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THE WORLD’S RELIGIONS
POGLAVLJE 131 : SVJETSKE RELIGIJE
1955 131:0.1 DURING the Alexandrian sojourn of Jesus, Gonod, and Ganid, the young man spent much of his time and no small sum of his father’s money making a collection of the teachings of the world’s religions about God and his relations with mortal man. Ganid employed more than threescore learned translators in the making of this abstract of the religious doctrines of the world concerning the Deities. And it should be made plain in this record that all these teachings portraying monotheism were largely derived, directly or indirectly, from the preachments of the missionaries of Machiventa Melchizedek, who went forth from their Salem headquarters to spread the doctrine of one God—the Most High—to the ends of the earth.
2014 131:0.1 ZA VRIJEME boravka Isusa, Gonoda i Ganida u Aleksandriji, mladić je posvetio veći dio tog razdoblja i priličnu sumu očeva novca na prikupljanje zbirke učenja različitih svjetskih religija o Bogu i njegovu odnosu sa smrtnim čovjekom. Ganid je uposlio više od sedamdeset učenih prevoditelja u izradi ovog sažetka svjetskih religioznih doktrina u vezi Božanstava. I želimo naglasiti u ovim zapisima da su sva ta monoteistička učenja uglavnom bila izravno ili neizravno, izvedena iz pripovijedi misionara MakiventeMelkizedeka, koji su se raspršili iz svog sjedišta u Salemu šireći nauk o jednom Bogu - Svevišnjem - do nakraj zemlje.
1955 131:0.2 There is presented herewith an abstract of Ganid’s manuscript, which he prepared at Alexandria and Rome, and which was preserved in India for hundreds of years after his death. He collected this material under ten heads, as follows:
2014 131:0.2 Tu prikazujemo sažetak iz Ganidovih rukopisa koji je napravljen u Aleksandriji i Rimu, a koji je sačuvan u Indiji stotinama godina nakon njegove smrti. Ganid je s abrao ovaj mate rij al u deset po glavlja, kako slijedi:
1. CYNICISM
1. CINIZAM
1955 131:1.1 The residual teachings of the disciples of Melchizedek, excepting those which persisted in the Jewish religion, were best preserved in the doctrines of the Cynics. Ganid’s selection embraced the following:
2014 131:1.1 Ostaci učenja Melkizedekovih sljedbenika, osim onih koji su očuvani u židovskoj religiji, najbolje su se održali u doktrinama Cinika. Ganidova selekcija obuhvaća sljedeće:
1955 131:1.2 “God is supreme; he is the Most High of heaven and earth. God is the perfected circle of eternity, and he rules the universe of universes. He is the sole maker of the heavens and the earth. When he decrees a thing, that thing is. Our God is one God, and he is compassionate and merciful. Everything that is high, holy, true, and beautiful is like our God. The Most High is the light of heaven and earth; he is the God of the east, the west, the north, and the south.
2014 131:1.2 "Bog je vrhovni; on je Svevišnji neba i zemlje.Bog je usavršeni krug vječnosti i on vlada svemirom nad svemirima. On je jedini tvorac neba i zemlje. Kad Bog nešto uredi, tako bude. Naš Bog je jedan Bog i on je milosrdan i milostiv. Sve što je visoko, sveto, istinito i lijepo naliči našem Bogu. Svevišnji je svjetlo neba i zemlje; on je Bog istoka, zapada, sjevera i juga.[1]
1955 131:1.3 “Even if the earth should pass away, the resplendent face of the Supreme would abide in majesty and glory. The Most High is the first and the last, the beginning and the end of everything. There is but this one God, and his name is Truth. God is self-existent, and he is devoid of all anger and enmity; he is immortal and infinite. Our God is omnipotent and bounteous. While he has many manifestations, we worship only God himself. God knows all—our secrets and our proclamations; he also knows what each of us deserves. His might is equal to all things.
2014 131:1.3 "Čak i ako zemlja prođe, blistavo će lice Vrhovnoga ostati u veličanstvu i slavi. Svevišnji je prvi i posljednji, početak i svršetak svega. Samo je jedan Bog i njegovo je ime Istina. Bog postoji sam po sebi i u njemu nema ljutnje i neprijateljstva; on je besmrtan i beskonačan. Naš Bog je svemoguć i darežljiv. Dok on ima mnogo manifestacija, mi obožavamo samo njega. Bog sve zna - sve naše tajne i naše proklamacije; i on zna što svatko od nas zaslužuje. Njegova se moć jednako no si sa svim stvarima.
1955 131:1.4 “God is a peace giver and a faithful protector of all who fear and trust him. He gives salvation to all who serve him. All creation exists in the power of the Most High. His divine love springs forth from the holiness of his power, and affection is born of the might of his greatness. The Most High has decreed the union of body and soul and has endowed man with his own spirit. What man does must come to an end, but what the Creator does goes on forever. We gain knowledge from the experience of man, but we derive wisdom from the contemplation of the Most High.
2014 131:1.4 "Bog je darivatelj mira i vjerni zaštitnik svih koji se njega boje i u njega uzdaju. On daje spasenje svima koji ga služe. Sva tvorevina postoji u moći Svevišnjega. Njegova božanska ljubav izvire iz svetosti njegove snage, a naklonost se rađa iz moći njegove veličine. Svevišnji je odredio jedinstvo tijela i duše i obdario čovjeka sa svojim duhom. Ono što čovjek gradi mora doći do kraja, ali ono što Stvoritelj izgradi traje zauvijek. Mi stječemo znanje iz ljudskog iskustva, dok izvlačimo mudrost iz kontemplacije Svevišnjega .
1955 131:1.5 “God pours rain upon the earth, he causes the sun to shine upon the sprouting grain, and he gives us the abundant harvest of the good things of this life and eternal salvation in the world to come. Our God enjoys great authority; his name is Excellent and his nature is unfathomable. When you are sick, it is the Most High who heals you. God is full of goodness toward all men; we have no friend like the Most High. His mercy fills all places and his goodness encompasses all souls. The Most High is changeless; and he is our helper in every time of need. Wherever you turn to pray, there is the face of the Most High and the open ear of our God. You may hide yourself from men, but not from God. God is not a great distance from us; he is omnipresent. God fills all places and lives in the heart of the man who fears his holy name. Creation is in the Creator and the Creator in his creation. We search for the Most High and then find him in our hearts. You go in quest of a dear friend, and then you discover him within your soul.
2014 131:1.5 "Bog izlijeva kišu na zemlju, on čini da sunce obasja klijanice i on nam daje obilnu žetvu blagodati ovoga života i vječnog spasenja u narednom svijetu. Naš Bog uživa veliku vlast; njegovo je ime Veličanstveni, a njegova je narav nedokučiva. Kad se razboliš, Svevišnji je taj koji te iscijeli. Bog je pun dobrote prema svim ljudima; mi nemamo boljeg prijatelja od Svevišnjeg. Njegova milost ispunja sva mjesta i njegova dobrota obuhvaća sve duše. Svevišnji je nepromjenjiv; on je taj koji nam pomaže kad trebamo pomoć. Gdje god se okreneš u molitvi, tu je lice Svevišenjega i otvoreno uho Boga našega. Možeš se kriti od ljudi, ali ne od Boga. Bog nam nije daleko; on je sveprisutan. Bog ispunja sva mjesta i živi u srcu čovjeka koji se boji njegova svetog imena. Stvoreno je u Stvoritelju i Stvoritelj je u svojoj tvorevini. Mi tragamo za Svevišnjim i nalazimo ga u našim srcima. Ti ideš u potragu za dragim prijateljem, a onda ga otkriješ u svojoj duši.
1955 131:1.6 “The man who knows God looks upon all men as equal; they are his brethren. Those who are selfish, those who ignore their brothers in the flesh, have only weariness as their reward. Those who love their fellows and who have pure hearts shall see God. God never forgets sincerity. He will guide the honest of heart into the truth, for God is truth.
2014 131:1.6 "Čovjek koji zna Boga smatra sve ljude jednakim; svi su njegova braća. Iscrpljenost je jedina nagrada sebičnih, onih koji okreću leđa svojoj zemaljskoj braći.Boga će vidjeti oni koji vole svoje bližnje i koji su čista srca. Bog nikada ne zaboravlja iskrenost. On će voditi u istinu o ne koji su poštena srca, jer Bog je istina.
1955 131:1.7 “In your lives overthrow error and overcome evil by the love of the living truth. In all your relations with men do good for evil. The Lord God is merciful and loving; he is forgiving. Let us love God, for he first loved us. By God’s love and through his mercy we shall be saved. Poor men and rich men are brothers. God is their Father. The evil you would not have done you, do not to others.
2014 131:1.7 "U svojim životima trebate svrgnuti pogrešku i prevladati zlo ljubavlju prema živućoj istini. U svim svojim odnosima s ljudima, uzvratite dobro za zlo. Gospodin Bog je milostiv i pun ljubavi; on oprašta. Volimo Boga jer je on prvo volio nas. Od Božje ljubavi i kroz njegovu milost ćemo biti spašeni. Ubogi i imućni su braća. Bog im je otac. Zlo koje ne želiš sebi samome, ne čini drugima.
1955 131:1.8 “At all times call upon his name, and as you believe in his name, so shall your prayer be heard. What a great honor it is to worship the Most High! All the worlds and the universes worship the Most High. And with all your prayers give thanks—ascend to worship. Prayerful worship shuns evil and forbids sin. At all times let us praise the name of the Most High. The man who takes shelter in the Most High conceals his defects from the universe. When you stand before God with a clean heart, you become fearless of all creation. The Most High is like a loving father and mother; he really loves us, his children on earth. Our God will forgive us and guide our footsteps into the ways of salvation. He will take us by the hand and lead us to himself. God saves those who trust him; he does not compel man to serve his name.
2014 131:1.8 "Uvijek zazivaj njegovo ime, i kako budeš vjerovao u njegovo ime, tako će ti molitve biti uslišene. Kolika je čast obožavati Svevišnjega! Svi svjetovi i svemiri obožavaju Svevišnjega. A uz sve vaše molitve, sjetite se i zahvalnice - uziđite do obožavanja. Bogobojazno obožavanje izbjegava zlo i suzbija grijeh. Uvijek slavimo ime Svevišnjega. Čovjek koji nalazi utočište u Svevišnjem prikriva svoje nedostatke od svemira. Kad stojiš pred Bogom čista srca, postaješ neustrašiv od svega stvorenog. Svevišnji je poput brižnog oca i majke; on nas uistinu voli, njegovu djecu na zemlji. Naš Bog nam oprašta i usmjerava naše stope stazama spasenja. On nas uzima za ruku i vodi nas k sebi. Bog daje spasenje onima koji se u njega uzdaju; on ne tjera čovjeka da služi njegovu imenu.
