok su drugi bili radosni i zaneseni. Svjetlost se izlijevala na sve, ali neki su samo došli pod njezin utjecaj i nisu je od srca primili. No svi koji su je primili, okrenuli su svoja lica prema gore, prema nebu, i slavili Boga. Mnogi su se ispunili velikim gnjevom. Propovjednici i narod ujedinili su se s opakima i odlučno se opirali svjetlosti koju je razlijevao moćni anđeo. Ali svi koji su je primili povukli su se od svijeta i bili tijesno sjedinjeni međusobno.“

“Satan and his angels were busily engaged in seeking to attract the minds of all they could from the light. The company who rejected it were left in darkness. I saw the angel watching with the deepest interest the professed people of God, to record the character they developed, as the message of heavenly origin was introduced to them. And as very many who professed love for Jesus turned from the heavenly message with scorn, derision and hatred, an angel with a parchment in his hand, made the shameful record. All heaven was filled with indignation, because Jesus was slighted by his professed followers.

„Sotona i njegovi anđeli marljivo su nastojali odvratiti umove svih koje su mogli od svjetla. Skupina koja ga je odbacila ostavljena je u tami. Vidjela sam anđela kako s najdubljim zanimanjem promatra one koji se nazivaju Božjim narodom, da zabilježi karakter koji su razvili kada im je bila iznesena poruka nebeskoga podrijetla. A kako su se veoma mnogi koji su ispovijedali ljubav prema Isusu odvratili od nebeske poruke s prijezirom, porugom i mržnjom, anđeo s pergamentom u ruci načinio je taj sramotni zapis. Cijelo je nebo bilo ispunjeno ogorčenjem, jer su Isusa prezreli oni koji su se izdavali za njegove sljedbenike.״

“I saw the disappointment of the trusting ones. They did not see their Lord at the expected time. It was God’s purpose to conceal the future, and bring his people to a point of decision. Without this point of time the work designed of God would not have been accomplished. Satan was leading the minds of very many far ahead in the future. A period of time proclaimed for Christ’s appearing must bring the mind to earnestly seek for a present preparation. As the time passed, those who had not fully received the light of the angel, united with those who had despised the heavenly message, and they turned upon the disappointed ones in ridicule. I saw the angels in heaven consulting with Jesus. They had marked the situation of Christ’s professed followers. The passing of the definite time had tested and proved them, and very many were weighed in the balance and found wanting. They all loudly professed to be Christians, yet failed in following Christ in almost every particular. Satan exulted at the state of the professed followers of Christ. He had them in his snare. He had led the majority to leave the straight path, and they were attempting to climb up to heaven some other way. Angels saw the pure, the clean, and holy, all mixed up with sinners in Zion, and the world-loving hypocrite. They had watched over the true lovers of Jesus; but the corrupt were affecting the holy.

„Vidjela sam razočaranje onih koji su imali pouzdanja. Nisu vidjeli svoga Gospodina u očekivano vrijeme. Bila je Božja namjera da prikrije budućnost i dovede svoj narod do točke odluke. Bez te vremenske točke djelo koje je Bog naumio ne bi bilo ostvareno. Sotona je misli veoma mnogih vodio daleko unaprijed u budućnost. Razdoblje vremena objavljeno za Kristov dolazak moralo je navesti um da ozbiljno traži sadašnju pripravu. Kad je vrijeme prošlo, oni koji nisu u potpunosti primili svjetlo anđela pridružili su se onima koji su prezreli nebesku poruku, i okrenuli su se protiv razočaranih s porugom. Vidjela sam anđele na nebu kako se savjetuju s Isusom. Oni su zapazili stanje onih koji su ispovijedali da su Kristovi sljedbenici. Prolazak određenoga vremena iskušao ih je i dokazao, i veoma mnogi bili su izvagani na tezulji i nađeni manjkavima. Svi su oni glasno ispovijedali da su kršćani, a ipak su gotovo u svakom pogledu propustili slijediti Krista. Sotona se radovao stanju onih koji su ispovijedali da slijede Krista. Imao ih je u svojoj zamci. Većinu je naveo da napuste uski put, i pokušavali su se popeti na nebo nekim drugim putem. Anđeli su vidjeli čiste, neokaljane i svete, sve izmiješane s grešnicima na Sionu i sa svjetoljubivim licemjerom. Bdili su nad istinskim ljubiteljima Isusa, ali iskvareni su utjecali na svete.“

“Those whose hearts burned with a longing, intense desire to see Jesus, were forbidden by their professed brethren to speak of his coming. Angels viewed the whole scene, and sympathized with the remnant, who loved the appearing of Jesus. Another mighty angel was commissioned to descend to earth. Jesus placed in his hand a writing, and as he came to earth, he cried, Babylon is fallen! is fallen! Then I saw the disappointed ones again look cheerful, and raise their eyes to heaven, looking with faith and hope for their Lord’s appearing. But many seemed to remain in a stupid state, as if asleep; yet I could see the trace of deep sorrow upon their countenances. The disappointed ones saw from the Bible that they were in the tarrying time, and that they must patiently wait the fulfillment of the vision. The same evidence which led them to look for their Lord in 1843, led them to expect him in 1844. I saw that the majority did not possess that energy which marked their faith in 1843. Their disappointment had dampened their faith. But as the disappointed ones united in the cry of the second angel, the heavenly host looked with the deepest interest, and marked the effect of the message. They saw those who bore the name of Christians turn with derision and scorn upon those who had been disappointed. As the words fell from the mocker’s lips, You have not gone up yet! an angel wrote them. Said the angel, They mock God.

