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# Parallel Warnings - Number Two

Maonyo Sambamba - Nambari ya Pili

Unveiling the Prophetic Tapestry: Decoding the Messages of Revelation 14 in Millerite History and Today

Kufunua Msuko wa Kinabii: Kufumbua Ujumbe wa Ufunuo 14 katika Historia ya Wamilerite na Leo

Author

Jeff Pippenger

Published

August 8, 2023

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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.

Ule mfano wa wanawali kumi ulipotimizwa katika historia ya Wamilerite, ulitokea wakati wa ujumbe wa malaika wa pili. Ujumbe wa malaika wa pili unawakilisha ujumbe miwili tofauti, wote kwa kipindi cha wakati wanachokifunika na kwa hadhira lengwa ya ujumbe huo. Ujumbe wa malaika wa pili uliwaelekezwa kwa makanisa ya Kiprotestanti yaliyokuwa yamerejea hivi karibuni Roma na kuwa binti za Babeli. Kilio cha Usiku wa Manane kiliwaelekezwa kwa Wamilerite waliolala. Ujumbe wa kwanza ulielekezwa kwa walio nje ya Wamilerite, wa pili ulielekezwa kwa walio ndani. Hili litatimia kwa kila herufi katika siku zetu.

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.

Tofauti inayopaswa kuzingatiwa katika marudio ya wakati wetu ni kwamba mwanzoni mwa Uadventista ujumbe wa malaika wa pili kwanza ulienda nje ya Wamileraiti, kisha sehemu ya pili ya ujumbe huo ikaingia ndani ya Wamileraiti. Mwishoni mwa Uadventista, mfano huo unaporudiwa tena, vivyo hivyo pia ujumbe wa malaika wa pili unarudiwa. Tumeambiwa hilo moja kwa moja zaidi ya mara chache. Lakini maumbile yake ya sehemu mbili yanageuzwa mwishoni. Ujumbe wa kwanza unaenda kwa Uadventista na wa pili kwa wale walio nje ya Uadventista. Tumeambiwa kwamba kazi na ujumbe unaowakilishwa na malaika wa Ufunuo kumi na nane ni marudio ya ujumbe wa malaika wa pili.

> “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).

> Nabii anasema, ‘Niliona malaika mwingine akishuka kutoka mbinguni, mwenye mamlaka kuu; nayo nchi ikang’aa kwa utukufu wake. Akalia kwa sauti kuu, akisema, Babeli ule mkuu umeanguka, umeanguka, nao umekuwa maskani ya mashetani’ (Ufunuo 18:1, 2). Huu ndio ujumbe ule ule uliotolewa na malaika wa pili. Babeli imeanguka, ‘kwa sababu amewanywesha mataifa yote divai ya ghadhabu ya uasherati wake’ (Ufunuo 14:8). Divai hiyo ni nini? Mafundisho yake ya uongo. Amewapa dunia Sabato ya uongo badala ya Sabato ya amri ya nne, naye amerudia uongo ambao Shetani alimwambia Hawa kwa mara ya kwanza huko Edeni, kutokufa kwa asili kwa nafsi. Makosa mengine mengi yanayofanana ameyaeneza kwa upana na mbali, ‘akifundisha mafundisho yaliyo maagizo ya wanadamu’ (Mathayo 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.

> Alipoanza Yesu huduma Yake ya hadharani, Alikisafisha Hekalu kutokana na unajisi wa kukufuru. Miongoni mwa matendo ya mwisho ya huduma Yake, moja lilikuwa kusafisha Hekalu kwa mara ya pili. Vivyo hivyo, katika kazi ya mwisho ya kutoa onyo kwa ulimwengu, miito miwili tofauti hutolewa kwa makanisa. Ujumbe wa malaika wa pili ni, ‘Babeli imeanguka, imeanguka, mji ule mkuu, kwa sababu amewafanya mataifa yote kunywa mvinyo wa ghadhabu ya uasherati wake’ (Ufunuo 14:8). Na katika kilio kikuu cha ujumbe wa malaika wa tatu sauti inasikika kutoka mbinguni ikisema, ‘Tokeni ndani yake, watu wangu, msishiriki dhambi zake, wala msipokee mapigo yake. Kwa maana dhambi zake zimefika hata mbinguni, na Mungu amekumbuka maovu yake’ (Ufunuo 18:4, 5). Ujumbe Teule, kitabu cha 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.”

Ujumbe wa malaika wa pili mwanzoni mwa Uadventista ni ujumbe uleule kama ule unaowakilishwa na malaika wa Ufunuo kumi na nane, na katika onyo hilo, kuna sauti mbili zinazotangaza ujumbe. Sauti ya kwanza inatangazwa wakati dunia inaangaziwa na utukufu wake na katika mstari wa nne Yohana alisikia sauti nyingine ikisema, "tokeni kwake."

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.

Katika historia ya Wamileraiti, mwito wa kutoka Babeli ulitangulia, na ujumbe kwa Wamileraiti ulifuata. Katika Ufunuo sura ya kumi na nane, ni sauti ya pili, au ujumbe wa pili, unaolenga walioko nje ya Uadventista. Pamoja na tamko kwamba kuna "miito miwili tofauti iliyotolewa kwa makanisa," tunagundua kwamba nyakati mbili ambazo Kristo alilisafisha hekalu (mwanzo na mwisho wa huduma yake) pia ni kielelezo cha mwanzo na mwisho wa Uadventista.

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.