1955 131:1.9 “If the faith of the Most High has entered your heart, then shall you abide free from fear throughout all the days of your life. Fret not yourself because of the prosperity of the ungodly; fear not those who plot evil; let the soul turn away from sin and put your whole trust in the God of salvation. The weary soul of the wandering mortal finds eternal rest in the arms of the Most High; the wise man hungers for the divine embrace; the earth child longs for the security of the arms of the Universal Father. The noble man seeks for that high estate wherein the soul of the mortal blends with the spirit of the Supreme. God is just: What fruit we receive not from our plantings in this world we shall receive in the next.”
2014 131:1.9 "Ako je vjera u Svevišnjeg ušla u tvoje srce, živjet ćeš bez straha do kraja života. Ne obaziri se na blagostanje bezbožnika; ne strahuj od onih koji kuju zlo; neka ti se duša okrene od grijeha i neka ti svo uzdanje bude u Boga spasenja. Iscrpljena duša zalutalih smrtnika nalazi vječni počinak u rukama Svevišnjega; mudrac čezne za božanskim naručjem; zemaljsko dijete traži sigurnost u mišici Oca Svih. Plemeniti čovjek teži tom visokom stanju spoja smrtne duše s duhom Vrhovnog. Bog je pravedan: Plodove koje ne primimo iz naših nasada na ovom svijetu, primit ćemo u sljedećem."
2. JUDAISM
2. JUDAIZAM
1955 131:2.1 The Kenites of Palestine salvaged much of the teaching of Melchizedek, and from these records, as preserved and modified by the Jews, Jesus and Ganid made the following selection:
2014 131:2.1 Keniti iz Palestine su sačuvali dosta učenja Melkizedeka, i iz tih spisa koje su Židovi očuvali i modificirali, Isus i Ganid su izabrali sljedeće izvadke:
1955 131:2.2 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth and all things therein. And, behold, all he created was very good. The Lord, he is God; there is none beside him in heaven above or upon the earth beneath. Therefore shall you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows his handiwork. Day after day utters speech; night after night shows knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. The Lord’s work is great, and in wisdom has he made all things; the greatness of the Lord is unsearchable. He knows the number of the stars; he calls them all by their names.
2014 131:2.2 "U početku stvori Bog nebo i zemlju i sve što je na njima. I vidje Bog da je to vrlo dobro. Gospodin, on je Bog; nema drugoga osim njega gore na nebu ili ovdje na zemlji. Zato ljubi Gospodina, Boga svoga, svim srcem svojim, svom dušom svojom i svom snagom svojom.Zemlja će se ispuniti spoznajom Gospodinovom kao što se vodom pune mora. Nebesa slavu Božju kazuju, naviješta svod nebeski djelo ruku njegovih. Dan danu to objavljuje; a noć noći glas predaje. Nije to riječ, a ni govor nije gdje se njihov glas ne može čuti. Kako su silna djela Gospodinova, kako je mudro sve što je učinio; veličina Gospodinova je nedokučiva. On zna broj zvijezda; svaku njezinim imenom naziva[1].
1955 131:2.3 “The power of the Lord is great and his understanding infinite. Says the Lord: ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.’ God reveals the deep and secret things because the light dwells with him. The Lord is merciful and gracious; he is long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth. The Lord is good and upright; the meek will he guide in judgment. Taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who trusts God. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2014 131:2.3 "Moć je Gospodinova velika i njegovo je razumijevanje beskonačno. Gospodin kaže: "Kako su nebesa viša od zemlje, tako su puti moji iznad vaših putova i misli moje iznad vaših misli." Bog otkriva dubine i tajne, jer svjetlost u njemu prebiva. Milosrdan i milostiv je Gospodin; on je spor na srdžbu i obiluje dobrostivošću i istinom. Gospodin je sama dobrota i pravednost; krotke on na put privodi. Kušajte i vidite kako je dobar Gospodin! Blago čovjeku koji se uzda u Boga. Bog nam je zaklon i utvrda, pomoćnik spreman u nevolji[2].
1955 131:2.4 “The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear him and his righteousness even to our children’s children. The Lord is gracious and full of compassion. The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his creation; he heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Whither shall I go from God’s spirit? whither shall I flee from the divine presence? Thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place; also with him who is of a contrite heart and a humble spirit!’ None can hide himself from our God, for he fills heaven and earth. Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice. Let all nations say: The Lord reigns! Give thanks to God, for his mercy endures forever.
2014 131:2.4 "Milost Gospodinova je od vječnosti do vječnosti nad onima što ga se boje i njegova pravda nad djecom naše djece. Gospodin je milostiv i pun samilosti. Gospodin je dobar svima i njegove nježne milosti pokrivaju sve što je stvoreno; on iscjeljuje srca slomljena i povija rane njihove. Kamo da idem od duha Božjega i kamo ću pobjeći od božanske prisutnosti? Jer ovako govori Višnji i Uzvišeni koji vječno stoluje i ime mu je Sveti: 'U prebivalištu visokom i svetom stolujem; ali ja sam i s onima koji su srca skrušenih i duha smjerna!' Nitko se ne može sakriti od našeg Boga, jer on ispunja nebo i zemlju. Neka se vesele nebesa i neka kliče zemlja. Neka se govori među svim narodima: Gospodin kraljuje! Slavite Boga jer je dobar, jer je vječna milost njegova[3].
1955 131:2.5 “The heavens declare God’s righteousness, and all the people have seen his glory. It is God who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. His mercy is everlasting, and his truth endures to all generations. Our God is governor among the nations. Let the earth be filled with his glory! O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful gifts to the children of men!
2014 131:2.5 "Nebesa navješćuju Božju pravednost, a svi narodi gledaju njegovu slavu. Bog nas stvori, a ne mi sami; njegov smo narod i ovce paše njegove. Njegova je milost dovijeka, od koljena do koljena istina njegova. Naš je Bog vladar među narodima. Neka se zemlja napuni slavom njegovom! Neka ljudi hvale Gospodina za dobrotu njegovu, za čudesne darove njegove djeci ljudskoj![4]
1955 131:2.6 “God has made man a little less than divine and has crowned him with love and mercy. The Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; the knowledge of the Supreme is understanding. Says the Almighty God: ‘Walk before me and be perfect.’ Forget not that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. He who rules his own spirit is mightier than he who takes a city. Says the Lord God, the Holy One: ‘In returning to your spiritual rest shall you be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.’ They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint. The Lord shall give you rest from your fear. Says the Lord: ‘Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.’
2014 131:2.6 "Bog je učinio čovjeka malo manje božanskim od sebe i ljubavlju i milošću ga je okrunio. Gospodin zna put pravednih, a propast će put opakih. Početak mudrosti strah je Gospodnji; razboritost je spoznaja Vrhovnog. Ovako kaže Svemogući Bog: 'Mojim hodi putem i budi savršen.'Ne zaboravida pred slomom ide oholost i pred padom uznositost. Tko nad svojim duhom vlada veći je od osvojitelja grada. Jer ovako govori Gospodin Bog koji je Svetac: 'U povratku duhovnom miru spas vam je; u smirenu uzdanju snaga je vaša.' Onima što se u Gospodina uzdaju snaga se obnavlja; krila im rastu kao orlovima. Oni trče i ne sustaju; oni hode i ne umore se. Gospodin će ti dati da počineš od svoga straha. Kaže Gospodin: 'Ne boj se, jer ja sam s tobom. Ne obaziri se plaho jer ja sam Bog tvoj. Ja te krijepim i pomažem ti; ja te uzdržavam desnicom moje ispravnosti[5].'
1955 131:2.7 “God is our Father; the Lord is our redeemer. God has created the universal hosts, and he preserves them all. His righteousness is like the mountains and his judgment like the great deep. He causes us to drink of the river of his pleasures, and in his light we shall see light. It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to the Most High; to show forth loving-kindness in the morning and the divine faithfulness every night. God’s kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness. Yes, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for God is with me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
2014 131:2.7 "Bog je naš Otac; Gospodin je naš otkupitelj. Bog je stvorio nebesa nad nebesima i vojsku njihovu i on ih uzdržava. Pravednost je njegova kao gorski vrhunci, a sudovi njegovi kao duboko more. Potocima svojih slasti on nas napaja i njegovom svjetlošću mi svjetlost vidimo.Dobro je slaviti Gospodina i pjevati hvale imenu Svevišnjeg; pokazati ljubaznu pravdu izjutra i božansku vjernost svake noći. Božje kraljevstvo je vječno i njegova vlast ustraje za sva pokoljenja. Gospodin je pastir moj; ni u čem ja ne oskudijevam. Na poljanama zelenim on mi daje odmora; na vrutke me tihane vodi. On krijepi dušu moju. Stazama pravim on me upravlja. Pa da mi je i dolinom smrti proći, zla se ne bojim jer Bog je sa mnom. Dobrota i milost pratit će mene sve dane života moga, a u Gospodinovu ću domu prebivati kroz dane vječne[6].
1955 131:2.8 “Yahweh is the God of my salvation; therefore in the divine name will I put my trust. I will trust in the Lord with all my heart; I will lean not upon my own understanding. In all my ways I will acknowledge him, and he shall direct my paths. The Lord is faithful; he keeps his word with those who serve him; the just shall live by his faith. If you do not well, it is because sin lies at the door; men reap the evil they plough and the sin they sow. Fret not yourself because of evildoers. If you regard iniquity in your heart, the Lord will not hear you; if you sin against God, you also wrong your own soul. God will bring every man’s work to judgment with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
2014 131:2.8 "Jahve je Bog moga spasenja; zato se uzdam u božansko ime. Uzdam se u Boga svim srcem; ne oslanjam se na vlastito shvaćanje. Mislim na nj na svim mojim putovima i on će upraviti moje staze. Gospodin je vjeran; on drži svoj savez s onima koji mu služe; pravednik živi od svoje vjere. A ne radiš li pravo, grijeh ti je kao zvijer na pragu; nesrećom tko ore i nevolju sije, nju će i požeti.Nemoj se žestiti na zlotvore. Ako u svom srcu zlo misliš, neće te uslišiti Gospodin; ako se ogriješiš o Boga, škodiš svojoj duši. Sva će skrivena djela, bilo dobra ili zla, Bog izvesti na sud. Kako čovjek misli u svom srcu, tako je on[7].
1955 131:2.9 “The Lord is near all who call upon him in sincerity and in truth. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. A merry heart does good like a medicine. No good thing will God withhold from those who walk uprightly. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Thus says the Lord who created the heavens and who formed the earth: ‘There is no God beside me, a just God and a savior. Look to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth. If you seek me, you shall find me if you search for me with all your heart.’ The meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Whoever sows iniquity shall reap calamity; they who sow the wind shall reap the whirlwind.
2014 131:2.9 "Blizu je Gospodin svima koji ga iskreno i istinito zazivaju. Večer može donijeti suze, ali jutro donosi klicanje. Veselo je srce izvrstan lijek. Ne uskraćuje Gospodin dobra onima koji idu u nedužnosti. Boj se Boga i izvršavaj njegove zapovijedi, jer to je sva čovjekova dužnost. Ovako govori Gospodin koji stvori nebesa i koji sazda zemlju: 'Nema Boga osim mene, pravednog Boga i spasitelja. Obratite se k meni da se spasite, svi krajevi zemlje. Tražite me i naći ćete ako me budete tražili u svojim srcima.' Zemlja će ostati krotkima, obilje mira oni će s radošću uživati. Tko sije nepravdu, žanje nesreću; oni koji siju vjetar, žanju oluju[8].
