Occupations in Rural Locations
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evil, its turmoil and crime, misery and foulness, for the country’s quiet
and peace and purity.
To many of those living in the cities who have not a spot of green
grass to set their feet upon, who year after year have looked out upon
filthy courts and narrow alleys, brick walls and pavements, and skies
clouded with dust and smoke,—if these could be taken to some farming
district, surrounded with the green fields, the woods and hills and
brooks, the clear skies and the fresh, pure air of the country, it would
seem almost like heaven.
Cut off to a great degree from contact with and dependence upon
men, and separated from the world’s corrupting maxims and customs
and excitements, they would come nearer to the heart of nature. God’s
presence would be more real to them. Many would learn the lesson
of dependence upon Him. Through nature they would hear His voice
speaking to their hearts of His peace and love, and mind and soul and
body would respond to the healing, life-giving power.—
The Ministry
of Healing, 190-192
(1905).
Industries for Families From Cities
Believers who are now living in the cities will have to move to the
country, that they may save their children from ruin. Attention must
be given to the establishment of industries in which these families
can find employment. Those who have charge of the school-work
at——and——should see what can be done by these institutions to
establish such industries, so that our people desiring to leave the cities,
can obtain modest homes without a large outlay of means, and can
also find employment. In both——and——there are favorable and
encouraging features for the development of this plan. Study what
these features are.
All that needs to be done cannot be specified till a beginning is
[20]
made. Pray over the matter, and remember that God stands at the helm,
that He is guiding in the work of the various enterprises. A place
in which the work is conducted on right lines is an object lesson to
other places. There must be no narrowness, no selfishness, in the work
done. The work is to be placed on a simple, sensible basis. All are
to be taught not only to claim to believe the truth, as the truth, but to
exemplify the truth in the daily life.—
Letter 25, 1902
.