Mwanzo wa Uadventista ulionyesha utakaso wa wafanyakazi waliosaidia katika kujenga msingi ambao William Miller alitumika kuuanzisha. Msingi huo ulikamilishwa mwishoni mwa ujumbe wa malaika wa pili, kwa maana pamoja na kuwasili kwa malaika wa tatu tarehe 22 Oktoba 1844, kweli zinazounda misingi ya Uadventista ziliwekwa wazi ili zieleweke, kwa wale waliotayari kusikia.

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.

Kazi ya kujenga msingi ilikamilika katika kilele cha historia ya malaika wa pili, wakati “miito miwili tofauti ilitolewa kwa makanisa.” Mwito wa kwanza ulikuwa nje ya Wamilleraiti, wa pili ulikuwa kwa Wamilleraiti. Lakini mwanzo mwingine unaoendana na mwanzo wa Uadventista ni huduma ya Kristo alipolisafisha hekalu Lake kwa mara ya kwanza. Mfano wa kinabii wa kusafishwa kwa hekalu unaonyesha utakaso mwanzoni na mwishoni mwa huduma Yake, ambao nao unaashiria utakaso wa Uadventista katika mwanzo na mwisho wake. Matukio mawili ya Kristo ya kutakasa hekalu yanaendana na mwanzo na mwisho wa Uadventista, lakini ujumbe Wake ulikuwa kwa watu Wake wa agano tu, ambao walikuwa katika mchakato wa kujitenga milele na Mungu.

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.”

Mwanzo wa Uadventista uliwasilisha ujumbe uliotangaza kufunguliwa kwa hukumu, na mwisho wa Uadventista unatangaza mwisho wa hukumu. Yesu alilisafisha hekalu kwa mara ya kwanza na kuwakemea Wayahudi kwa kuligeuza nyumba yake kuwa pango la wanyang’anyi, lakini usafishaji wa pili wa hekalu ulikuwa “miongoni mwa matendo ya mwisho ya huduma yake.” Mwishoni mwa huduma yake, hakuwaambia tena Wayahudi kwamba walikuwa wameifanya nyumba ya Baba yake kuwa pango la wanyang’anyi, bali aliwaambia kwamba nyumba yao “imeachiwa kwao ukiwa.”

> “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.

> Wakati huo huo waabudu kutoka kila taifa walielekea hekaluni lililokuwa limewekwa wakfu kwa ibada ya Mungu. Likimetameta kwa dhahabu na vito vya thamani, lilikuwa taswira ya uzuri na adhama. Lakini Yehova hakuweza tena kupatikana katika jumba hilo la kupendeza. Israeli kama taifa lilikuwa limejitenga na Mungu. Kristo, karibu na mwisho wa huduma Yake duniani, alipotazama kwa mara ya mwisho sehemu ya ndani ya hekalu, alisema, ‘Tazameni, nyumba yenu imeachwa kwenu ukiwa.’ Mathayo 23:38. Hadi wakati huo alikuwa amekiita hekalu nyumba ya Baba Yake; lakini Mwana wa Mungu alipotoka ndani ya kuta hizo, uwepo wa Mungu uliondolewa milele kutoka hekaluni lililojengwa kwa utukufu Wake. Matendo ya Mitume, 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.

Hekalu alilotakasa mwanzoni lilikuwa tofauti na lile alilotakasa mwishoni. Hekalu la kwanza lilikuwa nyumba ya Baba yake, lakini hekalu la pili lilikuwa nyumba ya Wayahudi. Bwana aliingia agano na Uadventista mwanzoni, na Waadventista wakawa makuhani katika hekalu lake. Mwishoni mwa Uadventista, hawatakuwa tena makuhani, na nyumba yao itaachwa ukiwa.

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?

Malaika wa pili anawakilisha ujumbe miwili. Hii ni sababu mojawapo ya ujumbe huo kuwakilishwa kama Babeli ikianguka mara mbili. Hii si sababu kuu ya tangazo la kuanguka kwa Babeli kurudiwa mara mbili, bali ni mojawapo ya sababu. Ni vipi kwamba ni ujumbe miwili?

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.

Malaika wa pili alitokea kwa kuitikia kukataliwa kwa ujumbe wa malaika wa kwanza. Wakati utabiri ulioshindikana—uliotaja 1843 kuwa mwisho wa unabii wa miaka 2300—ulipodhihirika, makanisa ya Kiprotestanti yalitumia ujumbe huo usio sahihi kukataa ujumbe wa Miller. Ujumbe wa Miller ulikuwa ujumbe wa malaika wa kwanza. Kwa kukataliwa kwake, makanisa ya Kiprotestanti, ambayo yalikuwa kanisa la Mungu jangwani kwa zaidi ya miaka 1260, yakakataliwa na yakawa binti wa Babeli. Wakati huo malaika wa pili akatokea na ujumbe wake.

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.

Kuna nukta muhimu sana zinazohusiana na vipengele mbalimbali vya historia hii tunayoizingatia. Kuna angalau nukta moja ambayo inapaswa kufafanuliwa taratibu kwa kuwa bila shaka inachangia katika kuelewa ujumbe wa Ufunuo wa Yesu Kristo unaofunguliwa kwa sasa. Kwa sababu hiyo, ninajumuisha kifungu muhimu sana kuhusu historia hiyo. Ni sura mbili ninazorejelea, lakini pia kuna sura ya tatu muhimu katikati ya hizo sura mbili. Siijumuishi kwa sasa ili kupunguza wigo wa mazingatio yetu.

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.

