When the Jews were dispersed from Jerusalem, there were among them young men and women who were firm as a rock to principle, men and women who had not pursued a course to make the Lord ashamed to call them His people. These were sad at heart for the backsliding which they could not prevent. These innocent ones must suffer with the guilty; but God would give them strength sufficient for their day. It was to them that the message of encouragement was sent. The hope of the nation lay in those young men and maidens who would preserve their integrity. And in their captivity these obedient ones had an influence over their idolatrous companions. Had all who were taken captive held firmly to correct principles, they would have imparted light in every place where they were scattered. But they remained impenitent, and still heavier punishment came upon them. Their calamities were sent for their purification. God would bring them to the place where they would be instructed (Manuscript 151, 1899).{4BC 1144.4}

Da jøderne blev adspredt fra Jerusalem, var der unge mænd og kvinder iblandt dem, som var klippefaste i principperne, mænd og kvinder som ikke havde været sådan at Herren ikke blev til skamme at kalde dem for Hans folk. Disse var bedrøvede i hjertet for det frafald som de ikke kunne forhindre. Disse uskyldige må lide skyld; men Gud vil give dem styrke nok til deres dag. Det var til dem at opmuntringsbudskabet blev sendt. Nationens håb lå hos disse unge mænd og jomfruer som ville bevare deres renhed. Og i deres fangenskab havde disse lydige en indflydelse over deres afgudsdyrkende landsmænd. Havde alle som var blevet taget til fange, holdt fast på de rette principper, ville de have tildelt lys på alle de steder de blev spredt til. Men de forblev ubodfærdige, og en endnu hårdere straf kom over dem. Deres ulykker blev til deres renselse. Gud ville bringe dem til det sted, hvor de ville lade sig instruere. (MS 151, 1899).