„Onima onih čija su srca gorjela od čežnje, od silne želje da vide Isusa, njihova su braća po ispovijesti vjere zabranjivala govoriti o njegovu dolasku. Anđeli su promatrali cijeli prizor i suosjećali s ostatkom koji je ljubio Isusovo pojavljivanje. Drugomu moćnom anđelu bilo je povjereno da siđe na zemlju. Isus mu je stavio u ruku zapis, i kad je došao na zemlju, povikao je: Pade Babilon! pade! Tada sam ponovno vidjela razočarane kako vedro podižu pogled i uzdižu oči k nebu, gledajući s vjerom i nadom u pojavu svojega Gospodina. Ali mnogi su, činilo se, ostajali u nekom obamrlom stanju, kao da spavaju; ipak sam na njihovim licima mogla vidjeti trag duboke žalosti. Razočarani su iz Biblije vidjeli da se nalaze u vremenu odgađanja i da moraju strpljivo čekati ispunjenje viđenja. Isti dokaz koji ih je naveo da očekuju svoga Gospodina 1843., naveo ih je da ga očekuju i 1844. Vidjela sam da većina nije posjedovala onu snagu koja je obilježavala njihovu vjeru 1843. Njihovo je razočaranje prigušilo njihovu vjeru. No kad su se razočarani ujedinili u pokliču drugoga anđela, nebeska je vojska s najdubljim zanimanjem promatrala i zapažala učinak poruke. Vidjeli su kako se oni koji su nosili ime kršćana s porugom i prezirom okreću protiv onih koji su bili razočarani. Kad su s usana podrugljivca pale riječi: Još niste uzašli! anđeo ih je zapisao. Anđeo je rekao: Rugaju se Bogu.“

“I was pointed back to the translation of Elijah. His mantle fell on Elisha, and wicked children (or young people) followed him, mocking, crying, Go up thou bald head! Go up thou bald head! They mocked God, and met their punishment there. They had learned it of their parents. And those who have scoffed and mocked at the idea of the saints’ going up, will be visited with the plagues of God, and will realize that it is not a small thing to trifle with him.

„Pozornost mi je ponovno bila usmjerena na Ilijino uznesenje. Njegov je plašt pao na Elizeja, a opaka djeca (ili mladi ljudi) pošla su za njim, rugajući mu se i vičući: Uzađi, ćelavče! Uzađi, ćelavče! Rugali su se Bogu i ondje su sustignuti svojom kaznom. To su naučili od svojih roditelja. A oni koji su se podsmjehivali i rugali pomisli o uzlasku svetih, bit će pohodeni Božjim zlama i shvatit će da nije mala stvar poigravati se s njime.“

“Jesus commissioned other angels to fly quickly to revive and strengthen the drooping faith of his people, and prepare them to understand the message of the second angel, and of the important move which was soon to be made in heaven. I saw these angels receive great power and light from Jesus, and fly quickly to earth to fulfill their commission to aid the second angel in his work. A great light shone upon the people of God as the angels cried. Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him. Then I saw those disappointed ones rise, and in harmony with the second angel, proclaim, Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him. The light from the angels penetrated the darkness everywhere. Satan and his angels sought to hinder this light from spreading, and having its designed effect. They contended with the angels of God, and told them that God had deceived the people, and that with all their light and power, they could not make the people believe that Jesus was coming. The angels of God continued their work, although Satan strove to hedge up the way, and draw the minds of the people from the light. Those who received it looked very happy. They fixed their eyes up to heaven, and longed for the appearing of Jesus. Some were in great distress, weeping and praying. Their eyes seemed to be fixed upon themselves, and they dared not look upward.

„Isus je zadužio druge anđele da brzo polete kako bi oživjeli i ojačali klonulu vjeru njegova naroda te ga pripravili da razumije poruku drugoga anđela i važan pokret koji se uskoro trebao zbiti na nebu. Vidjela sam kako su ti anđeli primili veliku silu i svjetlost od Isusa te brzo poletjeli na zemlju da izvrše svoje poslanje i pomognu drugom anđelu u njegovu djelu. Veliko svjetlo obasjalo je Božji narod dok su anđeli klicali: Evo Zaručnika, izlazite mu u susret. Tada sam vidjela kako su oni razočarani ustali i, u skladu s drugim anđelom, objavljivali: Evo Zaručnika, izlazite mu u susret. Svjetlost anđela prodirala je posvuda kroz tamu. Sotona i njegovi anđeli nastojali su spriječiti da se ta svjetlost širi i postigne svoju određenu svrhu. Prepírali su se s Božjim anđelima i govorili im da je Bog obmanuo narod te da, uza svu njihovu svjetlost i silu, ne mogu navesti narod da povjeruje kako Isus dolazi. Božji su anđeli nastavili svoje djelo, premda se Sotona trudio zapriječiti put i odvratiti umove naroda od svjetlosti. Oni koji su je primili doimali su se vrlo sretnima. Upravljali su svoje oči prema nebu i čeznuli za Isusovim pojavkom. Neki su bili u velikoj tjeskobi, plakali i molili se. Činilo se da su im oči bile uprte u njih same te se nisu usuđivali pogledati prema gore.“

“A precious light from heaven parted the darkness from them, and their eyes, which had been fixed in despair upon themselves, were turned upward, while gratitude and holy joy were expressed upon every feature. Jesus and all the angelic host looked with approbation upon the faithful, waiting ones.