1955 131:2.10 “‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’ But there is no peace for the wicked; it is your own sins which have withheld the good things from you. God is the health of my countenance and the joy of my soul. The eternal God is my strength; he is our dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. The Lord is near to those who are brokenhearted; he saves all who have a childlike spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous man, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Commit your way to the Lord—trust him—and he will bring it to pass. He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2014 131:2.10 "'Hajde, dakle, da zajedno promislimo,' kaže Gospodin, 'Budu li vam grijesi kao grimiz, pobijeljet će poput snijega. Kao purpur budu li crveni, postat će kao vuna.' No, nema mira opakima; to su vaši vam grijesi koji vam oduzeše blagostanje. Bog je zdravlje moga lica i radost duše moje. Bog vječni moja je snaga; on je naše utočište, a na zemlji drevna mišica njegova. Blizu je Gospodin onima koji su slomljena srca; on daje spasenje ljudima djetinjeg duha. Pred ispravnima stoje mnoge nedaće, ali Gospodin ih iz sviju izručuje. Prepusti Gospodinu putove svoje - u njega se uzdaj - i on će sve voditi[9]. Ti što prebivaš pod tajnom zaštitom Svevišnjega, počivaš pod sjenom Svemogućega.
1955 131:2.11 “Love your neighbor as yourself; bear a grudge against no man. Whatsoever you hate do to no man. Love your brother, for the Lord has said: ‘I will love my children freely.’ The path of the just is as a shining light which shines more and more until the perfect day. They who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament and they who turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. Let the wicked forsake his evil way and the unrighteous man his rebellious thoughts. Says the Lord: ‘Let them return to me, and I will have mercy on them; I will abundantly pardon.’
2014 131:2.11 "Voli bližnjega kao samoga sebe; ne gaji srdžbe ni prema kome. Što sam mrziš ne čini drugima. Ljubi svoju braću, jer Gospodin kaže: 'Ljubit ću svoju djecu badava.' Pravednička je staza kao svjetlost svanuća koja je sve slabija i slabija do potpunog dana. Mudraci će blistati kao sjajni nebeski svod, a oni koji su mnoge učili pravednosti, kao zvijezde navijeke u svu vječnost. Neka bezbožnik put svoj opaki ostavi, a zlikovac svoje pobunjeničke misli. Kaže Gospodin: 'Neka se vrate k meni i ja ću im se smilovati; ja sam velikodušan u praštanju[10].'
1955 131:2.12 “Says God, the creator of heaven and earth: ‘Great peace have they who love my law. My commandments are: You shall love me with all your heart; you shall have no gods before me; you shall not take my name in vain; remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy; honor your father and mother; you shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not covet.’
2014 131:2.12 "Kaže Bog, stvoritelj neba i zemlje: 'Koji moj zakon ljube, velik mir uživaju. Moje su zapovijedi: Voli me cijelim srcem svojim; nemoj imati drugih bogova osim mene; ne uzimaj uzalud imena moga; sjeti se da svetkuješ dan subotnji; poštuj oca svoga i majku svoju; ne ubij; ne čini preljuba; ne kradi; ne svjedoči lažno; ne poželi ništa što ti ne pripada[11].'
1955 131:2.13 “And to all who love the Lord supremely and their neighbors like themselves, the God of heaven says: ‘I will ransom you from the grave; I will redeem you from death. I will be merciful to your children, as well as just. Have I not said of my creatures on earth, you are the sons of the living God? And have I not loved you with an everlasting love? Have I not called you to become like me and to dwell forever with me in Paradise?’”
2014 131:2.13 "A svima koji ljube Gospodina iznad svega drugog i koji vole svoje bližnje kao sebe, Bog na nebu kaže: 'Ja ću te izbaviti iz podzemlja; ja ću te od smrti spasiti. Ja ću biti milostiv i prema tvojoj djeci. Zar nisam rekao da su moja zemaljska stvorenja sinovi živućeg Boga? I zar vas nisam volio vječnom ljubavlju? Zar vas nisam pozvao da postanete poput mene, da sa mnom vječno živite u Raju?"[12]
3. BUDDHISM
3. BUDIZAM
1955 131:3.1 Ganid was shocked to discover how near Buddhism came to being a great and beautiful religion without God, without a personal and universal Deity. However, he did find some record of certain earlier beliefs which reflected something of the influence of the teachings of the Melchizedek missionaries who continued their work in India even to the times of Buddha. Jesus and Ganid collected the following statements from the Buddhist literature:
2014 131:3.1 Ganid je bio šokiran otkrićem da se Budizam uspio približiti velikoj i lijepoj religiji iako nije imao Boga, osobno i univerzalno Božanstvo. On je, međutim, uspio naći neke spise iz ranijih vjerovanja koja ukazuju na određeni utjecaj učenja Melkizedekovih misionara koji su nastavili djelovati u Indiji sve do vremena Bude. Isus i Ganid su prikupili sljedeću zbirku izvoda iz budističke književnosti:
1955 131:3.2 “Out of a pure heart shall gladness spring forth to the Infinite; all my being shall be at peace with this supermortal rejoicing. My soul is filled with content, and my heart overflows with the bliss of peaceful trust. I have no fear; I am free from anxiety. I dwell in security, and my enemies cannot alarm me. I am satisfied with the fruits of my confidence. I have found the approach to the Immortal easy of access. I pray for faith to sustain me on the long journey; I know that faith from beyond will not fail me. I know my brethren will prosper if they become imbued with the faith of the Immortal, even the faith that creates modesty, uprightness, wisdom, courage, knowledge, and perseverance. Let us forsake sorrow and disown fear. By faith let us lay hold upon true righteousness and genuine manliness. Let us learn to meditate on justice and mercy. Faith is man’s true wealth; it is the endowment of virtue and glory.
2014 131:3.2 "Iz čista srca izvire radost do Beskonačnog; cijelo će mi biće biti u slozi u toj nadsmrtnoj radosti. Duša mi je ispunjena sadržajem, a srce mi je prepuno blaženstva mirnog spokoja. Nemam straha; nemam zebnje. Živim u sigurnosti i neprijatelji me ne mogu uznemiriti. Zadovoljan sam s plodovima vlastitog samopouzdanja. Našao sam da je jednostavan pristup Besmrtnom. Molim se za vjeru da me održi na dugom putovanju; znam da me ne izdaje vjera iz onog drugog svijeta. Znam da će moji bližnji živjeti u blagostanju ako se obaviju vjerom Besmrtnog, pa čak i vjerom koja stvara skromnost, ispravnost, mudrost, hrabrost, znanje i ustrajnost. Odbacimo patnje i oslobodimo se straha. Vjerom ostanimo na putu iskrene pravednosti i prave muškosti. Naučimo se kontemplaciji pravde i milosti. Vjera je čovjekovo istinsko bogatstvo; ona je zadužbina vrline i slave.
1955 131:3.3 “Unrighteousness is contemptible; sin is despicable. Evil is degrading, whether held in thought or wrought out in deeds. Pain and sorrow follow in the path of evil as the dust follows the wind. Happiness and peace of mind follow pure thinking and virtuous living as the shadow follows the substance of material things. Evil is the fruit of wrongly directed thinking. It is evil to see sin where there is no sin; to see no sin where there is sin. Evil is the path of false doctrines. Those who avoid evil by seeing things as they are gain joy by thus embracing the truth. Make an end of your misery by loathing sin. When you look up to the Noble One, turn away from sin with a whole heart. Make no apology for evil; make no excuse for sin. By your efforts to make amends for past sins you acquire strength to resist future tendencies thereto. Restraint is born of repentance. Leave no fault unconfessed to the Noble One.
2014 131:3.3 "Neispravnost zaslužuje prezir; grijeh je gnusan.Zlo je unižavajuće, bilo da je sadržano u mislima ili ispoljeno u djelima. Bol i tuga slijede na putu zla kao što prašina slijedi vjetar. Sreća i duševni mir slijede čisto razmišljanje i primjerno življenje kao što sjena slijedi bit materijalnih stvari. Zlo je plod pogrešno usmjerena razmišljanja. Zlo je vidjeti grijeh gdje ga nema; zlo je ne vidjeti grijeh gdje ga ima. Zlo je putlažnih doktrina. Oni koji izbjegnu zlo spoznajom stvarnosti steknu radost prihvaćanjem istine. Učinite kraj svojoj bijedi gnušanjem prema grijehu. Kada podignete oči prema Plemenitom, svim se srcem odrecite grijeha. Ne tražite isprike zlu; ne činite izgovora grijehu. Dok nastojite ispraviti prošle grijehe, nađite snage da se oduprete svim budućim tendencijama prema grijehu. Suzdržanost je plod pokajanja. Ispovijedi svaku svoju pogrešku Plemenitom.
1955 131:3.4 “Cheerfulness and gladness are the rewards of deeds well done and to the glory of the Immortal. No man can rob you of the liberty of your own mind. When the faith of your religion has emancipated your heart, when the mind, like a mountain, is settled and immovable, then shall the peace of the soul flow tranquilly like a river of waters. Those who are sure of salvation are forever free from lust, envy, hatred, and the delusions of wealth. While faith is the energy of the better life, nevertheless, must you work out your own salvation with perseverance. If you would be certain of your final salvation, then make sure that you sincerely seek to fulfill all righteousness. Cultivate the assurance of the heart which springs from within and thus come to enjoy the ecstasy of eternal salvation.
2014 131:3.4 "Vedrina i radost su nagrade djela dobro učinjenih i služe na slavu Besmrtnom. Nitko te ne može lišiti slobode vlastitog uma. Kada vjera tvoje religije oslobodi tvoje srce, kada se tvoj um, poput planine, učvrsti u nepomičnosti, tada će mir tvoje duše poteći kao bujica. Oni koji su sigurni u spasenje su zauvijek slobodni od požude, zavisti, mržnje i obmane bogatstva. Dok je vjera energija boljeg življenja, s ustrajnošću morate raditi na svom spasenju. Ako neki od vas želi postići konačno spasenje, onda iskreno mora težiti ispunjenju svake ispravnosti. Njegujte uvjerenje srca koje izvire iznutra i tako ćete primiti ekstazu vječnog spasenja.
1955 131:3.5 “No religionist may hope to attain the enlightenment of immortal wisdom who persists in being slothful, indolent, feeble, idle, shameless, and selfish. But whoso is thoughtful, prudent, reflective, fervent, and earnest—even while he yet lives on earth—may attain the supreme enlightenment of the peace and liberty of divine wisdom. Remember, every act shall receive its reward. Evil results in sorrow and sin ends in pain. Joy and happiness are the outcome of a good life. Even the evildoer enjoys a season of grace before the time of the full ripening of his evil deeds, but inevitably there must come the full harvest of evil-doing. Let no man think lightly of sin, saying in his heart: ‘The penalty of wrongdoing shall not come near me.’ What you do shall be done to you, in the judgment of wisdom. Injustice done to your fellows shall come back upon you. The creature cannot escape the destiny of his deeds.