Tambua ni malaika yupi anayehutubiwa unaposoma, tafuta mchakato wa majaribu wa hatua kwa hatua, kumbuka katika aya ya kwanza kwamba sifa za kinabii za malaika wa Ufunuo kumi na nane pia ndizo sifa za malaika wa kwanza. Tambua kwamba kumsulubisha ujumbe mmojawapo ni kumsulubisha Kristo, na tambua kwamba malaika watatu wote wamewasilishwa kama malaika mmoja mmoja, lakini ujumbe wa Kilio cha Usiku wa Manane ni umati wa malaika.

> “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.

> Nilionyeshwa jinsi mbingu yote ilivyohusika kwa makini na kazi iliyokuwa ikiendelea duniani. Yesu alimtuma malaika mwenye nguvu na hodari ashuke awaonye wenyeji wa dunia wajitayarishe kwa kuja kwake mara ya pili. Nilimwona yule malaika mwenye nguvu akiondoka mbele za Yesu mbinguni. Mbele yake ilitangulia nuru yenye kung'aa mno na ya utukufu. Nikaambiwa kuwa utume wake ulikuwa kuangaza dunia kwa utukufu wake, na kumwonya mwanadamu juu ya ghadhabu ya Mungu inayokuja. Watu wengi walipokea ile nuru. Wengine walionekana kuwa wenye uchaji mkubwa, na wengine walikuwa na furaha na shangwe kuu. Nuru iliangaza juu ya wote, lakini baadhi yao waliathiriwa tu na ile nuru, hawakuipokea kwa moyo wa dhati. Lakini wote walioipokea walielekeza nyuso zao juu mbinguni, wakamtukuza Mungu. Wengi walijawa na ghadhabu kuu. Wahudumu na watu wakaungana na waovu, wakapinga kwa ukaidi nuru iliyotolewa na yule malaika mwenye nguvu. Lakini wote walioipokea walijitenga na dunia, wakaungana kwa karibu sana.

> “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.

> Shetani na malaika zake walikuwa wakijishughulisha kwa bidii wakijaribu kuwavuta wote wawezavyo mbali na nuru. Kundi lililoikataa liliachwa gizani. Niliona malaika akiwatazama kwa shauku kuu wale waliodai kuwa watu wa Mungu, ili kuandika tabia waliyoikuza, ujumbe wa asili ya mbinguni ulipowasilishwa kwao. Na wengi sana waliokiri kumpenda Yesu walipougeuzia mgongo ujumbe wa mbinguni kwa dharau, kejeli na chuki, malaika mmoja, akiwa na gombo mkononi mwake, akaandika kumbukumbu ya aibu. Mbingu yote ilijaa ghadhabu, kwa sababu Yesu alipuuzwa na wale waliodai kuwa wafuasi wake.

> “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.

> Niliona masikitiko ya wale waliotumaini. Hawakuona Bwana wao katika wakati uliotarajiwa. Ilikuwa makusudi ya Mungu kuficha siku za usoni, na kuwaleta watu wake kwenye hatua ya uamuzi. Bila wakati huu, kazi iliyokusudiwa na Mungu isingetimizwa. Shetani alikuwa akiiongoza fikra za wengi sana mbali mbele katika siku za baadaye. Kipindi cha wakati kilichotangazwa kwa ajili ya kuonekana kwa Kristo kilipaswa kuwachochea watu kutafuta kwa bidii maandalizi ya sasa. Wakati ulivyopita, wale ambao hawakuwa wameipokea kikamilifu nuru ya malaika, waliungana na wale waliolidharau ujumbe wa mbinguni, nao wakawageukia waliovunjika moyo kwa dhihaka. Niliona malaika mbinguni wakishauriana na Yesu. Walikuwa wamebaini hali ya wale wanaodai kuwa wafuasi wa Kristo. Kupita kwa wakati uliobainishwa kuliwajaribu na kuwathibitisha, na wengi sana walipimwa katika mizani wakakutwa wakipungukiwa. Wote walikiri kwa sauti kuwa Wakristo, ilhali walishindwa kumfuata Kristo karibu katika kila jambo. Shetani alishangilia hali ya wale wanaodai kuwa wafuasi wa Kristo. Alikuwa amewanasa katika mtego wake. Alikuwa amewaongoza wengi kuiacha njia iliyo nyoofu, nao walikuwa wakijaribu kupanda kwenda mbinguni kwa njia nyingine. Malaika waliona walio safi, wasafi, na watakatifu, wakiwa wamechanganyika na wenye dhambi huko Sayuni, na wanafiki wapendao ulimwengu. Walikuwa wamewalinda wapendao Yesu kwa kweli; lakini wapotovu walikuwa wakiwaathiri watakatifu.

> “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.

> Wale ambao mioyo yao iliwaka kwa shauku, tamaa kali ya kumwona Yesu, walikatazwa na wale waliodai kuwa ndugu zao katika imani wasizungumzie juu ya kuja kwake. Malaika walitazama tukio lote, wakawahurumia mabaki waliopenda kuonekana kwa Yesu. Malaika mwingine mwenye nguvu aliagizwa kushuka duniani. Yesu akaweka katika mkono wake andiko, naye aliposhuka duniani, akapaza sauti, Babeli imeanguka! imeanguka! Ndipo nikaona waliokatishwa tamaa wakionekana tena wenye furaha, na kuinua macho yao mbinguni, wakitazamia kwa imani na tumaini kuonekana kwa Bwana wao. Lakini wengi walionekana kubaki katika hali ya kutozinduka, kana kwamba wamelala; hata hivyo niliweza kuona alama ya huzuni kuu usoni mwao. Waliokatishwa tamaa waliona kutoka katika Biblia kwamba walikuwa katika wakati wa kungojea, na kwamba walipaswa kusubiri kwa uvumilivu kutimia kwa maono. Ushahidi uleule uliowaongoza kumtazamia Bwana wao mwaka 1843, uliwaongoza kumtarajia mwaka 1844. Nikaona kwamba wengi hawakuwa na ile nguvu iliyotambulisha imani yao mwaka 1843. Kukata tamaa kwao kulikuwa kumeipooza imani yao. Lakini waliokatishwa tamaa walipoungana katika mwito wa malaika wa pili, jeshi la mbinguni lilitazama kwa shauku kuu, na likatambua athari ya ujumbe huo. Waliwaona wale waliobeba jina la Wakristo wakigeukia kwa dhihaka na dharau wale waliokuwa wamekatishwa tamaa. Maneno haya yalipodondoka kutoka midomoni mwa wenye dhihaka, "Bado hamjapanda!" malaika akayaandika. Malaika akasema, "Wanamdhihaki Mungu."