„Dragocjena svjetlost s Neba razdvojila je tamu od njih, a njihove oči, koje su u očaju bile uprte u njih same, bile su podignute prema gore, dok su se na svakom licu očitovali zahvalnost i sveta radost. Isus i sva anđeoska vojska gledali su s odobravanjem na vjerne koji su čekali.“

“Those who rejected and opposed the light of the first angel’s message, lost the light of the second, and could not be benefited by the power and glory which attended the message, Behold the Bridegroom cometh. Jesus turned from them with a frown. They had slighted and rejected him. Those who received the message were wrapt in a cloud of glory. They waited and watched and prayed to know the will of God. They greatly feared to offend him. I saw Satan and his angels seeking to shut this divine light from the people of God; but as long as the waiting ones cherished the light, and kept their eyes raised from earth to Jesus, Satan could have no power to deprive them of this precious light. The message given from heaven enraged Satan and his angels, and those who professed to love Jesus, but despised his coming, scorned and derided the faithful, trusting ones. But an angel marked every insult, every slight, every abuse they received from their professed brethren. Very many raised their voices to cry, Behold the Bridegroom cometh, and left their brethren who did not love the appearing of Jesus, and who would not suffer them to dwell upon his second coming. I saw Jesus turn his face from those who rejected and despised his coming, and then he bade angels lead his people out from among the unclean, lest they should be defiled. Those obedient to the messages stood out free and united. A holy and excellent light shone upon them. They renounced the world, tore their affections from it, and sacrificed their earthly interests. They gave up their earthly treasure, and their anxious gaze was directed to heaven, expecting to see their loved Deliverer. A sacred, holy joy beamed upon their countenances, and told of the peace and joy which reigned within. Jesus bade his angels go and strengthen them, for the hour of their trial drew on. I saw that these waiting ones were not yet tried as they must be. They were not free from errors. And I saw the mercy and goodness of God in sending a warning to the people of earth, and repeated messages to bring them up to a point of time, to lead them to a diligent search of themselves, that they might divest themselves of errors which have been handed down from the heathen and papists. Through these messages God has been bringing out his people where he can work for them in greater power, and where they can keep all his commandments. . . .

„Oni koji su odbacili i suprotstavili se svjetlu poruke prvoga anđela izgubili su svjetlo druge i nisu mogli imati koristi od sile i slave koja je pratila poruku: Evo zaručnika, dolazi. Isus se od njih odvratio s namrgođenim licem. Oni su ga bili omalovažili i odbacili. Oni koji su primili poruku bili su obavijeni oblakom slave. Čekali su i bdjeli i molili se da upoznaju volju Božju. Silno su se bojali da ga ne uvrijede. Vidjela sam Sotonu i njegove anđele kako nastoje zatvoriti ovo božansko svjetlo pred Božjim narodom; ali dokle god su oni koji su čekali cijenili svjetlo i držali svoje oči uzdignute sa zemlje k Isusu, Sotona nije imao nikakve moći lišiti ih toga dragocjenog svjetla. Poruka dana s neba razgnjevila je Sotonu i njegove anđele, a oni koji su tvrdili da ljube Isusa, ali su prezirali njegov dolazak, rugali su se i ismijavali vjerne, pouzdane. No jedan je anđeo zabilježio svaku uvredu, svako omalovažavanje, svako zlostavljanje koje su primili od svoje tobožnje braće. Vrlo mnogi podigli su svoj glas da viču: Evo zaručnika, dolazi, i ostavili su svoju braću koja nisu ljubila Isusovo pojavljivanje i koja im nisu dopuštala da se zadržavaju na njegovu drugom dolasku. Vidjela sam kako Isus odvraća svoje lice od onih koji su odbacili i prezreli njegov dolazak, a zatim je naredio anđelima da izvedu njegov narod iz njihove sredine, između nečistih, da se ne bi onečistili. Oni koji su bili poslušni porukama stajali su odvojeni, slobodni i sjedinjeni. Na njima je sjala sveta i uzvišena svjetlost. Odrekli su se svijeta, otrgnuli od njega svoje naklonosti i žrtvovali svoje zemaljske probitke. Odrekli su se svojega zemaljskog blaga, a njihov zabrinuti pogled bio je upravljen k nebu, očekujući da vide svojega ljubljenog Izbavitelja. Sveta, posvećena radost sjala je na njihovim licima i svjedočila o miru i radosti koji su vladali u njima. Isus je zapovjedio svojim anđelima da pođu i ojačaju ih, jer se približavao čas njihove kušnje. Vidjela sam da oni koji su čekali još nisu bili iskušani onako kako su morali biti. Još nisu bili slobodni od zabluda. I vidjela sam milost i dobrotu Božju u tome što je poslao upozorenje stanovnicima zemlje i ponavljane poruke da ih dovede do određene točke vremena, da ih navede na marljivo preispitivanje samih sebe, kako bi se oslobodili zabluda koje su im predali neznabošci i papisti. Po tim porukama Bog je izvodio svoj narod tamo gdje može djelovati za njih s većom silom i gdje mogu držati sve njegove zapovijedi....”

