Cities
81
The Signal for Flight From the Cities
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, 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.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:464, 465
(1885).
Some Righteous Still in the Cities After the Death Decree Has
Been Passed
In the time of trouble we all fled from the cities and villages but
were pursued by the wicked, who entered the houses of the saints with
a sword.—
Early Writings, 34
(1851).
As the saints left the cities and villages they were pursued by the
wicked, who sought to slay them. But the swords that were raised to
kill God’s people broke and fell as powerless as a straw. Angels of
God shielded the saints.—
Early Writings, 284, 285
(1858).
Though a general decree has fixed the time when commandment-
keepers may be put to death, their enemies will in some cases anticipate
the decree, and before the time specified will endeavor to take their
lives. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every
faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and
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villages, but the swords raised against them break and fall as powerless
as a straw. Others are defended by angels in the form of men of
war.—
The Great Controversy, 631
(1911).
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