> “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.

> Nilielekezwa tena kwa kutwaliwa kwa Eliya. Joho lake liliangukia Elisha, na watoto waovu (au vijana) wakamfuata, wakimdhihaki, wakisema, Panda juu, wewe mwenye upara! Panda juu, wewe mwenye upara! Walimdhihaki Mungu, nao wakakutana na adhabu yao pale. Walikuwa wamejifunza hayo kutoka kwa wazazi wao. Nao wale waliodharau na kudhihaki wazo la kupaa kwa watakatifu, watakumbwa na mapigo ya Mungu, na watatambua kwamba si jambo dogo kufanya mzaha naye.

> “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.

> Yesu aliwaagiza malaika wengine waruke kwa haraka ili kuhuisha na kuutia nguvu imani iliyolegea ya watu wake, na kuwatayarisha ili wauelewe ujumbe wa malaika wa pili, na hatua muhimu iliyokuwa karibu kuchukuliwa mbinguni. Nikaona malaika hawa wakipokea nguvu kuu na nuru kutoka kwa Yesu, na wakiruka kwa haraka kuja duniani kutekeleza agizo lao la kumsaidia malaika wa pili katika kazi yake. Nuru kuu iliwaangazia watu wa Mungu wakati malaika walipolia: Tazama Bwana-arusi anakuja; tokeni mkamlaki. Kisha nikaona wale waliokatishwa tamaa wakiinuka, nao kwa uwiano na malaika wa pili, wakatangaza: Tazama Bwana-arusi anakuja; tokeni mkamlaki. Nuru kutoka kwa malaika ilipenya giza kila mahali. Shetani na malaika zake walijitahidi kuzuia nuru hii isienee na isitimize athari iliyokusudiwa. Wakashindana na malaika wa Mungu, wakawaambia kwamba Mungu alikuwa amewadanganya watu, na kwamba pamoja na nuru yao yote na nguvu zao, wasingeweza kuwafanya watu waamini kwamba Yesu alikuwa anakuja. Malaika wa Mungu waliendelea na kazi yao, ingawa Shetani alijitahidi kufunga njia na kuondoa mawazo ya watu kutoka kwenye ile nuru. Wale walioupokea walionekana wenye furaha sana. Walikaza macho yao mbinguni, na walitamani kuja kwa Yesu. Wengine walikuwa katika dhiki kuu, wakilia na kuomba. Macho yao yalionekana yamekazwa kwao wenyewe, wala hawakuthubutu kutazama juu.

> “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.

> Nuru ya thamani kutoka mbinguni ilifukuza giza kutoka kwao, na macho yao, ambayo yalikuwa yameelekezwa kwao wenyewe kwa kukata tamaa, yalielekezwa juu, huku shukrani na furaha takatifu zikidhihirika usoni mwao. Yesu na jeshi lote la malaika waliwaangalia kwa kuridhika wale waaminifu waliokuwa wakisubiri.

> “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. . . .

> Walioikataa na kuipinga nuru ya ujumbe wa malaika wa kwanza walipoteza nuru ya ujumbe wa pili, wala hawakuweza kufaidika na nguvu na utukufu uliokuwa ukiandamana na ule ujumbe, Tazama, Bwana-arusi anakuja. Yesu aligeuka kutoka kwao kwa kununa. Walikuwa wamemdharau na kumkataa. Wale walioupokea ujumbe walifunikwa na wingu la utukufu. Walisubiri na wakaangalia na kuomba ili kujua mapenzi ya Mungu. Waliogopa sana kumkosea. Nilimwona Shetani na malaika zake wakitafuta kuizuilia nuru hii ya kimungu isiwafikie watu wa Mungu; lakini mradi wale waliokuwa wakingojea waliithamini ile nuru, na wakaelekeza macho yao kutoka duniani kumwelekea Yesu, Shetani hakuwa na uwezo wa kuwanyima nuru hii ya thamani. Ule ujumbe uliotolewa kutoka mbinguni ulimkasirisha sana Shetani na malaika zake, na wale waliodai kumpenda Yesu, lakini wakadharau kuja kwake, waliwadhihaki na kuwakejeli waaminifu waliomtegemea. Lakini malaika mmoja aliweka kumbukumbu ya kila tusi, kila dharau, kila unyanyasaji walioupokea kutoka kwa wale waliodai kuwa ndugu zao. Wengi sana walipaza sauti zao wakalia, Tazama, Bwana-arusi anakuja, na wakaacha ndugu zao ambao hawakupenda ujio wa Yesu, na ambao hawakuwaruhusu waendelee kuzungumzia kuja kwake kwa mara ya pili. Nilimwona Yesu akigeuza uso wake kutoka kwa wale waliokataa na kudharau kuja kwake, kisha akawaamuru malaika waongoze watu wake watoke katikati ya wasio safi, ili wasije wakanajisiwa. Wale waliotii ujumbe walijitokeza wakiwa huru na wamoja. Nuru takatifu na bora iliwaangaza. Walilikataa dunia, wakang’oa mapenzi yao kutoka kwake, na wakatoa dhabihu maslahi yao ya kidunia. Waliacha hazina zao za duniani, na mtazamo wao wenye shauku ukaelekezwa mbinguni, wakingoja kumuona Mkombozi wao mpendwa. Furaha ya kiungu, takatifu, iling’aa usoni mwao, ikionyesha amani na furaha iliyotawala ndani mwao. Yesu aliwaamuru malaika wake waende wawatie nguvu, kwa maana saa ya jaribu lao ilikuwa ikikaribia. Niliona kwamba hawa wanaongoja bado hawakuwa wamejaribiwa kama inavyopasa. Bado walikuwa na makosa. Nikaona rehema na wema wa Mungu katika kupeleka onyo kwa watu wa dunia, na ujumbe uliojirudia-rudia ili kuwafikisha katika wakati fulani, kuwaongoza kujichunguza kwa bidii, ili wajivue makosa yaliyorithishwa kutoka kwa wapagani na wafuasi wa Papa. Kupitia ujumbe huu Mungu amekuwa akiwatoa watu wake mahali ambapo anaweza kuwafanyia kazi kwa nguvu zaidi, na ambapo wanaweza kuzishika amri zake zote. . . .

