Those who “ate” the book, and gave the “time” proclamation, deemed their work for the world was done; hence the declaration that they must again teach nations, and tongues, and kings. Another part of the work, hitherto unseen, must now be accomplished,—that of presenting to the people the real character of the temple of God in heaven and its altar service. The command to measure the temple 21In a measurement where no figures are given as the result, it is character, and not dimensions, that is involved. is needful in order to gain a knowledge of the nature of the event to transpire at the close of the prophetic time, and thus an explanation be given of the words, “Then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” GSAM 194.3
Notice that the angel of this time proclamation came from heaven, and before his work is completed he gives a commission to teach the people again. The message, then, which is to explain the sanctuary question, to give confidence to the disappointed ones, and at the same time furnish them with a “reed,” or “rod,” or rule, by which the people of God can try their moral standing before him, must bear evident marks that it is heaven born, and not of human origin. GSAM 194.4