2014 131:3.5 "Ni jedan religiozni čovjek ne može postići prosvjetljenje besmrtne mudrosti ako se ustrajno ne liši nemara, lijenosti, nemoći, dokoličarenja, bestidnosti i sebičnosti. Ali tko je dubokomislen, razborit, meditativan, svesrdan i marljiv - i koji postane sve to za svoga zemaljskog života - može postići vrhovno prosvjetljenje mira i slobode božanske mudrosti. Zapamtite, svaki čin ima svoju nagradu. Zlo donosi tugu, a grijeh stvara bol. Dobar život donosi radost i sreću. Čak i zločinac može uživati u periodu milosti prije punog sazrijevanja njegovih zlih djela, ali neminovno mora doći puna žetva njegova zločina. Nek se nitko ne igra s grijehom u svom srcu govoreći: 'Neće me snaći njegova kazna.' Što učiniš drugima, tebe samoga čeka u presudi mudrosti. Na tebe pada nepravda koju činiš svojim bližnjima. Stvorenje ne može izbjeći sudbinu svojih djela.
1955 131:3.6 “The fool has said in his heart, ‘Evil shall not overtake me’; but safety is found only when the soul craves reproof and the mind seeks wisdom. The wise man is a noble soul who is friendly in the midst of his enemies, tranquil among the turbulent, and generous among the grasping. Love of self is like weeds in a goodly field. Selfishness leads to grief; perpetual care kills. The tamed mind yields happiness. He is the greatest of warriors who overcomes and subdues himself. Restraint in all things is good. He alone is a superior person who esteems virtue and is observant of his duty. Let not anger and hate master you. Speak harshly of no one. Contentment is the greatest wealth. What is given wisely is well saved. Do not to others those things you would not wish done to you. Pay good for evil; overcome evil with the good.
2014 131:3.6 "Budala si govori u srcu, 'Neće me ovladati zlo'; ali sigurnost vlada samo kad duša traži prijekor i kada um traži mudrost. Mudar čovjek je plemenita duša koja je prijateljska prema svojim neprijateljima, koja je mirna usred bure i darežljiva među grabežljivcima. Samoljublje je poput korova u plodnom polju. Sebičnost rađa patnju; zaokupljenost sobom ubija. Ukroćen um donosi sreću. Najveći je ratnik koji pobjedi i pokori samoga sebe. Dobro je biti suzdržan u svemu. Veliki je samo onaj koji cijeni vrlinu i poštuje dužnost. Nek vas ne ovladaju ljutnja i mržnja. Ne govorite oštro ni o kome. Zadovoljstvo je najveće bogatstvo. Što je mudro dato, to je pametno sačuvano. Ne čini drugima što ne želiš da oni učine tebi. Uzvrati dobro za zlo; prevladaj zlo dobrom.
1955 131:3.7 “A righteous soul is more to be desired than the sovereignty of all the earth. Immortality is the goal of sincerity; death, the end of thoughtless living. Those who are earnest die not; the thoughtless are dead already. Blessed are they who have insight into the deathless state. Those who torture the living will hardly find happiness after death. The unselfish go to heaven, where they rejoice in the bliss of infinite liberality and continue to increase in noble generosity. Every mortal who thinks righteously, speaks nobly, and acts unselfishly shall not only enjoy virtue here during this brief life but shall also, after the dissolution of the body, continue to enjoy the delights of heaven.”
2014 131:3.7 "Bolje da čovjek ima ispravnost svoje duše nego vlast nad cijelim svijetom. Besmrtnost je postignuće iskrenosti; smrt je završetak nepromišljena života. Oni koji su iskreni neće umrijeti; nepromišljeni su već mrtvi. Blago onima koji imaju uvid u besmrtno stanje. Oni koji muče druge ljude teško će naći sreću nakon smrti. Nesebični odlaze na nebo, gdje se raduju u blaženstvu beskonačnog slobodoumlja i nastavljaju rasti u plemenitoj velikodušnosti. Svaki smrtnik koji misli pravedno, govori plemenito i djeluje nesebično ne samo što uživa vrlinu ovdje tijekom ovog kratkog života, nego također, nakon raspada tijela, nastavlja uživati u čarima neba. "
4. HINDUISM
4. HINDUIZAM
1955 131:4.1 The missionaries of Melchizedek carried the teachings of the one God with them wherever they journeyed. Much of this monotheistic doctrine, together with other and previous concepts, became embodied in the subsequent teachings of Hinduism. Jesus and Ganid made the following excerpts:
2014 131:4.1 Melkizedekovi misionari su raznosili učenja o jednom Bogu gdje god su putovali. Veliki je dio te jednobožačke doktrine, zajedno s drugim ranijim pojmovima, postao utjelovljen u kasnijim učenjima hinduizma. Isus i Ganid su izabrali sljedeće izvatke:
1955 131:4.2 “He is the great God, in every way supreme. He is the Lord who encompasses all things. He is the creator and controller of the universe of universes. God is one God; he is alone and by himself; he is the only one. And this one God is our Maker and the last destiny of the soul. The Supreme One is brilliant beyond description; he is the Light of Lights. Every heart and every world is illuminated by this divine light. God is our protector—he stands by the side of his creatures—and those who learn to know him become immortal. God is the great source of energy; he is the Great Soul. He exercises universal lordship over all. This one God is loving, glorious, and adorable. Our God is supreme in power and abides in the supreme abode. This true Person is eternal and divine; he is the primal Lord of heaven. All the prophets have hailed him, and he has revealed himself to us. We worship him. O Supreme Person, source of beings, Lord of creation, and ruler of the universe, reveal to us, your creatures, the power whereby you abide immanent! God has made the sun and the stars; he is bright, pure, and self-existent. His eternal knowledge is divinely wise. The Eternal is unpenetrated by evil. Inasmuch as the universe sprang from God, he does rule it appropriately. He is the cause of creation, and hence are all things established in him.
2014 131:4.2 "On je veliki Bog, po svemu vrhovni. On je Gospodin koji obuhvaća sve stvari. On je stvoritelj i upravitelj svemira nad svemirima. Bog je jedan Bog; on je sam po sebi; on je sam za sebe i jedan jedini. I ovaj je jedan Bog naš Stvoritelj i posljednja sudbina duše. Vrhovni je neopisivo veličanstven; on je Svjetlo svakog Svjetla. Svako srce i svaki svijet je obasjan ovim božanskim svjetlom. Bog nam je zaštitnik - on stoji pokraj svojih stvorenja - i oni koji ga upoznaju postaju besmrtni. Bog je veliki izvor energije; on je Velika Duša. On ima univerzalnu vlast nad svima. Ovaj je jedan Bog pun ljubavi, veličanstven i divan. Naš Bog ima vrhovnu moć i živi u vrhovnom prebivalištu. Ova je istinska Osoba vječna i božanska; on je iskonski Gospodar neba. Svi proroci su govorili u njegovu slavu, i on nam se očitovao.Mi ga obožavamo. O Vrhovna Osobo, izvoru bića, Gospodaru tvorevine i vladaru svemira - obznani nama, tvojim stvorenjima, moć u kojoj ostaješ imanentan! Bog je sazdao sunce i zvijezde; on je sjajan, čist i samopostojeći. Njegovo je vječno znanje božanski mudro. Zlo ne može prodrijeti u Vječnoga. Budući da je svemir potekao od Boga, on njime prikladno vlada. On je uzrok stvaranja, i stoga je sve utemeljeno u njemu.
1955 131:4.3 “God is the sure refuge of every good man when in need; the Immortal One cares for all mankind. God’s salvation is strong and his kindness is gracious. He is a loving protector, a blessed defender. Says the Lord: ‘I dwell within their own souls as a lamp of wisdom. I am the splendor of the splendid and the goodness of the good. Where two or three gather together, there am I also.’ The creature cannot escape the presence of the Creator. The Lord even counts the ceaseless winking of every mortal’s eyes; and we worship this divine Being as our inseparable companion. He is all-prevailing, bountiful, omnipresent, and infinitely kind. The Lord is our ruler, shelter, and supreme controller, and his primeval spirit dwells within the mortal soul. The Eternal Witness to vice and virtue dwells within man’s heart. Let us long meditate on the adorable and divine Vivifier; let his spirit fully direct our thoughts. From this unreal world lead us to the real! From darkness lead us to the light! From death guide us to immortality!
2014 131:4.3 "Bog je sigurno utočište svakog dobrog čovjeka koji traži pomoć; Besmrtni se brine za cijelo čovječanstvo. Božje spasenje je snažno, a njegova dobrota milostiva. On je zaštitnik pun ljubavi, blagoslovljeni branitelj. Kaže Gospodin: 'Ja prebivam u samim dušama njihovim kao svjetiljka mudrosti. Ja sam veličanstvo sjaja i dobrota dobrog. Gdje se dvojica ili trojica okupe zajedno, tu sam i ja također." Stvorenje ne može pobjeći od prisutnosti Stvoritelja. Gospodin broji besprekidne treptaje oka svakog smrtnika; i mi obožavamo ovo božansko Biće kao našeg neodvojivog pratitelja. On je pretežan, darežljiv, sveprisutan i beskonačno ljubazan. Gospodin je naš vladar, utočište i vrhovni upravitelj; njegov iskonski duh prebiva u smrtnoj duši. Vječni Svjedok svih poroka i vrlina prebiva u čovjekovu srcu. Dobro promislite o divnom i božanskom Oživljavatelju i neka njegov duh potpuno usmjeri vaše misli. Iz ovog nas nestvarnog svijeta povedi u stvarni! Iz ove nas tame povedi u svjetlo! Iz smrti nas povedi u besmrtnost!
1955 131:4.4 “With our hearts purged of all hate, let us worship the Eternal. Our God is the Lord of prayer; he hears the cry of his children. Let all men submit their wills to him, the Resolute. Let us delight in the liberality of the Lord of prayer. Make prayer your inmost friend and worship your soul’s support. ‘If you will but worship me in love,’ says the Eternal, ‘I will give you the wisdom to attain me, for my worship is the virtue common to all creatures.’ God is the illuminator of the gloomy and the power of those who are faint. Since God is our strong friend, we have no more fear. We praise the name of the never-conquered Conqueror. We worship him because he is man’s faithful and eternal helper. God is our sure leader and unfailing guide. He is the great parent of heaven and earth, possessed of unlimited energy and infinite wisdom. His splendor is sublime and his beauty divine. He is the supreme refuge of the universe and the changeless guardian of everlasting law. Our God is the Lord of life and the Comforter of all men; he is the lover of mankind and the helper of those who are distressed. He is our life giver and the Good Shepherd of the human flocks. God is our father, brother, and friend. And we long to know this God in our inner being.