> “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.

> Wakati huduma ya Yesu ilipo hitimishwa katika Mahali Patakatifu, naye akapita akaingia Mahali Patakatifu pa Patakatifu, akasimama mbele ya sanduku la agano lenye sheria ya Mungu, alimtuma malaika mwingine mwenye nguvu duniani pamoja na ujumbe wa tatu. Aliweka gombo mkononi mwa malaika, na aliposhuka duniani kwa utukufu na nguvu, alitangaza onyo la kutisha, tishio baya kuliko lolote kuwahi kufikishwa kwa wanadamu. Ujumbe huu uliokusudiwa kuwaweka wana wa Mungu macho, na kuwaonyesha saa ya majaribu na dhiki iliyokuwa mbele yao. Malaika alisema, Wataletwa katika pambano la karibu na mnyama na sanamu yake. Tumaini lao la pekee la uzima wa milele ni kubaki thabiti. Ingawa maisha yao yako hatarini, hata hivyo lazima washikilie ukweli. Malaika wa tatu anahitimisha ujumbe wake kwa maneno haya, “Hapa ndipo penye uvumilivu wa watakatifu; hapa wapo wale waishikao amri za Mungu, na imani ya Yesu.” Aliporudia maneno haya alielekeza kwenye Patakatifu pa mbinguni. Akili za wote wanaoukubali ujumbe huu zinaelekezwa Mahali Patakatifu pa Patakatifu ambako Yesu anasimama mbele ya sanduku la agano, akifanya uombezi wake wa mwisho kwa wote ambao rehema bado inawangoja, na kwa wale waliovunja sheria ya Mungu bila kujua. Upatanisho huu unafanywa kwa ajili ya wafu wenye haki pamoja na walio hai wenye haki. Yesu hufanya upatanisho kwa wale waliokufa bila kupokea nuru kuhusu amri za Mungu, waliotenda dhambi kwa kutojua.

> “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.

> Baada ya Yesu kufungua mlango wa Patakatifu pa Patakatifu, nuru ya Sabato ikaonekana, na watu wa Mungu walipaswa kujaribiwa na kuthibitishwa, kama Mungu alivyojaribu wana wa Israeli zamani, ili kuona kama wangeishika sheria yake. Nikaona malaika wa tatu akielekeza juu, akiwaonyesha waliokatishwa tamaa njia ya kuingia katika Patakatifu pa Patakatifu la Hekalu la mbinguni. Walimfuata Yesu kwa imani hadi ndani ya Patakatifu pa Patakatifu. Tena wamempata Yesu, na furaha na tumaini vinachipuka upya. Nikaona wakitazama nyuma wakikagua yaliyopita, kuanzia kutangazwa kwa marejeo ya pili ya Yesu, kupitia safari zao hadi kupita kwa wakati mnamo mwaka 1844. Wanaona kukatishwa tamaa kwao kukifafanuliwa, na furaha na uhakika vinawahuisha tena. Malaika wa tatu ameangazia yaliyopita, yaliyopo na yajayo, na wanajua kwamba Mungu kwa kweli amewaongoza kwa uongozi wake wa ajabu na wa fumbo.

> “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.