“As the ministration of Jesus closed in the Holy place, and he passed into the Holiest, and stood before the ark containing the law of God, he sent another mighty angel to earth with the third message. He placed a parchment in the angel’s hand, and as he descended to earth in majesty and power, he proclaimed a fearful warning, the most terrible threatening ever borne to man. This message was designed to put the children of God upon their guard, and show them the hour of temptation and anguish that was before them. Said the angel, They will be brought into close combat with the beast and his image. Their only hope of eternal life is to remain steadfast. Although their lives are at stake, yet they must hold fast the truth. The third angel closes his message with these words, Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. As he repeated these words he pointed to the heavenly Sanctuary. The minds of all who embrace this message are directed to the Most Holy place where Jesus stands before the ark, making his final intercession for all those for whom mercy still lingers, and for those who have ignorantly broken the law of God. This atonement is made for the righteous dead as well as for the righteous living. Jesus makes an atonement for those who died, not receiving the light upon God’s commandments, who sinned ignorantly.

„Kad je Isusova služba završila u Svetinji te je on prešao u Svetinju nad svetinjama i stao pred Kovčeg koji sadržava Božji zakon, poslao je na zemlju drugoga silnoga anđela s trećom viješću. U ruku anđela položio je svitak, i dok je on silazio na zemlju u veličanstvu i sili, objavio je strašno upozorenje, najtežu prijetnju ikada upućenu čovjeku. Ova je vijest bila namijenjena da djecu Božju stavi na oprez i pokaže im čas kušnje i tjeskobe koji je bio pred njima. Anđeo reče: Bit će dovedeni u tijesan boj sa Zvijeri i njezinim kipom. Njihova jedina nada u vječni život jest da ostanu postojani. Premda su im životi u pitanju, ipak se moraju čvrsto držati istine. Treći anđeo završava svoju vijest ovim riječima: Ovdje je postojanost svetih; ovdje su oni koji drže zapovijedi Božje i vjeru Isusovu. Dok je ponavljao te riječi, pokazivao je na nebesko Svetište. Misli svih koji prihvaćaju ovu vijest upravljene su prema Svetinji nad svetinjama, gdje Isus stoji pred Kovčegom, prinoseći svoj posljednji zagovor za sve one prema kojima se milost još zadržava i za one koji su iz neznanja prestupili Božji zakon. Ovo se pomirenje vrši i za pravedne mrtve kao i za pravedne žive. Isus vrši pomirenje za one koji su umrli ne primivši svjetlo o Božjim zapovijedima, koji su sagriješili iz neznanja.“

“After Jesus opened the door of the Most Holy the light of the Sabbath was seen, and the people of God were to be tested and proved, as God proved the children of Israel anciently, to see if they would keep his law. I saw the third angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the Holiest of the heavenly Sanctuary. They followed Jesus by faith into the Most Holy. Again they have found Jesus, and joy and hope spring up anew. I saw them looking back reviewing the past, from the proclamation of the second advent of Jesus, down through their travels to the passing of the time in 1844. They see their disappointment explained, and joy and certainty again animate them. The third angel has lighted up the past, present and future, and they know that God has indeed led them by his mysterious providence.

„Nakon što je Isus otvorio vrata Svetinje nad svetinjama, vidjela se svjetlost subote, a Božji narod trebao je biti iskušan i prokušan, kao što je Bog nekoć iskušao sinove Izraelove, da vidi hoće li držati njegov zakon. Vidjela sam trećeg anđela kako pokazuje prema gore, pokazujući razočaranima put u Svetinju nad svetinjama nebeskoga Svetišta. Oni su vjerom slijedili Isusa u Svetinju nad svetinjama. Ondje su ponovno našli Isusa, i radost i nada iznova izviru. Vidjela sam ih kako se osvrću unatrag, preispitujući prošlost, od navještaja drugoga Isusova dolaska pa sve kroz njihov hod do isteka vremena 1844. Oni vide objašnjenje svojega razočaranja, a radost i sigurnost ponovno ih oživljuju. Treći je anđeo obasjao prošlost, sadašnjost i budućnost, i oni znaju da ih je Bog doista vodio svojom tajanstvenom providnošću.“

“It was represented to me that the remnant followed Jesus into the Most Holy place, and beheld the ark, and the mercy-seat, and were captivated with their glory. Jesus raised the cover of the ark, and behold! the tables of stone, with the ten commandments written upon them. They trace down the lively oracles; but they start back with trembling when they see the fourth commandment living among the ten holy precepts, while a brighter light shines upon it than upon the other nine, and a halo of glory is all around it. They find nothing there informing them that the Sabbath has been abolished, or changed to the first day of the week. It reads as when spoken by the mouth of God in solemn and awful grandeur upon the mount, while the lightnings flashed and the thunders rolled, and when written with his own holy finger in the tables of stone. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. They are amazed as they behold the care taken of the ten commandments. They see them placed close by Jehovah, overshadowed and protected by his holiness. They see that they have been trampling upon the fourth commandment of the decalogue, and have observed a day handed down by the heathen and papists, instead of the day sanctified by Jehovah. They humble themselves before God, and mourn over their past transgressions.