2014 131:4.4 "Srcima očišćenim od svake mržnje, obožavajmo Vječnoga. Naš je Bog Gospodar molitve; on čuje plač svoje djece. Neka svi ljudi pokore svoju volju njemu,Odlučnome. Uživajmo u slobodoumlju Gospodara molitve. Učinite molitvu svojim najboljim prijateljem, a obožavanje potporom vašoj duši. 'Ako me hoćete obožavati, neka to bude u ljubavi,' kaže Vječni, 'Ja ću vam dati mudrosti da mi dođete, jer je štovanje zajednička vrlina svim bićima.' Bog osvjetljuje tminu i daje snagu onima koji su onemoćali. Mi se nemamo čega plašiti jer je Bog naš moćni prijatelj. Mi slavimo ime Osvajača koji nikada nije osvojen. Mi ga obožavamo jer je čovjekov vjerni i vječni pomagač. Bog je naš sigurni vođa i nepogrešivi vodič. On je veliki roditelj neba i zemlje koji posjeduje neograničenu energiju i beskonačnu mudrost. Njegovo je veličanstvo blaženo i njegova je ljepota božanska. On je vrhovno utočište svemira i nemijenjajući čuvar vječnog zakona. Naš je Bog Gospodar života i Utjeha svih ljudi; on je ljubitelj čovječanstva i pomagač onima koji su nevolji. On je darivatelj života i Dobri Pastir ljudskih stada. Bog nam je otac, brat i prijatelj. Čovjek teži spoznaji ovog Boga u svom unutarnjem biću.
1955 131:4.5 “We have learned to win faith by the yearning of our hearts. We have attained wisdom by the restraint of our senses, and by wisdom we have experienced peace in the Supreme. He who is full of faith worships truly when his inner self is intent upon God. Our God wears the heavens as a mantle; he also inhabits the other six wide-spreading universes. He is supreme over all and in all. We crave forgiveness from the Lord for all of our trespasses against our fellows; and we would release our friend from the wrong he has done us. Our spirit loathes all evil; therefore, O Lord, free us from all taint of sin. We pray to God as a comforter, protector, and savior—one who loves us.
2014 131:4.5 "Naučili smo pobijediti vjeru čežnjom srca naših. Postigli smo mudrost obuzdavanjem svojih čula, dok smo mudrošću doživjeli mir u Vrhovnom. Tko je pun vjere doista doživljava obožavanje kad se svojim unutarnjim bićem usmjeri na Boga. Naš Bog se ogrće nebesima kao plaštem; on naseljava i drugih šest prostranih svemira. On vlada nad svima i u svima. Mi žudimo za oprostom od Gospodina za sve naše opačine nad našim bližnjima; a mi tako opraštamo našeg prijatelja od zla koje je učinio nama. Naš duh prezire svako zlo; dakle, O Gospodine, oslobodi nas od ljage svakog grijeha. Mi se molimo Bogu kao svome tješite lj u, zaštitniku i spasitelju - onome koji nas voli.
1955 131:4.6 “The spirit of the Universe Keeper enters the soul of the simple creature. That man is wise who worships the One God. Those who strive for perfection must indeed know the Lord Supreme. He never fears who knows the blissful security of the Supreme, for the Supreme says to those who serve him, ‘Fear not, for I am with you.’ The God of providence is our Father. God is truth. And it is the desire of God that his creatures should understand him—come fully to know the truth. Truth is eternal; it sustains the universe. Our supreme desire shall be union with the Supreme. The Great Controller is the generator of all things—all evolves from him. And this is the sum of duty: Let no man do to another what would be repugnant to himself; cherish no malice, smite not him who smites you, conquer anger with mercy, and vanquish hate by benevolence. And all this we should do because God is a kind friend and a gracious father who remits all our earthly offenses.
2014 131:4.6 "Duh Čuvara Svemira ulazi u dušu priprostog stvorenja. Taj je čovjek mudar koji obožava Jednog Boga. Oni koji teže za savršenstvom doista moraju poznati Gospodina Vrhovnog. Nikada se ne boji onaj koji poznaje blaženu sigurnost Vrhovnog, jer Vrhovni kaže onima koji mu služe, 'Ne boj se, jer ja sam s tobom.' Bog providnosti je naš Otac. Bog je istina. Bog želi da ga njegova stvorenja razumiju - da u potpunosti znaju istinu. Istina je vječna; ona održava svemir. Naša vrhovna želja je jedinstvo s Vrhovnim. Veliki Upravitelj je pokretač svega - sve evoluira od njega. A to je ukupni zbroj dužnosti: Neka nitko ne učini drugome što mu je samom mrsko; ne njegujte zlobu, ne uzvraćajte udarac udarcem, nadvaladajte gnjev milošću i pobijedite mržnju dobročinstvom. I sve to moramo učiniti jer je Bog ljubazni prijatelj i milostivi otac koji oprašta sve naše zemaljske prijestupe.
1955 131:4.7 “God is our Father, the earth our mother, and the universe our birthplace. Without God the soul is a prisoner; to know God releases the soul. By meditation on God, by union with him, there comes deliverance from the illusions of evil and ultimate salvation from all material fetters. When man shall roll up space as a piece of leather, then will come the end of evil because man has found God. O God, save us from the threefold ruin of hell—lust, wrath, and avarice! O soul, gird yourself for the spirit struggle of immortality! When the end of mortal life comes, hesitate not to forsake this body for a more fit and beautiful form and to awake in the realms of the Supreme and Immortal, where there is no fear, sorrow, hunger, thirst, or death. To know God is to cut the cords of death. The God-knowing soul rises in the universe like the cream appears on top of the milk. We worship God, the all-worker, the Great Soul, who is ever seated in the heart of his creatures. And they who know that God is enthroned in the human heart are destined to become like him—immortal. Evil must be left behind in this world, but virtue follows the soul to heaven.
2014 131:4.7 "Bog nam je Otac, zemlja nam je majka, a svemir nam je rodno mjesto. Bez Boga duša je utamničena; poznavanje Boga oslobađa dušu. Meditiranjem o Bogu, jedinstvom s Bogom, čovjek se oslobađa obmana zla i postiže konačno spasenje od svih materijalnih okova. Kada čovjek premota prostor kao da je komad kože, završava se zlo jer čovjek pronalazi Boga. O Bože, spasi nas od trostruke propasti pakla - požude, gnjeva i pohlepe! O, Dušo, opasaj se za borbu duha u cilju besmrtnosti! Kad dođe kraj smrtnog života, ne oklijevajte ostaviti ovo tijelo i odjenuti prikladnije i ljepše obličje kad se probudite u domenama Vrhovnog i Besmrtnog, gdje nema straha, tuge, gladi, žeđi i smrti. Upoznati Boga znači pomrsiti konce smrti. Duša koja poznaje Boga uzlazi u svemiru kao što vrhnje ulazi na površinu mlijeka. Mi obožavamo Boga, svečinitelja, Veliku Dušu, onoga koji uvijek sjedi u srcu svojih stvorenja. A onima koji znaju da Bog stoluje u ljudskim srcima suđeno je da postanu poput njega - besmrtni. Zlo mora biti ostavljeno na ovom svijetu, ali vrlina slijedi dušu na nebo.
1955 131:4.8 “It is only the wicked who say: The universe has neither truth nor a ruler; it was only designed for our lusts. Such souls are deluded by the smallness of their intellects. They thus abandon themselves to the enjoyment of their lusts and deprive their souls of the joys of virtue and the pleasures of righteousness. What can be greater than to experience salvation from sin? The man who has seen the Supreme is immortal. Man’s friends of the flesh cannot survive death; virtue alone walks by man’s side as he journeys ever onward toward the gladsome and sunlit fields of Paradise.”
2014 131:4.8 "To su samo pokvareni koji govore: Svemir nema ni istine ni vladara; on postoji samo za naše požude. Takve su duše zavedene od strane malenkosti svoga intelekta. One se tako prepuštaju uživanju svojih požuda i lišavaju svoje duše radosti vrline i užitaka pravednosti. Što može biti veće od doživljaja spasenja od zla? Čovjek koji je vidio Vrhovnog je besmrtan. Čovjekovi prijatelji u tijelu ne mogu preživjeti smrt; samo vrlina slijedi čovjeka koji putuje prema radosnim i osunčanim poljima Raja."
5. ZOROASTRIANISM
5. ZOROASTRIZAM
1955 131:5.1 Zoroaster was himself directly in contact with the descendants of the earlier Melchizedek missionaries, and their doctrine of the one God became a central teaching in the religion which he founded in Persia. Aside from Judaism, no religion of that day contained more of these Salem teachings. From the records of this religion Ganid made the following excerpts:
2014 131:5.1 Zaratustra je bio izravno u kontaktu s potomcima ranijih melkizedeških misionara, i njihova je doktrina jednoga Bogu postala središnjim naukom u religiji koja je utemeljena u Perziji. Osim Judaizma, ni jedna druga religija tog dana nije sadržavala više tih salemskih učenja. Iz zapisa ove religije Ganid je izabrao sljedeće izvatke:
1955 131:5.2 “All things come from, and belong to, the One God—all-wise, good, righteous, holy, resplendent, and glorious. This, our God, is the source of all luminosity. He is the Creator, the God of all good purposes, and the protector of the justice of the universe. The wise course in life is to act in consonance with the spirit of truth. God is all-seeing, and he beholds both the evil deeds of the wicked and the good works of the righteous; our God observes all things with a flashing eye. His touch is the touch of healing. The Lord is an all-powerful benefactor. God stretches out his beneficent hand to both the righteous and the wicked. God established the world and ordained the rewards for good and for evil. The all-wise God has promised immortality to the pious souls who think purely and act righteously. As you supremely desire, so shall you be. The light of the sun is as wisdom to those who discern God in the universe.
2014 131:5.2 "Sve stvari potječu iz Jednog Boga i njemu pripadaju - svemudrom, dobrom, svetom, blistavom i veličanstvenom. Taj, naš Bog, je izvor sve blistavosti. On je Stvoritelj, Bog svih dobrih namjera i zaštitnik pravde svemira. Mudro je živjeti u suglasju s duhom istine. Bog sve vidi; on vidi zla djela opakih i dobra djela pravednika; Bog naš promatra sve pojave jednim treptajem oka. Njegov je dodir dodir iscjeljenja. Gospodin je svemogući dobročinitelj. Bog pruža svoju blagonaklonu ruku pravedniku i bezbožniku. Bog je utemeljio svijet i odredio nagradu za dobro i za zlo. Svemudri Bog je obećao besmrtnost pobožnim dušama čistih misli i pravednih djela. Kakve su tvoje duboke želje, takav si i ti. Svjetlost sunca je kao mudrost onima koji razaznaju Boga u svemiru.