> Nalionyeshwa kwamba mabaki walimfuata Yesu hadi ndani ya Patakatifu pa Patakatifu, wakaliona sanduku na kiti cha rehema, nao wakavutwa na utukufu wao. Yesu akainua kifuniko cha sanduku, na tazama! vibao vya mawe, vyenye Amri Kumi zilizoandikwa juu yao. Wanasoma kwa makini yale maneno ya Mungu yaliyo hai; lakini wanashtuka na kurudi nyuma kwa kutetemeka wanapoiona amri ya nne ikiwa hai miongoni mwa zile amri kumi takatifu, wakati nuru angavu zaidi inang’aa juu yake kuliko zile nyingine tisa, na mng’ao wa utukufu umeizunguka pande zote. Hawakuti chochote pale kinachowaambia kwamba Sabato imebatilishwa, au kubadilishwa kuwa siku ya kwanza ya juma. Inasomeka kama ilivyotamkwa na kinywa cha Mungu kwa adhama ya kutisha mlimani, wakati umeme ulikuwa uking’aa na ngurumo zikivuma, na kama ilivyoandikwa kwa kidole chake kitakatifu mwenyewe juu ya vibao vya mawe. Siku sita fanya kazi, ukitenda mambo yako yote; bali siku ya saba ni Sabato ya Bwana Mungu wako. Wanastaajabu wanapoona jinsi Amri Kumi zinavyotunzwa kwa uangalifu. Wanaziona zikiwekwa karibu na Yehova, zikifunikwa na kulindwa na utakatifu wake. Wanaona kwamba wamekuwa wakilikanyaga amri ya nne ya Amri Kumi, na wameishika siku iliyorithiwa kutoka kwa wapagani na wafuasi wa upapa, badala ya siku iliyotakaswa na Yehova. Wanajinyenyekeza mbele za Mungu, na kuomboleza juu ya maasi yao ya zamani.

> “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.

> Niliona uvumba katika chetezo ukifuka moshi, wakati Yesu alipowasilisha maungamo yao na sala zao kwa Baba yake. Na ulipoinuka, nuru angavu ikakaa juu ya Yesu, na juu ya kiti cha rehema; na waombaji wenye bidii, ambao walihuzunika kwa sababu waligundua kuwa ni wavunjaji wa sheria ya Mungu, wakabarikiwa, na nyuso zao zikang'aa kwa tumaini na furaha. Wakaungana katika kazi ya malaika wa tatu, wakapaza sauti zao na kutangaza onyo lenye uzito. Lakini mwanzoni wachache tu waliupokea ujumbe, hata hivyo wakaendelea kwa bidii kutangaza onyo hilo. Kisha nikaona wengi wakiukubali ujumbe wa malaika wa tatu, na kuunganisha sauti zao na wale waliokuwa wametangaza onyo hilo kwanza, nao wakamtukuza Mungu na kumwadhimisha kwa kuishika Siku yake ya Pumziko iliyotakaswa.

> “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.

> Wengi walioukumbatia ujumbe wa tatu hawakuwa na uzoefu katika ujumbe wawili wa kwanza. Shetani alielewa jambo hili, na jicho lake ovu lilikuwa juu yao ili kuwaangusha; lakini malaika wa tatu alikuwa akiwaelekeza kwenye Patakatifu pa Patakatifu, na wale waliokuwa na uzoefu katika ujumbe wa awali walikuwa wakiwaonyesha njia ya kuelekea Patakatifu pa Mbinguni. Wengi waliuona mnyororo mkamilifu wa ukweli katika ujumbe wa malaika, na wakaupokea kwa furaha. Waliupokea ule mfuatano kwa utaratibu wake, na wakamfuata Yesu kwa imani hadi katika Patakatifu pa Mbinguni. Ujumbe huu uliwakilishwa kwangu kama nanga ya kuushikilia mwili. Na watu binafsi wanapoyapokea na kuyaelewa, wanakingwa dhidi ya udanganyifu mwingi wa Shetani.

> “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.

> Baada ya kukatishwa tamaa kuu mnamo 1844, Shetani na malaika wake walikuwa wamejishughulisha sana wakiweka mitego ya kuyumbisha imani ya kanisa. Alikuwa akiathiri nia za watu binafsi waliokuwa na uzoefu wa kibinafsi katika mambo haya. Walikuwa na mwonekano wa unyenyekevu. Walibadili ujumbe wa kwanza na wa pili, na wakasema kwamba yangetimia baadaye, ilhali wengine waliuelekeza mbali nyuma katika zamani, wakitangaza kwamba tayari yalikuwa yametimizwa huko. Watu hawa walikuwa wakivuta mbali nia za wasio na uzoefu, na kuyumbisha imani yao. Wengine walikuwa wakichunguza Biblia ili kujaribu kujijengea imani yao wenyewe, isiyotegemea kanisa. Shetani alifurahia yote haya; kwa kuwa alijua kwamba wale waliopoteza nanga, angeweza kuwaathiri kwa makosa mbalimbali na kuwapeperusha kwa upepo wa mafundisho. Wengi waliokuwa wameongoza katika ujumbe wa kwanza na wa pili, waliukana, na mfarakano na kutawanyika vilienea katika kanisa. Ndipo nilimwona Wm. Miller. Alionekana amechanganyikiwa, na alilemewa na huzuni na dhiki kwa ajili ya watu wake. Aliwaona wale waliokuwa wameungana na kupendana mnamo 1844, wakipoteza upendo wao kwa wao, na wakipingana wao kwa wao. Aliwaona wakirudi katika hali baridi ya kurudi nyuma kiroho. Huzuni ilimdhoofisha nguvu. Niliona viongozi wakuu wakimwangalia Wm. Miller, na wakiogopa asije akaukumbatia ujumbe wa malaika wa tatu na amri za Mungu. Na kila alipokuwa akielekea kwenye nuru ya mbinguni, watu hawa walitunga mpango fulani wa kuiondoa nia yake. Niliona mvuto wa kibinadamu ukitumika kuifanya nia yake ibaki gizani, na kudumisha ushawishi wake miongoni mwao. Hatimaye Wm. Miller akaipaza sauti yake dhidi ya nuru ya mbinguni. Alikosa kwa kutoipokea ule ujumbe ambao ungekuwa umefafanua kikamilifu kukatishwa tamaa kwake, na kutia nuru na utukufu juu ya yaliyopita, ambayo yangekuwa yamehuisha nguvu zake zilizochoka, kuangaza tumaini lake, na kumwongoza amtukuze Mungu. Lakini aliegemea hekima ya kibinadamu badala ya ya Kimungu, na kwa kuwa alikuwa amechoshwa mno na kazi ngumu katika shauri la Bwana wake, na pia na uzee, hakuwa na lawama kama wale waliomzuia asipokee ukweli. Wao ndio wanaowajibika, na dhambi hiyo imewekwa juu yao. Kama Wm. Miller angeweza kuona nuru ya ujumbe wa tatu, mambo mengi yaliyoonekana kwake kuwa ya giza na ya fumbo yangekuwa yameelezwa. Ndugu zake walidai kumpenda sana na kumjali, akadhani hawezi kujitenga nao. Moyo wake ungeelekea kwenye kweli; lakini kisha aliwaangalia ndugu zake. Waliipinga. Je, angewezaje kujitenga na wale waliokuwa wamesimama bega kwa bega naye katika kutangaza kuja kwa Yesu? Alidhani kwa hakika wasingempotosha.