„Bilo mi je prikazano da je Ostatak slijedio Isusa u Svetinju nad svetinjama te ugledao kovčeg i Pomirilište, i bio opčinjen njihovom slavom. Isus je podigao poklopac kovčega, i gle! kamene ploče s deset zapovijedi napisanima na njima. Oni prolaze kroz žive riječi Božje; ali uzmiču dršćući kada vide četvrtu zapovijed kako živi među deset svetih propisa, dok na nju sja jače svjetlo nego na ostalih devet, i vijenac slave svuda je oko nje. Ondje ne nalaze ništa što bi ih obavijestilo da je subota ukinuta ili promijenjena na prvi dan tjedna. Ona glasi kao kada ju je izrekla usta Božja u svečanom i strašnom veličanstvu na gori, dok su sijevale munje i grmjeli gromovi, i kada je bila napisana Njegovim vlastitim svetim prstom na kamenim pločama. Šest dana radi i obavljaj sav svoj posao; a sedmi dan subota je Gospodu, Bogu tvojemu. Zaprepašteni su dok promatraju kakva se briga vodi o deset zapovijedi. Vide ih položene blizu Jehove, zasjenjene i zaštićene Njegovom svetošću. Vide da su gazili po četvrtoj zapovijedi Dekaloga i svetkovali dan predan od neznabožaca i papista, umjesto dana koji je posvetio Jehova. Ponize se pred Bogom i tuguju zbog svojih prošlih prijestupa.“

“I saw the incense in the censer smoke as Jesus offered their confessions and prayers to his Father. And as it ascended, a bright light rested upon Jesus, and upon the mercy-seat; and the earnest, praying ones, who were troubled because they had discovered themselves to be transgressors of God’s law, were blest, and their countenances lighted up with hope and joy. They joined in the work of the third angel, and raised their voices and proclaimed the solemn warning. But few at first received the message, yet they continued with energy to proclaim the warning. Then I saw many embrace the message of the third angel, and unite their voices with those who had first proclaimed the warning, and they exalted God and magnified him by observing his sanctified Rest-day.

„Vidjela sam kako se kad u kadionici dimi dok Isus prinosi njihova priznanja i molitve svome Ocu. I dok se uzdizao, sjajna je svjetlost počivala na Isusu i na prijestolju milosti; a usrdni molitelji, koji su bili ožalošćeni jer su otkrili da su prijestupnici Božjega zakona, bili su blagoslovljeni, i njihova su se lica ozarila nadom i radošću. Pridružili su se djelu trećega anđela, podigli svoj glas i objavili svečano upozorenje. No u početku je malo njih prihvatilo poruku, ipak su oni nastavili s revnošću objavljivati upozorenje. Tada sam vidjela mnoge kako prihvaćaju poruku trećega anđela i sjedinjuju svoje glasove s onima koji su prvi objavili upozorenje, te su uzvisivali Boga i veličali ga svetkovanjem njegova posvećenoga Dana počinka.“

“Many who embraced the third message had not an experience in the two former messages. Satan understood this, and his evil eye was upon them to overthrow them; but the third angel was pointing them to the Most Holy place, and those who had an experience in the past messages were pointing them the way to the heavenly Sanctuary. Many saw the perfect chain of truth in the angels’ messages, and gladly received it. They embraced them in their order, and followed Jesus by faith into the heavenly Sanctuary. These messages were represented to me as an anchor to hold the body. And as individuals receive and understand them, they are shielded against the many delusions of Satan.

„Mnogi koji su prihvatili treću poruku nisu imali iskustvo u dvjema prethodnim porukama. Sotona je to razumio, i njegovo je zlo oko bilo upravljeno na njih da ih obori; ali treći ih je anđeo upućivao na Presveto mjesto, a oni koji su imali iskustvo u prijašnjim porukama pokazivali su im put u nebesko Svetište. Mnogi su vidjeli savršeni lanac istine u anđeoskim porukama i radosno su ga prihvatili. Prihvatili su ih njihovim redom i vjerom slijedili Isusa u nebesko Svetište. Te su mi poruke bile prikazane kao sidro koje drži tijelo. I kako ih pojedinci primaju i razumiju, tako su zaštićeni od mnogih Sotoninih zabluda.”

“After the great disappointment in 1844, Satan and his angels were busily engaged in laying snares to unsettle the faith of the body. He was affecting the minds of individuals who had a personal experience in these things. They had an appearance of humility. They changed the first and second messages, and pointed to the future for their fulfillment, while others pointed far back in the past, declaring that they had been there fulfilled. These individuals were drawing the minds of the inexperienced away, and unsettling their faith. Some were searching the Bible to try to build up a faith of their own, independent of the body. Satan exulted in all this; for he knew that those who broke loose from the anchor, he could affect by different errors and drive about with winds of doctrine. Many who had led in the first and second messages, denied them, and division and scattering was throughout the body. I then saw Wm. Miller. He looked perplexed, and was bowed with sorrow and distress for his people. He saw the company who were united and loving in 1844, losing their love for each other, and opposing one another. He saw them fall back into a cold, backslidden state. Grief wasted his strength. I saw leading men watching Wm. Miller, and fearing lest he should embrace the third angel’s message and the commandments of God. And as he would lean towards the light from heaven, these men would lay some plan to draw his mind away. I saw a human influence exerted to keep his mind in darkness, and to retain his influence among them. At length Wm. Miller raised his voice against the light from heaven. He failed in not receiving the message which would have fully explained his disappointment, and cast a light and glory on the past, which would have revived his exhausted energies, brightened up his hope, and led him to glorify God. But he leaned to human wisdom instead of divine, and being broken with arduous labor in his Master’s cause, and by age, he was not as accountable as those who kept him from the truth. They are responsible, and the sin rests upon them. If Wm. Miller could have seen the light of the third message, many things which looked dark and mysterious to him would have been explained. His brethren professed such deep love and interest for him, he thought he could not tear away from them. His heart would incline towards the truth; but then he looked at his brethren. They opposed it. Could he tear away from those who had stood side and shoulder with him in proclaiming Jesus’ coming? He thought they surely would not lead him astray.