1955 131:5.3 “Praise God by seeking the pleasure of the Wise One. Worship the God of light by joyfully walking in the paths ordained by his revealed religion. There is but one Supreme God, the Lord of Lights. We worship him who made the waters, plants, animals, the earth, and the heavens. Our God is Lord, most beneficent. We worship the most beauteous, the bountiful Immortal, endowed with eternal light. God is farthest from us and at the same time nearest to us in that he dwells within our souls. Our God is the divine and holiest Spirit of Paradise, and yet he is more friendly to man than the most friendly of all creatures. God is most helpful to us in this greatest of all businesses, the knowing of himself. God is our most adorable and righteous friend; he is our wisdom, life, and vigor of soul and body. Through our good thinking the wise Creator will enable us to do his will, thereby attaining the realization of all that is divinely perfect.
2014 131:5.3 "Slavite Boga tražeći radosti Mudroga. Obožavajte Boga svjetlosti radosno hodeći stazama koje je utemeljila njegova obznanjena religija. Postoji samo jedan Vrhovni Bog, Gospodar Svjetla. Mi obožavamo onoga koji je stvorio vode, biljke, životinje, zemlju i nebesa. Naš Bog je Gospodin, najveći dobročinitelj. Mi obožavamo najljepšeg, najdarežljivijeg Besmrtnog koji je obdaren vječnim svjetlom. Bog je najudaljeniji od nas i istovremeno najbliži nam je jer prebiva u našim dušama. Naš Bog je božanski i najsvetiji Duh Raja, koji je ipak čovjekov bolji prijatelj od svih drugih stvorenja. Bog nam je od najveće pomoći u ovom najvećem od svih poduzeća, poduzeću samospoznaje. Bog je naš najdraži i najispravniji prijatelj; on je naša mudrost, život i snaga duše i tijela. Kroz naše pravilno razmišljanje, mudri Stvoritelj nam omogućuje da učinimo njegovu volju i da time postignemo realizaciju svega što je božanski savršeno.
1955 131:5.4 “Lord, teach us how to live this life in the flesh while preparing for the next life of the spirit. Speak to us, Lord, and we will do your bidding. Teach us the good paths, and we will go right. Grant us that we may attain union with you. We know that the religion is right which leads to union with righteousness. God is our wise nature, best thought, and righteous act. May God grant us unity with the divine spirit and immortality in himself!
2014 131:5.4 "Gospodine, nauči nas kako živjeti ovaj život u tijelu, u pripremi za sljedeći život duha. Reci nam kako, Gospodine, da slijedimo tvoje upute. Nauči nas dobrim stazama, da možemo ići pravim putom. Dopusti nam da postignemo sjedinjenje s tobom. Znamo da je religija dobra ako dovodi do jedinstva s pravednošću. Bog je naša mudra narav, najbolja misao i ispravni čin. Neka nam Bog podari jedinstvo s božanskim duhom i besmrtnost u tebi!
1955 131:5.5 “This religion of the Wise One cleanses the believer from every evil thought and sinful deed. I bow before the God of heaven in repentance if I have offended in thought, word, or act—intentionally or unintentionally—and I offer prayers for mercy and praise for forgiveness. I know when I make confession, if I purpose not to do again the evil thing, that sin will be removed from my soul. I know that forgiveness takes away the bonds of sin. Those who do evil shall receive punishment, but those who follow truth shall enjoy the bliss of an eternal salvation. Through grace lay hold upon us and minister saving power to our souls. We claim mercy because we aspire to attain perfection; we would be like God.”
2014 131:5.5 "Ova religija Mudrog Bića čisti vjernika od svake zle misli i grešnog djela. Klanjam se pred Bogom nebeskim u pokajanju ako sam ga uvrijedio u misli, riječi ili djelu - namjerno ili nenamjerno - i nudim molitvu za milost i hvalu za oprost. Znam da kad se ispovijedim, ako opet ne učinim zlo, grijeh će biti uklonjen s moje duše. Znam da oprost skida obveznice grijeha. Oni koji čine zlo primaju kaznu, a oni koji slijede istinu moraju uživati blaženstvo vječnog spasenja. Milostivo se uhvatiti na nas i obdari naše duše spasiteljskom snagom. Tražimo milost jer želimo postići savršenstvo; želimo biti poput Boga."
6. SUDUANISM (JAINISM)
6. SUDUANIZAM (DŽAINIZAM)
1955 131:6.1 The third group of religious believers who preserved the doctrine of one God in India—the survival of the Melchizedek teaching—were known in those days as the Suduanists. Latterly these believers have become known as followers of Jainism. They taught:
2014 131:6.1 Treća je skupina religioznih vjernika koji su očuvali doktrinu jednoga Boga u Indiji - ostatak Melkizedekova nauka - bila poznata u to doba kao pokret suduanizma. Ovi su vjernici su postali poznati kao sljedbenici džainizma. Ovako su učili:
1955 131:6.2 “The Lord of Heaven is supreme. Those who commit sin will not ascend on high, but those who walk in the paths of righteousness shall find a place in heaven. We are assured of the life hereafter if we know truth. The soul of man may ascend to the highest heaven, there to develop its true spiritual nature, to attain perfection. The estate of heaven delivers man from the bondage of sin and introduces him to the final beatitudes; the righteous man has already experienced an end of sin and all its associated miseries. Self is man’s invincible foe, and self is manifested as man’s four greatest passions: anger, pride, deceit, and greed. Man’s greatest victory is the conquest of himself. When man looks to God for forgiveness, and when he makes bold to enjoy such liberty, he is thereby delivered from fear. Man should journey through life treating his fellow creatures as he would like to be treated.”
2014 131:6.2 "Gospodar Neba je vrhovni. Oni koji čine grijeh neće uzaći na nebesa, ali oni koji hodaju u stazama pravednosti nalaze mjesto na nebu. Ako znamo istinu, čeka nas budući život. Čovjekova duša može uznapredovati do najviših nebesa i tamo razviti svoju duhovnu narav, postići savršenstvo. Nebesko stanje oslobađa čovjeka od robovanja grijehu i uvodi ga u najveća blaženstva; pravednik je već doživio kraj grijeha i svake bijede koja za njim slijedi. Čovjekovo “ja” je njegov nepobjedivi neprijatelj i manifestira se kroz četiri najveće strasti: ljutnju, ponos, obmanu i pohlepu. Čovjeka najveća pobjeda je pobjeda nad samim sobom. Kad se čovjek obrati Bogu tražeći oprost i kad smogne hrabrosti uživati u takvoj slobodi, on je time oslobođen od straha. Čovjek treba ići kroz život ophodeći se prema svojim bližnjima onako kako hoće da se oni ophode prema njemu."
7. SHINTO
6. ŠINTOIZAM
1955 131:7.1 Only recently had the manuscripts of this Far-Eastern religion been lodged in the Alexandrian library. It was the one world religion of which Ganid had never heard. This belief also contained remnants of the earlier Melchizedek teachings as is shown by the following abstracts:
2014 131:7.1 Tek nedavno su rukopisi ove religije s Dalekog istoka ušli u knjižnicu u Aleksandriji. Bila je to jedina svjetska religija za koju Ganid nikada nije čuo. Ovo je uvjerenje također sadržavala ostatke ranijih melkizedeških učenja kao što je prikazano sljedećim sažetcima:
1955 131:7.2 “Says the Lord: ‘You are all recipients of my divine power; all men enjoy my ministry of mercy. I derive great pleasure in the multiplication of righteous men throughout the land. In both the beauties of nature and the virtues of men does the Prince of Heaven seek to reveal himself and to show forth his righteous nature. Since the olden people did not know my name, I manifested myself by being born into the world as a visible existence and endured such abasement even that man should not forget my name. I am the maker of heaven and earth; the sun and the moon and all the stars obey my will. I am the ruler of all creatures on land and in the four seas. Although I am great and supreme, still I have regard for the prayer of the poorest man. If any creature will worship me, I will hear his prayer and grant the desire of his heart.’
2014 131:7.2 "Kaže Gospodin: 'Vi ste svi primatelji moje božanske moći; svi ljudi uživaju službu moje milosti. Ja nalazim veliko zadovoljstvo kad poraste broj pravednika na zemlji. Knez Nebesa sebe očituje u prirodnim ljepotama i vrlinama ljudi da pokaže svoju pravednu narav. Budući da drevni ljudi nisu znali moje ime, ja sam se očitovao rođenjem u svijetu u vidljivoj egzistenciji i pretrpio sam takvo poniženje da čovjek ne treba zaboraviti moje ime. Ja sam stvoritelj neba i zemlje; sunce, mjesec i sve zvijezde pokoravaju se mojoj volji. Ja sam vladar svih stvorenja na kopnu i u četiri mora. Iako sam veliki i vrhovni, imamobzira za molitve najsiromašnijih ljudi. Ako me bilo koje stvorenje hoće obožavati, ja ću čuti njegovu molitvu i ispuniti želju njegova srca. '
1955 131:7.3 “‘Every time man yields to anxiety, he takes one step away from the leading of the spirit of his heart.’ Pride obscures God. If you would obtain heavenly help, put away your pride; every hair of pride shuts off saving light, as it were, by a great cloud. If you are not right on the inside, it is useless to pray for that which is on the outside. ‘If I hear your prayers, it is because you come before me with a clean heart, free from falsehood and hypocrisy, with a soul which reflects truth like a mirror. If you would gain immortality, forsake the world and come to me.’”
2014 131:7.3 "' Svaki put kad se čovjeku odaje tjeskobi, on uzima korak dalje od puta na koji ukazuje duh njegova srca."Ponos zaklanja pogled na Boga. Ako želite dobiti nebesku pomoć, otpustite svoj ponos; svaka dlaka ponosa djeluje kao oblak koji zakriljuje svjetlo spasenja. Ako niste u pravu iznutra, beskorisno je da se molite za ono što je izvana.'Ako čujem tvoje molitve, to je zato što mi se obraćate čista srca, bez laži i licemjerstva, s dušom koja odražava istinu poput zrcala. Ako želite steći besmrtnost, ostavite svijet i dođite k meni."
8. TAOISM
8. TAOIZAM
1955 131:8.1 The messengers of Melchizedek penetrated far into China, and the doctrine of one God became a part of the earlier teachings of several Chinese religions; the one persisting the longest and containing most of the monotheistic truth was Taoism, and Ganid collected the following from the teachings of its founder:
2014 131:8.1 Poslanici Melkizedeka su prodrli duboko u unutrašnjost Kine, a učenje o jednom Bogu je postalo dijelom ranijih učenja nekoliko kineskih religija; ona koja se najduže zadržala i koja je u sebi nosila najviše monoteističke istine je taozam, i Ganid je prikupio sljedeće odlomke koji vuku porijeklo od njezina utemeljitelja:
1955 131:8.2 “How pure and tranquil is the Supreme One and yet how powerful and mighty, how deep and unfathomable! This God of heaven is the honored ancestor of all things. If you know the Eternal, you are enlightened and wise. If you know not the Eternal, then does ignorance manifest itself as evil, and thus do the passions of sin arise. This wondrous Being existed before the heavens and the earth were. He is truly spiritual; he stands alone and changes not. He is indeed the world’s mother, and all creation moves around him. This Great One imparts himself to men and thereby enables them to excel and to survive. Even if one has but a little knowledge, he can still walk in the ways of the Supreme; he can conform to the will of heaven.