> “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.

> Mungu alimruhusu aingie chini ya mamlaka ya Shetani, na kifo kiwe na mamlaka juu yake. Alimficha kaburini, mbali na wale waliokuwa wakimvuta daima mbali na Mungu. Musa alikosea alipokuwa karibu kuingia katika nchi ya ahadi. Vivyo hivyo, nikaona kwamba Wm. Miller alikosea alipokuwa karibu kuingia Kanaani ya mbinguni, kwa kuruhusu ushawishi wake uende kinyume na ukweli. Wengine walimwongoza kufanya hivi. Wengine lazima wawajibike kwa hilo. Lakini malaika wanalinda mavumbi ya thamani ya mtumishi huyu wa Mungu, naye atatokea kwa sauti ya parapanda ya mwisho.

> “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.

> "Niliona kikundi kilichosimama kwa ulinzi mkali na kwa uthabiti, na ambacho hakikutoa kibali kwa wale waliotaka kuyumbisha imani iliyoanzishwa ya jumuiya. Mungu aliwaangalia kwa kibali. Nikaonyeshwa hatua tatu—moja, mbili na tatu—ujumbe wa malaika wa kwanza, wa pili, na wa tatu. Malaika akasema, Ole wake atakayehamisha tofali, au kukitikisa kipini chochote katika ujumbe huu wa malaika watatu. Uelewa wa kweli wa ujumbe huu ni wa umuhimu mkubwa. Hatima ya roho za watu hutegemea namna ujumbe huu unavyopokelewa. Nikaongozwa tena kupitia ujumbe huu, na nikaona jinsi watu wa Mungu walivyoupata uzoefu wao kwa gharama kubwa. Ulikuwa umepatikana kwa mateso mengi na mapambano makali. Hatua kwa hatua Mungu aliwaongoza, hadi akawaweka juu ya jukwaa imara lisilotikisika. Kisha nikaona watu walipokaribia jukwaa, kabla ya kulipanda wakalichunguza msingi wake. Baadhi kwa furaha walilikanyaga mara moja. Wengine walianza kuona kasoro katika uwekeaji wa msingi wa jukwaa hilo. Walitaka maboresho yafanywe, na hapo jukwaa lingekuwa kamilifu zaidi, na watu wangekuwa na furaha zaidi. Baadhi walishuka kutoka kwenye jukwaa wakalichunguza, kisha wakaliona kuwa na dosari, wakatangaza kwamba liliwekwa vibaya. Nikaona kwamba karibu wote walisimama imara juu ya jukwaa, na wakawahimiza wale waliokuwa wameshuka waache malalamiko yao, kwa sababu Mungu ndiye bwana mjenzi mkuu, na walikuwa wakimpinga. Walikumbusha kazi za ajabu za Mungu, zilizowaongoza hadi kwenye jukwaa thabiti, nao kwa umoja karibu wote wakainua macho yao mbinguni, na kwa sauti kuu wakamtukuza Mungu. Hili liliwagusa baadhi ya wale waliolalamika na kuondoka kwenye jukwaa, nao tena kwa unyenyekevu wakapanda juu yake."

> “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.

> Nilielekezwa nirejee kwenye tangazo la ujio wa kwanza wa Kristo. Yohana alitumwa katika roho na nguvu za Eliya ili kuutayarisha njia kwa ajili ya ujio wa Yesu. Wale waliokataa ushuhuda wa Yohana hawakunufaishwa na mafundisho ya Yesu. Upinzani wao kwa tangazo la ujio wake wa kwanza uliwaweka mahali ambapo hawangeweza kupokea kwa urahisi ushahidi wenye nguvu zaidi kwamba yeye ndiye Masihi. Shetani aliwaongoza wale waliokataa ujumbe wa Yohana kwenda mbali zaidi, kumkataa Yesu na kumsulibisha. Kwa kufanya hivyo, walijiweka mahali ambapo wasingeweza kupokea baraka ya siku ya Pentekoste, ambayo ingewafundisha njia ya kuingia katika Patakatifu pa mbinguni. Kupasuka kwa pazia la Hekalu kulionyesha kwamba dhabihu na taratibu za Kiyahudi hazingekubaliwa tena. Dhabihu kuu ilikuwa imetolewa, na ilikuwa imekubaliwa, na Roho Mtakatifu aliyeshuka siku ya Pentekoste alielekeza mawazo ya wanafunzi kutoka Patakatifu pa duniani hadi pa mbinguni, ambako Yesu alikuwa ameingia kwa damu yake mwenyewe, na akawamiminia wanafunzi wake manufaa ya upatanisho wake. Wayahudi walibaki katika udanganyifu kamili na giza totoro. Walipoteza nuru yote ambayo wangeweza kuwa nayo juu ya mpango wa wokovu, na bado walitegemea dhabihu na sadaka zao zisizo na faida. Hawakuweza kunufaishwa na upatanishi wa Kristo katika Mahali Patakatifu. Patakatifu pa mbinguni palikuwa pamechukua nafasi ya Patakatifu pa duniani, ilhali hawakuwa na ufahamu wa njia ya kwenda kwenye Patakatifu pa mbinguni.

