The
Sign to Leave Large Cities
When
ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel
the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains. Matt. 24:15, 16.
The time
is not far distant, when, like the early disciples, we shall be forced to
seek a refuge in desolate and solitary places. As the siege of Jerusalem by
the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians, so the
assumption of power on the part of our nation [the United States] in the decree
enforcing the papal sabbath will be a warning to us. It will then be time
to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired
homes in secluded places among the mountains.
For years
I have been given special light that we are not to center our work in the
cities. The turmoil and confusion that fill these cities, the conditions brought
about by the labor unions and the strikes, would prove a great hindrance to
our work. Men are seeking to bring those engaged in the different trades under
bondage to certain unions. This is not God's planning, but the planning of
a power that we should in no wise acknowledge. God's Word is fulfilling; the
wicked are binding themselves up in bundles ready to be burned.
The trades
unions and confederacies of the world are a snare. Keep out of them, and away
from them, brethren. Have nothing to do with them. Because of these unions
and confederacies, it will soon be very difficult for our institutions to
carry on their work in the cities. . . . Educate our people to get out of
the cities into the country, where they can obtain a small piece of land,
and make a home for themselves and their children. . . .
Erelong
there will be such strife and confusion in the cities, that those who wish
to leave them will not be able.
We are
not to locate ourselves where we will be forced into close relations with
those who do not honor God. . . . A crisis is soon to come in regard to the
observance of Sunday. . . .
The Sunday
party is strengthening itself in its false claims, and this will mean oppression
to those who determine to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. . . .
If in the
providence of God we can secure places away from the cities, the Lord would
have us do this. There are troublous times before us.