„Nakon velikoga razočaranja 1844. godine, Sotona i njegovi anđeli bili su užurbano zaokupljeni postavljanjem zamki kako bi poljuljali vjeru zajednice. Utjecao je na umove pojedinaca koji su imali osobno iskustvo u tim stvarima. Imali su privid poniznosti. Izmijenili su prvu i drugu poruku te ukazivali na budućnost radi njihova ispunjenja, dok su drugi ukazivali daleko natrag u prošlost, tvrdeći da su se ondje ispunile. Ti su pojedinci odvraćali misli neiskusnih i potresali njihovu vjeru. Neki su istraživali Bibliju nastojeći izgraditi vlastitu vjeru, neovisnu o zajednici. Sotona se svemu tomu radovao; jer je znao da će one koji se otrgnu od sidra moći zahvatiti različitim zabludama i nositi ih amo-tamo svakim vjetrom nauka. Mnogi koji su predvodili u prvoj i drugoj poruci zanijekali su ih, te su razdor i raspršenost zavladali po cijeloj zajednici. Tada sam vidjela Wm. Millera. Izgledao je zbunjeno i bio shrvan tugom i tjeskobom zbog svojega naroda. Vidio je skupinu koja je 1844. bila ujedinjena i puna ljubavi kako gubi ljubav jedan prema drugomu i kako se međusobno suprotstavlja. Vidio ih je kako se vraćaju u hladno, otpalo stanje. Žalost mu je iscrpljivala snagu. Vidjela sam vodeće ljude kako promatraju Wm. Millera i boje se da ne prihvati poruku trećega anđela i Božje zapovijedi. I kad bi se priklonio svjetlu s neba, ti bi ljudi smišljali neki plan da mu odvrate um. Vidjela sam kako se vršio ljudski utjecaj da bi mu se um zadržao u tami i da bi se njegov utjecaj sačuvao među njima. Napokon je Wm. Miller podigao svoj glas protiv svjetla s neba. Pogriješio je time što nije primio poruku koja bi u potpunosti objasnila njegovo razočaranje i obasjala prošlost svjetlom i slavom, što bi obnovilo njegovu iscrpljenu snagu, razvedrilo njegovu nadu i navelo ga da proslavi Boga. Ali priklonio se ljudskoj mudrosti umjesto božanskoj, a budući da je bio slomljen napornim radom u stvari svojega Gospodara i zbog svoje dobi, nije bio toliko odgovoran kao oni koji su ga zadržavali od istine. Oni su odgovorni i grijeh počiva na njima. Kad bi Wm. Miller mogao vidjeti svjetlo treće poruke, mnoge stvari koje su mu izgledale tamne i tajanstvene bile bi mu objašnjene. Njegova su braća ispovijedala tako duboku ljubav i zanimanje za njega da je mislio kako se ne može otrgnuti od njih. Njegovo bi se srce priklanjalo istini; ali tada bi pogledao na svoju braću. Oni su joj se protivili. Može li se otrgnuti od onih koji su stajali uz njega rame uz rame u naviještanju Isusova dolaska? Mislio je da ga oni zacijelo neće odvesti na stranputicu.“

“God suffered him to come under the power of Satan, and death to have dominion over him. He hid him in the grave, away from those who were constantly drawing him from God. Moses erred just as he was about to enter the promised land. So also, I saw that Wm. Miller erred as he was soon to enter the heavenly Canaan, in suffering his influence to go against the truth. Others led him to this. Others must account for it. But angels watch the precious dust of this servant of God, and he will come forth at the sound of the last trump.

„Bog je dopustio da dospije pod Sotoninu vlast i da smrt zagospodari nad njim. Sakrio ga je u grobu, daleko od onih koji su ga neprestano odvlačili od Boga. Mojsije je pogriješio upravo kad je bio nadomak ulaska u obećanu zemlju. Tako sam isto vidjela da je Wm. Miller pogriješio kad je uskoro trebao ući u nebeski Kanaan, dopustivši da njegov utjecaj pođe protiv istine. Drugi su ga na to naveli. Drugi će za to morati položiti račun. Ali anđeli bdiju nad dragocjenim prahom ovoga Božjeg sluge, i on će izaći na glas posljednje trube.“

“I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, and would give no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown three steps—one, two and three—the first, second and third angels’ messages. Said the angel, Woe to him who shall move a block, or stir a pin in these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received. I was again brought down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. Step by step had God brought them along, until he had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform. Then I saw individuals as they approached the platform, before stepping upon it examine the foundation. Some with rejoicing immediately stepped upon it. Others commenced to find fault with the laying of the foundation of the platform. They wished improvements made, and then the platform would be more perfect, and the people much happier. Some stepped off the platform and examined it, then found fault with it, declaring it to be laid wrong. I saw that nearly all stood firm upon the platform, and exhorted others who had stepped off to cease their complaints, for God was the master-builder, and they were fighting against him. They recounted the wonderful work of God, which had led them to the firm platform, and in union nearly all raised their eyes to heaven, and with a loud voice glorified God. This affected some of those who had complained, and left the platform, and again they with humble look stepped upon it.

