Chapter 5—Information From Men

There is a part that men have to act, in bringing facts regarding the progress of events, by writing any by word of mouth, to the Lord’s messengers. This is seen in the experience of Paul as recorded in 1 Corinthians 1:11.ITC 7.6

While we were in Australia, the plans on which our school work ought to be developed were clearly outlined to Mother, and she presented these thoughts to those connected with the school. We were surrounded with difficulties, and the work laid out before us seemed to be impossible. Some wanted to push forward the work very rapidly; others were cautious, and wanted to wait for assurance that we could complete what we began. We had our struggles.ITC 7.7

At one important meeting I determined not to tell Mother of the perplexities connected with our work, but that I would tell the Lord all about them, and ask Him to send us instruction according to our necessities. When I came home from Board meetings, late at night, I laid the matter before the Lord, and asked Him to help us, and send us messages as He would. Each morning I would go to Mother and say, Have you anything new for us this morning? Sometimes she would say, I do not know that I have; but I was in council last night, and we were talking over such and such a matter. Sometimes what she told me did not seem to have any bearing upon the subject that was on my mind, and sometimes it would answer the very questions that I had laid before the Lord the night before. Many times what she said gave light that was direct answer to my prayer.ITC 8.1

One morning after I had asked Mother if she had anything new for us, she said, “What are you doing in your Board meeting? What kind of a time are you having?” I answered, I do not need to tell you; the Lord can tell you what you need to know, better than I can, and I might not tell it impartially. She said, “Willie White, you tell me what you are doing.” I asked, Why? Then she said, “It is presented to me that you are having a hard time, and when you reach a certain point, I am to have something to say. I want to know if you have reached that point.” Mother, I said, we are having a hard time, but for several reasons I did not want to tell you about it. Then she insisted, and I told her the best I could from my standpoint about the status of our work. When I had finished she said, “That is all right. I do not believe I will go today, but I think you are getting pretty near to the point when I must come over and bear my testimony.” In a day or two she came over and told us what had been presented to her.ITC 8.2

Some have wondered why it is that sometimes when Sister White is speaking, toward the close of her remarks she will turn to me and say, “Have I covered the points, Willie?” and from this they have drawn the conclusion that I have been prompting Mother regarding what she shall say in meeting.ITC 8.3

It often happens that Mother tells us a few days, or a few hours before the meeting the line of thought which she wishes to present, and she sometimes asks me to remind her if any essential point is left out. Then in closing her remarks she feels anxious to know if any essential features of what she intended to present have been overlooked.ITC 8.4