> “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.

> Wengi hutazama kwa hofu jinsi Wayahudi walivyomtendea Yesu kwa kumkataa na kumsulubisha. Nao wanaposoma historia ya madhila ya aibu aliyoyapata, hudhani wanampenda Kristo, na kwamba wasingemkana kama Petro, wala kumsulubisha kama Wayahudi. Lakini Mungu, ambaye ameshuhudia huruma waliyoikiri kwa Mwana wake, amewajaribu, na ameuweka kwenye mtihani upendo walioukiri kwa Yesu.

> “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.

> Mbingu yote ilitazama kwa shauku kuu jinsi ujumbe ulivyopokewa. Lakini wengi wanaodai kumpenda Yesu, na ambao humwaga machozi wanaposoma habari za msalaba, badala ya kuupokea ujumbe kwa furaha, huchochewa kwa hasira, na hukejeli habari njema za kuja kwa Yesu, na hutangaza kuwa ni udanganyifu. Hawakutaka kuwa na ushirika na wale waliopenda kuonekana kwake, bali waliwachukia, na kuwafukuza katika makanisa. Wale walioukataa ujumbe wa kwanza hawangeweza kufaidika na wa pili, wala hawakufaidiwa na kilio cha usiku wa manane, ambacho kilikuwa cha kuwaandaa waingie pamoja na Yesu kwa imani katika mahali Patakatifu pa Patakatifu katika Hekalu la Mbinguni. Na kwa kukataa ujumbe wa kwanza na wa pili, hawaoni nuru yoyote katika ujumbe wa malaika wa tatu, unaoonyesha njia iendayo katika mahali Patakatifu pa Patakatifu. Niliona kwamba makanisa ya jina tu, kama Wayahudi walivyosulubisha Yesu, yalisulubisha ujumbe huu, na kwa hiyo hayana maarifa ya hatua iliyofanyika mbinguni, wala ya njia iendayo katika Mahali Patakatifu pa Patakatifu, wala hayawezi kufaidika na maombezi ya Yesu huko. Kama vile Wayahudi waliotoa dhabihu zao zisizofaa, nao hutoa maombi yao yasiyofaa kwa chumba ambacho Yesu amekiacha, na Shetani, akifurahia udanganyifu wa wafuasi wa Kristo wa jina tu, huwafunga katika mtego wake, na hujivalia sura ya kidini, na huongoza nia za hawa Wakristo wa kujidai kwake mwenyewe, na hutenda kwa nguvu zake, ishara zake na maajabu yake ya uongo. Baadhi huwadanganya kwa njia moja na wengine kwa njia nyingine. Ana udanganyifu wa namna mbalimbali alioandaa kuathiri nia tofauti. Wengine huutazama kwa hofu udanganyifu mmoja, ilhali kwa urahisi hukubali mwingine. Shetani huwadanganya wengine kwa Uspiritizimu. Huja pia kama malaika wa nuru, na hueneza ushawishi wake juu ya nchi. Niliona mageuzi ya uongo kila mahali. Makanisa yalifurahi kupita kiasi, na yalidhania kwamba Mungu alikuwa akitenda kazi kwa ajabu kwa ajili yao, kumbe ilikuwa roho nyingine. Yatafifia na kuyaacha dunia na kanisa katika hali mbaya zaidi kuliko hapo kabla.

> “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.

> "Niliona kwamba Mungu alikuwa na watoto waaminifu miongoni mwa Waadventista wa jina tu na katika makanisa yaliyoanguka; na kwamba wachungaji na watu bado wataitwa kutoka katika makanisa haya, kabla ya mapigo kumiminwa, nao wataupokea ukweli kwa furaha. Shetani anajua hili, na kabla ya kilio kikuu cha malaika wa tatu, huibua msisimko katika madhehebu haya ya kidini, ili wale walioukataa ukweli wafikiri kwamba Mungu yuko pamoja nao. Anatumaini kuwadanganya waaminifu, na kuwaongoza wafikiri kwamba Mungu bado anafanya kazi kwa ajili ya makanisa. Lakini nuru itang'aa, na kila mmoja wa wale waaminifu ataondoka katika makanisa yaliyoanguka, na atasimama upande wa masalia." Zawadi za Kiroho, juzuu ya 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.

Sehemu hii ina ukweli muhimu mwingi, lakini ninaitumia kubainisha baadhi ya sifa za ujumbe katika historia ya Millerite, ili kuelewa jinsi sifa hizo zinavyokuwa mfano wa historia yetu. Malaika wote watatu wa Ufunuo kumi na nne wana ujumbe mikononi mwao. Malaika wa pili na wa tatu wanatambuliwa kuwa na “gombo la ngozi” pamoja nao wanaposhuka wakiwa na ujumbe wao. Kila malaika anawakilisha ujumbe, na kuwasili kwa kila ujumbe husababisha athari.

We will continue this subject in the next article.

Tutaendelea na mada hii katika makala ijayo.

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