„Vidjela sam skupinu koja je stajala dobro zaštićena i postojana te nije davala nikakva povoda onima koji bi htjeli uzdrmati utvrđenu vjeru tijela. Bog ih je gledao s odobravanjem. Pokazana su mi tri koraka — prvi, drugi i treći — poruke prvoga, drugoga i trećega anđela. Anđeo reče: Jao onomu tko bi pomaknuo ijedan kamen ili dirnuo ijednu pribadaču u tim porukama. Pravo razumijevanje tih poruka od životne je važnosti. O načinu na koji bivaju primljene visi sudbina duša. Ponovno sam bila provedena kroz te poruke i vidjela koliko je skupo Božji narod platio svoje iskustvo. Stečeno je kroz mnogo stradanja i teške borbe. Korak po korak Bog ih je vodio, dok ih nije postavio na čvrstu, nepokolebljivu platformu. Tada sam vidjela pojedince kako, približavajući se platformi, prije nego što stupe na nju, ispituju njezin temelj. Neki su s radošću odmah stupili na nju. Drugi su počeli nalaziti mane u postavljanju temelja platforme. Željeli su da se izvrše poboljšanja, pa bi tada platforma bila savršenija, a narod mnogo sretniji. Neki su sišli s platforme i ispitali je, pa su joj zatim nalazili mane, izjavljujući da je pogrešno postavljena. Vidjela sam da su gotovo svi čvrsto stajali na platformi i poticali druge, koji su sišli s nje, da prestanu sa svojim pritužbama, jer je Bog bio vrhovni graditelj, a oni su se borili protiv njega. Prisjećali su se čudesnoga Božjeg djela koje ih je dovelo na čvrstu platformu, i složno su gotovo svi podigli oči k nebu te snažnim glasom proslavili Boga. To je djelovalo na neke od onih koji su prigovarali i napustili platformu, te su ponovno, ponizna pogleda, stupili na nju.“

“I was pointed back to the proclamation of the first advent of Christ. John was sent in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way for Jesus’ coming. Those who rejected the testimony of John were not benefited by the teachings of Jesus. Their opposition to the proclamation of his first advent placed them where they could not readily receive the strongest evidence of his being the Messiah. Satan led on those who rejected the message of John to go still further, to reject Jesus and crucify him. In doing this, they placed themselves where they could not receive the blessing on the day of Pentecost, which would have taught them the way into the heavenly Sanctuary. The rending of the vail of the temple showed that the Jewish sacrifices and ordinances would no longer be received. The great Sacrifice had been offered, and had been accepted, and the Holy Spirit which descended on the day of Pentecost carried the minds of the disciples from the earthly Sanctuary to the heavenly, where Jesus had entered by his own blood, and shed upon his disciples the benefits of his atonement. The Jews were left in complete deception and total darkness. They lost all the light they might have had upon the plan of salvation, and still trusted in their useless sacrifices and offerings. They could not be benefited by the mediation of Christ in the Holy place. The heavenly Sanctuary had taken the place of the earthly, yet they had no knowledge of the way to the heavenly.

„Bila sam ponovno upućena na navještaj prvoga Kristova dolaska. Ivan je bio poslan u duhu i sili Ilijinoj da pripravi put Isusovu dolasku. Oni koji su odbacili Ivanovo svjedočanstvo nisu imali koristi od Isusova nauka. Njihovo protivljenje navještaju njegova prvog dolaska dovelo ih je u položaj u kojem nisu mogli spremno primiti najsnažnije dokaze da je on Mesija. Sotona je naveo one koji su odbacili Ivanovu poruku da odu još dalje, da odbace Isusa i razapnu ga. Čineći to, doveli su sebe u stanje u kojem nisu mogli primiti blagoslov na dan Pedesetnice, koji bi ih poučio putu u nebesko Svetište. Razdiranje hramskoga zastora pokazalo je da židovske žrtve i obredi više neće biti primani. Velika Žrtva bila je prinesena i bila je prihvaćena, a Duh Sveti koji je sišao na dan Pedesetnice prenio je misli učenika sa zemaljskoga Svetišta na nebesko, u koje je Isus ušao svojom vlastitom krvlju, te izlio na svoje učenike dobrobiti svoga pomirenja. Židovi su bili ostavljeni u potpunoj obmani i posvemašnjoj tami. Izgubili su svu svjetlost koju su mogli imati o planu spasenja i još su se uvijek uzdali u svoje beskorisne žrtve i prinose. Nebesko Svetište zauzelo je mjesto zemaljskoga, a ipak nisu imali nikakva znanja o putu u nebesko.“

“Many look with horror at the course the Jews pursued toward Jesus in rejecting and crucifying him. And as they read the history of his shameful abuse, they think they love Christ, and would not have denied him like Peter, or crucified him like the Jews. But God who has witnessed their professed sympathy for his Son, has proved them, and has brought to the test that love which they professed for Jesus.

„Mnogi sa zgražanjem promatraju put kojim su Židovi pošli prema Isusu odbacivši ga i razapevši. I dok čitaju povijest njegova sramotnog zlostavljanja, misle da ljube Krista i da ga ne bi zanijekali kao Petar niti razapeli kao Židovi. Ali Bog, koji je bio svjedokom njihove navodne sućuti prema svome Sinu, iskušao ih je i stavio na kušnju onu ljubav koju su ispovijedali prema Isusu.

