Outpost
/ˈaʊtpəʊst/
a small military camp or position at some distance from the main army, used especially as a guard against surprise attack.
That is an interesting perspective on the historical definition of the world. But more specifically, what is the definition of an "Adventist Outpost"? Let's read what the Spirit of Prophecy says:
“It is God's design that our people should locate outside the cities, and from these outposts warn the cities, and raise in them memorials for God. There must be a force of influence in the cities, that the message of warning shall be heard.”
The Review and Herald, April 14, 1903
“Let men of sound judgment be appointed, not to publish abroad their intentions, but to search for such properties in the rural districts, in easy access to the cities... Do not erect buildings in the noisy cities.”
Medical Ministry, 308, 309 (1909)
An Outpost is a property outside of the city where there is a community whose focus is the service of God in proclaiming the warning of the 3 Angels Messages and being an influence for good.
“We must make wise plans to warn the cities, and at the same time live where we can shield our children and ourselves from the contaminating and demoralizing influences so prevalent in these places.”
Life Sketches, p. 410. (1915)
It should be clear that an Outpost is a place of protection from the influences of the world and a place used to influence others with the message given by God.
Homestead
Ministry
Business
Outpost
“The cities are to be worked from outposts. Said the messenger of God, ‘Shall not the cities be warned? Yes, not by God's people living in them, but by their visiting them, to warn them of what is coming upon the earth.’”
Letter 182, 1902
“Christians who are living in the great centers of commerce and travel have special opportunities. Believers in these cities can work for God in the neighborhood of their homes.”
9T 122.1
“At such a time as this, the people who are seeking to keep the commandments of God should look for retired places away from the cities. Some must remain in the cities to give the last note of warning, but this will become more and more dangerous to do.”
10MR 261.4
“But erelong there will be such strife and confusion in the cities, that those who wish to leave them will not be able.”
The General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903
For those who are lingering in the cities, there are severe warnings given:
“In harmony with the light given me, I am urging people to come out from the great centers of population. Our cities are increasing in wickedness, and it is becoming more and more evident that those who remain in them unnecessarily do so at the peril of their soul's salvation.”
Manuscript 115, 1907
“Many now will plead to remain in the cities...”
Letter 26, 1907
“Had Lot hastened as the Lord desired him to, his wife would not have become a pillar of salt. Lot had too much of a lingering spirit. Let us not be like him.”
Country Living (CL 6.7)
“...Lot could have preserved his family from many evils had he not made his home in this wicked, polluted city. All that Lot and his family did in Sodom could have been done by them, even if they had lived in a place some distance away from the city. Enoch walked with God, and yet he did not live in the midst of any city polluted with every kind of violence and wickedness, as did Lot in Sodom.”
Manuscript 94, 1903
“As God's commandment-keeping people, we must leave the cities. As did Enoch, we must work in the cities but not dwell in them.”
Manuscript 85, 1899
“[Enoch] did not make his abode with the wicked... He placed himself and his family where the atmosphere would be as pure as possible. Then at times he went forth to the inhabitants of the world with his God- given message... After proclaiming his message, he always took back with him to his place of retirement some who had received the warning.”
Manuscript 42, 1900
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”
2 Corinthians 6:17