Country Living

by Ellen Gould White

The advantages of country living have been repeatedly stressed through the Spirit of prophecy counsels. Through the years thousands of Seventh-day Adventists have been guided in the choice of home environments and in their relationships to organizations of the world by the widely published testimony counsels on these vital points. As the omens of the impending crisis indicate the subtlety of the perils and the fury of the conflict before us, this counsel is republished to engage the attention of every church member. Presented with these statements are the more detailed instruction printed from time to time in publications or letters of counsel. Topics include:

A Call to Leave the Cities
Avoiding Labor Conflicts
An Appeal to Parents
Occupations in Rural Locations
Preparing for the Sunday Law Crisis
Colonizing at Institutional Centers
Guided by God’s Providences
Our Institutional Centers to be Away From Congested Areas
Emergency Flight in Closing Conflict

34 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

In brief, Ellen Gould Harmon White was a woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century (1827-1915), yet through her writings she is still making a revolutionary impact on millions of people around the world. During her lifetime she wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books; but today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender. Her writings cover a broad range of subjects, including religion, education, social relationships, evangelism, prophecy, publishing, nutrition, and management. Her life-changing masterpiece on successful Christian living, Steps to Christ, has been published in more than 140 languages. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Mrs. White was more than a gifted writer; they believe she was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world's attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ's second advent. From the time she was 17 years old until she died 70 years later, God gave her approximately 2,000 visions and dreams. The visions varied in length from less than a minute to nearly four hours. The knowledge and counsel received through these revelations she wrote out to be shared with others. Thus her special writings are accepted by Seventh-day Adventists as inspired, and their exceptional quality is recognized even by casual readers. As stated in Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , “The writings of Ellen White are not a substitute for Scripture. They cannot be placed on the same level. The Holy Scriptures stand alone, the unique standard by which her and all other writings must be judged and to which they must be subject” (Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Washington D.C., 1988, p. 227). Yet, as Ellen White herself noted, “The fact that God has revealed His will to men through His Word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour to open the Word to His servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings” (The Great Controversy, p. vii). The following is a more detailed account of the life and work of this remarkable woman who, meeting all the tests of a true prophet as set forth in the Holy Scriptures, helped found the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Reviews

[Carôle Ceres · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this is just a compilation of letters, articles and manuscripts addressing specific instances when Mrs White was told by God that people should leave the city. Most prominently was a move from Battle Creek (in the late 1800’s).

So, whilst this book has interesting & valid precepts, I can’t help but think that it cannot, in its entirety, be implemented in every country. It strikes me as very North America centric, smaller countries and islands may struggle.

Notwithstanding this, it would be prudent to get out of the cities, and whilst it may not be possible to live completely independently in the country (limited land space, poor climate for vegetable growth, etc.), it would still be sensible to do so.

It reads like an advisory book to embrace an Amish-like lifestyle, without any robust instructions on how to achieve this.

I’m glad that I read it, even though I have more questions than answers. I shall seek clarity from the EGW Estate.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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, in the decree enforcing the papal Sabbath, will be a warning to us."

This book doesn't tell you about country loving but explains why we may have to become familiar with it and why it benefits the family to live outside of the cities. Pray for God's guidance and trust Him fully.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33

[Sandra Keranen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent advice for this time, plant a garden and live well simply!

Country living is cleaner, healthier, and provides an opportunity to live simply but well. Fresh air, clean water, healthy food, outside activities (both for work and recreate), a beautiful environment for spiritual and psychic rest, peace and quiet to benefit the mind, etc. A good counsel for families to follow. Quick read.

[Barnavy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and concise but shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that we should not be living in the cities, especially God's people. There are very serious reasons for why we must move out of the cities and build self sufficient homes, where we can provide for our families and help others who are struggling.

[Lalnun Ralte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its too short for me. I wish to learn more about Country living.

[Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anthology of quotes and wisdom from across Ellen White's writings, Country Living is a simple but powerful read. It's timely, motivational and gives one a lot to think about. The specific SDA context may loose some readers in places but the overall impact is still there.