“All heaven watched with the deepest interest the reception of the message. But many who profess to love Jesus, and who shed tears as they read the story of the cross, instead of receiving the message with gladness, are stirred, with anger, and deride the good news of Jesus’ coming, and declare it to be delusion. They would not fellowship those who loved his appearing, but hated them, and shut them out of the churches. Those who rejected the first message could not be benefited by the second, and were not benefited by the midnight cry, which was to prepare them to enter with Jesus by faith into the Most Holy place of the heavenly Sanctuary. And by rejecting the two former messages, they can see no light in the third angel’s message, which shows the way into the Most Holy place. I saw that the nominal churches, as the Jews crucified Jesus, had crucified these messages, and therefore they have no knowledge of the move made in heaven, or of the way into the Most Holy, and they cannot be benefited by the intercession of Jesus there. Like the Jews, who offered their useless sacrifices, they offer up their useless prayers to the apartment which Jesus has left, and Satan, pleased with the deception of the professed followers of Christ, fastens them in his snare, and assumes a religious character, and leads the minds of these professed Christians to himself, and works with his power, his signs and lying wonders. Some he deceives in one way and some in another. He has different delusions prepared to affect different minds. Some look with horror upon one deception, while they readily receive another. Satan deceives some with Spiritualism. He also comes as an angel of light, and spreads his influence over the land. I saw false reformations everywhere. The churches were elated, and considered that God was marvelously working for them, when it was another spirit. It will die away and leave the world and the church in a worse condition than before.

„Cijelo je nebo s najdubljim zanimanjem promatralo prihvaćanje te poruke. Ali mnogi koji tvrde da ljube Isusa, i koji prolijevaju suze čitajući izvještaj o križu, umjesto da poruku prime s radošću, bivaju potaknuti na gnjev, rugaju se radosnoj vijesti o Isusovu dolasku i proglašavaju je zabludom. Nisu htjeli imati zajedništva s onima koji su ljubili njegov dolazak, nego su ih mrzili i isključivali iz crkava. Oni koji su odbacili prvu poruku nisu mogli imati koristi od druge, niti su imali koristi od ponoćnoga pokliča, koji ih je trebao pripraviti da vjerom uđu s Isusom u Presveto mjesto nebeskoga Svetišta. A odbacivanjem dviju prijašnjih poruka ne mogu vidjeti nikakvu svjetlost u poruci trećega anđela, koja pokazuje put u Presveto mjesto. Vidjela sam da su nazivne crkve, kao što su Židovi razapeli Isusa, razapele ove poruke, i stoga nemaju nikakva znanja o pokretu učinjenom na nebu, ni o putu u Presveto, te ne mogu imati koristi od Isusova posredovanja ondje. Poput Židova, koji su prinosili svoje beskorisne žrtve, oni uznose svoje beskorisne molitve prema odjeljku koji je Isus napustio; a Sotona, zadovoljan prijevarom onih koji se nazivaju Kristovim sljedbenicima, učvršćuje ih u svojoj zamci, preuzima religiozan karakter, usmjerava misli tih tobožnjih kršćana k sebi i djeluje svojom silom, svojim znakovima i lažnim čudesima. Neke vara na jedan način, a neke na drugi. Ima pripravljene različite zablude da djeluju na različite umove. Neki s užasom gledaju na jednu zabludu, dok drugu spremno prihvaćaju. Sotona neke vara spiritizmom. Također dolazi kao anđeo svjetla i širi svoj utjecaj po zemlji. Vidjela sam posvuda lažne reformacije. Crkve su bile ushićene i smatrale su da Bog za njih čudesno djeluje, dok je to bio drugi duh. To će iščeznuti i ostaviti svijet i crkvu u gorem stanju nego prije.“

“I saw that God had honest children among the nominal Adventists, and the fallen churches, and ministers and people will yet be called out from these churches, before the plagues shall be poured out, and they will gladly embrace the truth. Satan knows this, and before the loud cry of the third angel, raises an excitement in these religious bodies, that those who have rejected the truth may think God is with them. He hopes to deceive the honest, and lead them to think that God is still working for the churches. But the light will shine, and every one of the honest ones will leave the fallen churches, and take their stand with the remnant.” Spiritual Gifts, volume 1, 151–172.

„Vidjela sam da Bog ima iskrene djece među nominalnim adventistima i palim crkvama, te da će službenici i narod još biti pozvani iz ovih crkava prije nego što se izliju zla, i oni će rado prigrliti istinu. Sotona to zna i, prije glasnog pokliča trećega anđela, podiže uzbuđenje u tim vjerskim tijelima, kako bi oni koji su odbacili istinu mogli misliti da je Bog s njima. Nada se prevariti iskrene i navesti ih da pomisle kako Bog još uvijek djeluje za crkve. Ali svjetlo će zasjati, i svi iskreni napustit će pale crkve i stati uz Ostatak.“ Spiritual Gifts, volume 1, 151–172.

This passage has so many important truths, but I am using the passage to isolate some characteristics of the messages of Millerite history, in order to understand how those typify our history. All three of the angels of Revelation fourteen have a message in their hands. The second and third angel are identified as having a “parchment,” with them as they descend with their message. Each angel represents a message, and the arrival of each message causes an effect.

Ovaj odlomak sadrži toliko mnogo važnih istina, ali ja se njime služim kako bih izdvojio neka obilježja poruka iz mileritske povijesti, da bismo razumjeli kako one predstavljaju prasliku naše povijesti. Sva tri anđela iz Otkrivenja četrnaestoga imaju poruku u svojim rukama. Drugi i treći anđeo prikazani su kao oni koji sa sobom, dok silaze sa svojom porukom, nose „svitak”. Svaki anđeo predstavlja poruku, a dolazak svake poruke proizvodi određeni učinak.

We will continue this subject in the next article.

Nastavit ćemo ovu temu u sljedećem članku.