2014 131:8.2 "Kako je čist i spokojan Vrhovni, a ipak tako moćan i silan, tako dubok i nedokučiv! Ovaj je Bog nebesa predak svih stvari. Ako poznate Vječnog, primit ćete prosvjetljenje i mudrost. Ako ne znate Vječnog, vaše se neznanje ispoljava kao zlo i u vama se rađaju strasti grijeha. Ovo čudesno Biće je postojalo prije neba i zemlje. On je istinski duhovan; on stoji sam za sebe i ne mijenja se. On je doista majka svijeta i sve se stvoreno oko njega okreće.Ovaj Veliki sebe daruje ljudima i na taj način im omogućuje da se uzdignu i prežive. Ako netko ima i najmanju spoznaju, može hodati putovima Vrhovnog; on može biti u skladu s voljom neba.
1955 131:8.3 “All good works of true service come from the Supreme. All things depend on the Great Source for life. The Great Supreme seeks no credit for his bestowals. He is supreme in power, yet he remains hidden from our gaze. He unceasingly transmutes his attributes while perfecting his creatures. The heavenly Reason is slow and patient in his designs but sure of his accomplishments. The Supreme overspreads the universe and sustains it all. How great and mighty are his overflowing influence and drawing power! True goodness is like water in that it blesses everything and harms nothing. And like water, true goodness seeks the lowest places, even those levels which others avoid, and that is because it is akin to the Supreme. The Supreme creates all things, in nature nourishing them and in spirit perfecting them. And it is a mystery how the Supreme fosters, protects, and perfects the creature without compelling him. He guides and directs, but without self-assertion. He ministers progression, but without domination.
2014 131:8.3 "Svako dobro djelo istinske službe dolazi od Vrhovnog. Sve ovisi o Velikom Izvoru života. Veliki Vrhovni ne traži priznanja za svoje darivanje. On ima najveću moć, ali ostaje skriven od našeg pogleda. On neprestano preobražava svoje osobine dok usavršava svoja stvorenja. Nebeski Razbor djeluje polako i strpljivo u svojim nacrtima, ali uvijek ostaruje svoja postignuća. Vrhovni nadkriljujesvemir i sviju uzdržava. Kako je velik i veličanstven njegov preobilni utjecaj i njegova privlačna moć! Istinska dobrota je nalik vodi jer sve blagosilja i ničemu ne škodi. I kao voda, istinska dobrota teži najnižim mjestima, čak i onim razinama koje drugi nastoje izbjeći, a to je zato što nalikuje Vrhovnom. Vrhovni stvara sve stvari, u prirodi ih uzdržava i u duhu usavršava. I to je tajna kako Vrhovni može čuvati, štititi i usavršavati svoja stvorenja ne pribjegavajući prinudi. On vodi i usmjerava, ali bez pozivanja na svoja prava. On pomaže napredovanju, ali bez dominacije.
1955 131:8.4 “The wise man universalizes his heart. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Those who aspire to greatness must learn to humble themselves. In creation the Supreme became the world’s mother. To know one’s mother is to recognize one’s sonship. He is a wise man who regards all parts from the point of view of the whole. Relate yourself to every man as if you were in his place. Recompense injury with kindness. If you love people, they will draw near you—you will have no difficulty in winning them.
2014 131:8.4 "Mudar čovjek svima otvara svoje srce. Malo znanja je opasna stvar. Oni koji žele biti veliki moraju naučiti da se ponize. U stvaranju je Vrhovni postao svjetska majka. Poznavati svoju majku znači poznavati sebe kao njezino dijete. Mudar je onaj čovjek koji promatra sve dijelove sa stajališta cjeline. Odnosite se prema svakom čovjeku kao da ste na njegovu mjestu. Uzvratite uvredu dobrotom. Ako volite ljude, oni će vam se priklanjati - bez poteškoća ćete ih pridobiti.
1955 131:8.5 “The Great Supreme is all-pervading; he is on the left hand and on the right; he supports all creation and indwells all true beings. You cannot find the Supreme, neither can you go to a place where he is not. If a man recognizes the evil of his ways and repents of sin from the heart, then may he seek forgiveness; he may escape the penalty; he may change calamity into blessing. The Supreme is the secure refuge for all creation; he is the guardian and savior of mankind. If you seek for him daily, you shall find him. Since he can forgive sins, he is indeed most precious to all men. Always remember that God does not reward man for what he does but for what he is; therefore should you extend help to your fellows without the thought of rewards. Do good without thought of benefit to the self.
2014 131:8.5 "Veliki Vrhovni je sveprožimajući; on je slijeva i zdesna; on uzdržava svu tvorevinu i živi u svim istinskim bićima. Ne možete naći Vrhovnog, niti možete naći mjesto gdje ga nema. Ako čovjek prepozna zlo svojih djela i ako se pokaje za grijeh iz dubine srca, onda neka traži oprost; on može izbjeći kazni; može promijeniti nesreću u blagoslov. Vrhovni je sigurno utočište za svu tvorevinu; on je čuvar i spasitelj cijelog čovječanstva. Ako ga budete tražili iz dana u dan, naći ćete ga. Budući da može opraštati grijehe, on je doista najdragocjeniji svim ljudima. Uvijek zapamtite da Bog ne nagrađuje čovjeka za ono što radi već za ono što on jeste; zato trebate pomoći svojim bližnjima ne tražeći nagrade. Činite dobro bez pomisli na vlastitu korist.
1955 131:8.6 “They who know the laws of the Eternal are wise. Ignorance of the divine law is misery and disaster. They who know the laws of God are liberal minded. If you know the Eternal, even though your body perish, your soul shall survive in spirit service. You are truly wise when you recognize your insignificance. If you abide in the light of the Eternal, you shall enjoy the enlightenment of the Supreme. Those who dedicate their persons to the service of the Supreme are joyous in this pursuit of the Eternal. When man dies, the spirit begins to wing its long flight on the great home journey.”
2014 131:8.6 "Mudri su oni koji poznaju zakone Vječnog. Nepoznavanje božanskog zakona je bijeda i nesreća. Oni koji poznaju Božje zakone su slobodoumni. Ako znate Vječnoga, iako vaše tijelo propadne, vaša će duša preživjeti u duhu službe. Vi ste doista mudri kada prepoznajete svoju beznačajnost. Ako ostanete u svjetlu Vječnoga, uživat ćete prosvjetljenje Vrhovnoga. Oni koji se posvete službi Vrhovnog uživaju u radosti traganja za Vječnim. Kad čovjek umre, duh raširi svoja krila i krene na dugo i veliko putovanje svome domu. "
9. CONFUCIANISM
9. KONFUCIJANIZAM
1955 131:9.1 Even the least God-recognizing of the world’s great religions acknowledged the monotheism of the Melchizedek missionaries and their persistent successors. Ganid’s summary of Confucianism was:
2014 131:9.1 Čak su i one velike svjetske religije koje su imale najmanju spoznaju Boga, priznavale monoteizam melkizedeških misionara i njihovih upornih sljedbenika. Ganid je ovako sažeo konfucijanizam:
1955 131:9.2 “What Heaven appoints is without error. Truth is real and divine. Everything originates in Heaven, and the Great Heaven makes no mistakes. Heaven has appointed many subordinates to assist in the instruction and uplifting of the inferior creatures. Great, very great, is the One God who rules man from on high. God is majestic in power and awful in judgment. But this Great God has conferred a moral sense even on many inferior people. Heaven’s bounty never stops. Benevolence is Heaven’s choicest gift to men. Heaven has bestowed its nobility upon the soul of man; the virtues of man are the fruit of this endowment of Heaven’s nobility. The Great Heaven is all-discerning and goes with man in all his doings. And we do well when we call the Great Heaven our Father and our Mother. If we are thus servants of our divine ancestors, then may we in confidence pray to Heaven. At all times and in everything let us stand in awe of the majesty of Heaven. We acknowledge, O God, the Most High and sovereign Potentate, that judgment rests with you, and that all mercy proceeds from the divine heart.
2014 131:9.2 "Nema greške u onome što Nebesa postave. Istina je stvarna i božanska. Sve vuče porijeklo od Neba, a Velika Nebesa ne griješe. Nebo je postavilo mnoga niža bića da pomognu u pouci i uzdizanju nižih stvorenja. Veliki je, jako veliki, Jedan Bog koji upravlja čovjekom s visine. Bog je veličanstven na vlasti i strašan u presudi. Ali ovaj je Veliki Bog dodijelio moralni sud čak i mnogim nižim ljudima. Nebeska darežljivost nikada ne prestaje. Blagonaklonost je najbiraniji dar koji Nebesa daju čovjeku. Nebo je podarilo svoju plemenitost čovjekovoj duši; čovjekove vrline nisu niša drugo nego plod ove zadužbine plemenitosti Nebesa. Veliko Nebo sve proniče i prati čovjeka u svim njegovim djelima. A mi dobro činimo kad zovemo Veliko Nebo našim Ocem i Majkom. Ako smo dakle sluge naših božanskih predaka, onda se možemo s povjerenjem moliti Nebu. U svakom trenutku i u svemu neka se s poštovanjem bojimo veličanstva Neba. Priznajemo, O Bože, ti koji si Svevišnji i suvereni Vladar, da svaki sud počiva u tebi i da sva milost proizlazi iz božanskog srca.
1955 131:9.3 “God is with us; therefore we have no fear in our hearts. If there be found any virtue in me, it is the manifestation of Heaven who abides with me. But this Heaven within me often makes hard demands on my faith. If God is with me, I have determined to have no doubt in my heart. Faith must be very near the truth of things, and I do not see how a man can live without this good faith. Good and evil do not befall men without cause. Heaven deals with man’s soul in accordance with its purpose. When you find yourself in the wrong, do not hesitate to confess your error and be quick to make amends.
2014 131:9.3 "Bog je s nama; zato nema straha u našim srcima. Ako je u meni vrlina, to je manifestacija Neba koje je u meni. Ali to Nebo koje je u meni često postavlja visoke zahtjeve na moju vjeru. Ako je Bog sa mnom, odlučio sam nemati sumnje u mom srcu. Vjera mora biti vrlo blizu stvarne istine, a ja ne vidim kako čovjek može živjeti bez te dobre vjere. Dobro i zlo ne zadese ljude bez razloga. Nebo se odnosi prema čovjekovoj duši u skladu s njezinim namjerama. Kada se nađete u krivu, ne ustručavajte se ispovjediti svoju pogrešku i brzo je iskupiti.
1955 131:9.4 “A wise man is occupied with the search for truth, not in seeking for a mere living. To attain the perfection of Heaven is the goal of man. The superior man is given to self-adjustment, and he is free from anxiety and fear. God is with you; have no doubt in your heart. Every good deed has its recompense. The superior man murmurs not against Heaven nor holds a grudge against men. What you do not like when done to yourself, do not to others. Let compassion be a part of all punishment; in every way endeavor to make punishment a blessing. Such is the way of Great Heaven. While all creatures must die and return to the earth, the spirit of the noble man goes forth to be displayed on high and to ascend to the glorious light of final brightness.”
