Page 188 - Maranatha (1976)

Basic HTML Version

The Sign to Leave Large Cities, June 21
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.
Matthew 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.
[181]
184