[ Persecution in the Battle Before the Last Closing Conflict. ] --The two armies will stand distinct and separate, and this distinction will be so marked that many who shall be convinced of the truth will come on the side of God's commandment-keeping people. When this grand work is to take place in the battle, prior to the last closing conflict, many will be imprisoned, many will flee for their lives from cities and towns, and many will be martyrs for Christ's sake in standing in defence of the truth. . . . You will not be tempted above what you are able to bear. Jesus bore all this and far more. . . . 3SM 397

It seems cruel to establish our schools in the cities, where the students are prevented from learning the precious lessons taught by nature. It is a mistake to call families into the city, where children and youth breathe an atmosphere of corruption and crime, sin and violence, intemperance and ungodliness. Oh, it is a terrible mistake to allow children to come in contact with that which makes such a fearful impression on their senses. Children and youth can not be too fully guarded from familiarity with the pictures of iniquity as common as in all large cities. SPM 186