2014 131:9.4 "Mudar čovjek je zaokupljen traženjem istine, a ne samo uzdržavanjem. Čovjekov cilj je postignuće savršenstva Neba. Najbolji čovjek je posvećen samoprilagodbi i nema straha i tjeskobe. Bog je s tobom; ne sumnjaj u dubini srca. Svako dobro djelo donosi nagradu. Najbolji čovjek ne gunđa protiv neba i ne zamjeri ljudima. Ono što ne želite da drugi učine vama, ne činite ni vi njima. Neka suosjećanje bude dio svake kazne;na svaki način pretvorite kaznu u blagoslov. Takav je put Velikih Nebesa. Dok sva stvorenja moraju umrijeti i vratiti se u zemlju, duh plemenitog čovjeka napreduje do nebeskog očitovanja i uspinje se do veličanstvenog svjetla najvećeg sjaja."
10. “OUR RELIGION”
10. "NAŠA RELIGIJA”
1955 131:10.1 After the arduous labor of effecting this compilation of the teachings of the world religions concerning the Paradise Father, Ganid set himself to the task of formulating what he deemed to be a summary of the belief he had arrived at regarding God as a result of Jesus’ teaching. This young man was in the habit of referring to such beliefs as “our religion.” This was his record:
2014 131:10.1 Nakon napornog rada na izboru učenja različitih svjetskih religija o Rajskom Ocu, Ganid se posvetio zadatku formuliranja onoga što je smatrao sažetkom vjerovanja o Bogu koja se temelje na Isusovim učenjima. Mladić je obično govorio o ovim učenjima kao "našoj religiji." Zabilježio je sljedeće:
1955 131:10.2 “The Lord our God is one Lord, and you should love him with all your mind and heart while you do your very best to love all his children as you love yourself. This one God is our heavenly Father, in whom all things consist, and who dwells, by his spirit, in every sincere human soul. And we who are the children of God should learn how to commit the keeping of our souls to him as to a faithful Creator. With our heavenly Father all things are possible. Since he is the Creator, having made all things and all beings, it could not be otherwise. Though we cannot see God, we can know him. And by daily living the will of the Father in heaven, we can reveal him to our fellow men.
2014 131:10.2 "Gospodin Bog naš je jedan Bog, i trebate ga ljubiti svim srcem svojim i svim umom svojim dok nastojite ljubiti svu njegovu djecu kao same sebe. Ovaj je jedan Bog naš nebeski Otac i u njemu se sve sastoji, a njegov duh živi u svakoj iskrenoj ljudskoj duši. A mi koji smo djeca Božja, trebamo naučiti povjeriti naše duše na čuvanje njemu kao vjernom Stvoritelju. S našim nebeskim Ocem je sve moguće. Budući da je on Stvoritelj koji je sazdao sve stvari i sva bića, ne može biti drugačije. Iako ne možemo vidjeti Boga, možemo ga znati. I ako svaki dan budemo živjeli volju Oca na nebu, mi ga možemo otkriti našim bližnjima[13].
1955 131:10.3 “The divine riches of God’s character must be infinitely deep and eternally wise. We cannot search out God by knowledge, but we can know him in our hearts by personal experience. While his justice may be past finding out, his mercy may be received by the humblest being on earth. While the Father fills the universe, he also lives in our hearts. The mind of man is human, mortal, but the spirit of man is divine, immortal. God is not only all-powerful but also all-wise. If our earth parents, being of evil tendency, know how to love their children and bestow good gifts on them, how much more must the good Father in heaven know how wisely to love his children on earth and to bestow suitable blessings upon them.
2014 131:10.3 "Božanske dubine Božjeg karaktera moraju biti beskonačno duboke i vječno mudre. Ne možemo poznati Boga znanjem, ali ga možemo znati u našim srcima osobnim iskustvom. Dok je Božja pravednost nedokučiva, njegova je milost dostupna i najnižim bićima na zemlji. Dok Otac ispunja svemir, on živi i u našim srcima. Um čovjeka je ljudski, smrtan, ali je duh čovjeka božanski, besmrtan. Bog nije samo svemoguć, već i svemudar. Ako naši zemaljski roditelji koji su skloni zlu vole svoju djecu i znaju im podariti svoje dobre darove, koliko će više dobri Otac na nebu mudro voljeti svoju djecu i podariti im odgovarajuća blaženstva[14].
1955 131:10.4 “The Father in heaven will not suffer a single child on earth to perish if that child has a desire to find the Father and truly longs to be like him. Our Father even loves the wicked and is always kind to the ungrateful. If more human beings could only know about the goodness of God, they would certainly be led to repent of their evil ways and forsake all known sin. All good things come down from the Father of light, in whom there is no variableness neither shadow of changing. The spirit of the true God is in man’s heart. He intends that all men should be brothers. When men begin to feel after God, that is evidence that God has found them, and that they are in quest of knowledge about him. We live in God and God dwells in us.
2014 131:10.4 "Otac na nebu neće da se izgubi ni jedan od ovih malenih na zemlji, samo ako dijete ima želju pronaći Oca i istinski žudi biti poput njega. Naš Otac voli i one koji su zli i uvijek se ljubazno odnosi prema nezahvalnicima. Ako više ljudi upozna dobrotu Božju, oni će sigurno osjetiti potrebu da se pokaju za svoja zla djela i odbace sve poznate grijehe. Sve što je dobro dolazi odozgo od Oca svjetlosti, u kojega nema ni promjene ni zasjenjenja zbog mijene. Duh istinskog Boga živi u čovjekovu srcu. Bog želi da svi ljudi budu braća. Kad ljudi počnu tragati za Bogom, to znači da ih je Bog pronašao, te da su u potrazi za znanjem o njemu. Mi živimo u Bogu i Bog prebiva u nama[15].
1955 131:10.5 “I will no longer be satisfied to believe that God is the Father of all my people; I will henceforth believe that he is also my Father. Always will I try to worship God with the help of the Spirit of Truth, which is my helper when I have become really God-knowing. But first of all I am going to practice worshiping God by learning how to do the will of God on earth; that is, I am going to do my best to treat each of my fellow mortals just as I think God would like to have him treated. And when we live this sort of a life in the flesh, we may ask many things of God, and he will give us the desire of our hearts that we may be the better prepared to serve our fellows. And all of this loving service of the children of God enlarges our capacity to receive and experience the joys of heaven, the high pleasures of the ministry of the spirit of heaven.
2014 131:10.5 "Ja više neće biti zadovoljan vjerom da je Bog Otac svih ljudi iz moga naroda; ja sada vjerujem da je Bog i moj Otac. Uvijek ću nastojati obožavati Boga uz pomoć Duha Istine koji mi postaje pomoćnik kad postanem istinski poznavalac Boga. Ali prije svega ću nastojati prakticirati obožavanje Boga svojim nastojanjem da naučim činiti Božju volju na zemlji; drugim riječima, uložit ću svako nastojanje da učinim svakom od svojih bližnjih ono što mislim da bi im Bog učinio. A kad živimo ovakav život u tijelu, možemo tražiti mnoge stvari od Boga i on će ispuniti želje naših srca kako bismo mogli biti bolje pripremljeni za služenje svojim bližnjima. A sva ta služba ljubavi u korist Božje djece uvećava našu sposobnost primanja i iskustvo nebeske radosti, velikih zadovoljstava službe nebeskog duha[16].
1955 131:10.6 “I will every day thank God for his unspeakable gifts; I will praise him for his wonderful works to the children of men. To me he is the Almighty, the Creator, the Power, and the Mercy, but best of all, he is my spirit Father, and as his earth child I am sometime going forth to see him. And my tutor has said that by searching for him I shall become like him. By faith in God I have attained peace with him. This new religion of ours is very full of joy, and it generates an enduring happiness. I am confident that I shall be faithful even to death, and that I will surely receive the crown of eternal life.
2014 131:10.6 "Svaki dan zahvaljujem Bogu za njegove neizrecive darove; hvalim ga za njegova čudesa ljudskoj djeci. Za mene on je Svemogući, Stvoritelj, Snaga i Milosrđe, ali najbolje od svega, on je moj Otac koji je duh, i kao njegovo zemaljsko djete znam da ću ga jednog dana istinski vidjeti. A moj tutor kaže da ću u potrazi za njim postati sve više poput njega. Vjerom u Boga sam postigao mir s njim. Ova naša nova religija je puna radosti i stvara trajnu sreću. Uvjeren sam da ću ostati vjeran do smrti, i da ću sigurno primiti vijenac vječnog života[17].
1955 131:10.7 “I am learning to prove all things and adhere to that which is good. Whatsoever I would that men should do to me, that I will do to my fellows. By this new faith I know that man may become the son of God, but it sometimes terrifies me when I stop to think that all men are my brothers, but it must be true. I do not see how I can rejoice in the fatherhood of God while I refuse to accept the brotherhood of man. Whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. If that is true, then all men must be my brothers.
2014 131:10.7 "Učim dokazati sve stvari i pridržavati se onoga što je dobro. Što god želim da ljudi učine meni, činim i ja njima. Ovom novom vjerom znam da čovjek može postati sin Božji, ali ponekad me užasava kad pomislim da su svi ljudi moja braća, ali to mora biti istina. Ne vidim kako se mogu radovati u Božjem očinstvu, ako odbijam prihvatiti bratstvo ljudi. Tko god zazove ime Gospodnje, bit ćespašen. Ako je to istina, onda svi ljudi moraju biti moja braća[18].
1955 131:10.8 “Henceforth will I do my good deeds in secret; I will also pray most when by myself. I will judge not that I may not be unfair to my fellows. I am going to learn to love my enemies; I have not truly mastered this practice of being Godlike. Though I see God in these other religions, I find him in ‘our religion’ as being more beautiful, loving, merciful, personal, and positive. But most of all, this great and glorious Being is my spiritual Father; I am his child. And by no other means than my honest desire to be like him, I am eventually to find him and eternally to serve him. At last I have a religion with a God, a marvelous God, and he is a God of eternal salvation.”
2014 131:10.8 "Ubuduće ću činiti dobra djela u tajnosti; i kad se molim, molit ću se u skrovitosti. I neću suditi kako ne bih bio nepravedan prema svojim bližnjima. Naučit ću voljeti svoje neprijatelje; još uvijek nisam potpuno ovladao ovom vještinom nalikovanja Bogu. Iako vidim Boga i u tim drugim religijama, moram priznati da je u 'našoj religiji' on ljepši, brižniji, milostiviji, osobniji i pozitivniji. Ali najviše od svega, ovo veliko i slavno Biće je moj duhovni Otac; ja sam njegovo dijete. I nema drugih sredstava osim moje iskrene želje da budem poput njega, da ga na kraju mogu pronaći i vječno mu služiti. Konačno imam religiju s Bogom, predivnim Bogom, a on je Bog vječnog spasenja[19]."