Country Living is a compact 43-page pamphlet presenting Ellen G. White's urgent counsel for God's people to leave the cities and establish homes in rural settings. Compiled from her various writings, this work addresses the mounting perils of city life—moral corruption, disease, violence, and the coming judgments—while painting an appealing picture of country life's benefits for physical health, spiritual growth, and family protection. White declares that 'the cities are filled with temptation' and that families remaining there 'are exposing their children to many and varied dangers.'
The book presents country living not as optional lifestyle preference but as essential preparation for the final crisis. White explains that in rural settings, families can more easily maintain health through simple living and outdoor labor, children can grow without the corrupting influences of city vice, and believers will be better positioned when cities become centers of persecution and violence. She envisions self-supporting families on small farms raising much of their own food, teaching children practical skills, and using their homes as centers of missionary influence to unreached communities.
Practical counsel addresses selecting suitable locations (not too remote from believers, yet far enough from cities to escape their influence), establishing small industries to support gospel work, and the urgency of immediate action rather than delay. White warns that 'the time is near when the large cities will be visited by the judgments of God' and counsels families to make the necessary sacrifices now, while they still have opportunity. The book concludes with encouraging promises that God will bless those who step out in faith to follow His counsel.
This booklet is essential for families living in cities who sense unease about their environment but need biblical motivation to relocate. It speaks powerfully to parents concerned about raising children amidst urban corruption and violence. Church members preparing for earth's final crisis need this practical counsel on positioning themselves for trials ahead. Young families establishing homes should consider these principles early. Anyone hesitating to leave city comforts for simpler country living will find both warning and encouragement in White's direct counsel.
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“Out of the cities, out of the cities!—this is the message the Lord has been giving me.”
“Erelong there will be such strife and confusion in the cities, that those who wish to leave them will not be able.”
“The Lord calls upon our people to leave the cities and get into the country, where they can cultivate the soil and obtain their own food products.”
“We cannot now take God's people from the cities at once, but we have a message to give them to get out of the cities and into the country, where they can be safe.”
“Let the city missionary go forth to do his work with the distinct understanding that it is not to gather into churches all who may accept the truth, but to raise up companies who shall establish centers of influence in the smaller towns and country places.”