This page will seek to give practical guidance to help those seeking to make the transition from city to country living; and even for those living in the country we pray that this section may be a blessing, for having a home in the country doesnt necessarily mean that we are country living–and receiving its heavenly blessings. We will look at the purpose and benefits of country living as revealed in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. We will look at the practical “how to” principles that we might learn how to have heaven on earth. Better to learn these principles sooner than later,For we are told that soon “country living” will be not only a priviledge but a NECESSITY! Let us learn and enter into these divine principles of country living together.
“The time is fast coming when the controlling power of the labor unions will be very oppressive. Again and again the Lord has instructed that our people are to take their families away from the cities, into the country, where they can raise their own provisions; for in the future the problem of buying and selling will be a very serious one. We should now begin to heed the instruction given us over and over again: Get out of the cities into rural districts, where the houses are not crowded closely together, and where you will be free from the interference of enemies.–Letter 5, 1904. {2SM 141.1}
“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. We are to place ourselves where we can carry out the Sabbath commandment in its fullness. “Six days shalt thou labour,” the Lord declares, “and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work” (Ex. 20:9, 10). And we are to be careful not to place ourselves where it will be hard for ourselves and our children to keep the Sabbath. {2SM 359.3}
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.{2SM 359.4}
“When the power invested in kings is allied to goodness, it is because the one in responsibility is under the divine dictation. When power is allied with wickedness, it is allied to satanic agencies, and it will work to destroy those who are the Lord’s property. The Protestant world have set up an idol sabbath in the place where God’s Sabbath should be, and they are treading in the footsteps of the Papacy. For this reason I see the necessity of the people of God moving out of the cities into retired country {places}, where they may cultivate the land and raise their own produce. Thus they may bring their children up with simple, healthful habits. I see the necessity of making haste to get all things ready for the crisis.–Letter 90, 1897. {2SM 359.5}