Spalding and Magan Collection

The Work in the Southern Field

December 26, 1902.

To My Brethren in Positions of Responsibility:

During the night following our interview in my house and out on the lawn under the trees, October 19, 1902, in regard to the work in the Southern field, the Lord instructed me that I had taken a wrong position. SpM 282.2

In our morning council-meeting statements were made that I need not repeat, statements showing why a successful work could not be done in Nashville, because Edson White would be sustained by his mother. This was the tenor of the remarks made. Strong representations were made in regard to the terrible condition of things existing in the institutions at Nashville. It was stated that if I would sustain Edson White in his methods of working, nothing could be done to change the situation. The brethren put questions to me, and I spoke words in reply that gave them liberty to do in Nashville all that they would, under similar circumstances, do elsewhere. I was cut to the heart. I thought to myself, “Why should not I give them this liberty? If wrongs exist, as the brethren represent, most thorough work should be done to make these wrongs right.” SpM 282.3

But after I went to my room I passed through an experience. For three nights in succession I was instructed by the Lord that I had spoken unadvisedly; that matters had not been correctly represented to me, some of the particulars not being given; and that I should not consent merely because Edson White is my son, to allow him to be condemned, or to allow his God-given work to be hindered and wronged, as it certainly had been, and would continue to be, unless the light that the Lord had given me in regard to the work in the southern field were used in a way altogether different from the way in which the brethren planned to use it. I was instructed that the understanding of these men had been perverted by the words of those who, prompted by a perverse spirit, understood not what they were saying. If these men had passed through the same experience that the brethren in Nashville have, not one of them would have accomplished as much as the workers there have. They would have given up, discouraged. SpM 282.4

In connection with the Southern work, transactions have taken place that never should have been permitted. Money that was called for to use in breaking up the ground in places that have never been worked, was appropriated to places where work has been carried forward for some time. It was wrong not to allow the means given for opening new fields, to be used where the people supposed it would be. Every facility, every advantage, should be given to the men whom the Lord has appointed and fitted to enter new territory. Men who by past experience know how to plan and devise methods for doing a work similar to the work that has already been done in several places. Every hand should be outstretched to encourage the workers and to prepare the way before them. Liberal gifts should be made in response to the calls for means to advance the great work that must be one in this field, a field where the greatest difficulties must be met and overcome. SpM 283.1