42
Selected Messages Book 1
extensively. Sometimes light would be given to me in the night season,
sometimes in the daytime before large congregations. The instruction
I received in vision was faithfully written out by me, as I had time and
strength for the work. Afterward we examined the matter together,
my husband correcting grammatical errors and eliminating needless
repetition. Then it was carefully copied for the persons addressed, or
for the printer.
As the work grew, others assisted me in the preparation of matter
for publication. After my husband’s death, faithful helpers joined me,
who labored untiringly in the work of copying the testimonies and
preparing articles for publication.
But the reports that are circulated, that any of my helpers are
permitted to add matter or change the meaning of the messages I write
out, are not true.
While we were in Australia the Lord instructed me that W. C.
White should be relieved from the many burdens his brethren would
lay upon him, that he might be more free to assist me in the work the
Lord has laid upon me. The promise had been given, “I will put My
Spirit upon him, and give him wisdom.”
Since my return to America I have several times received instruc-
tion that the Lord has given me W. C. White to be my helper, and that
in this work the Lord will give him of His Spirit.
[51]
Proper Time and Manner of Presentation
It requires much wisdom and sound judgment, quickened by the
Spirit of God, to know the proper time and manner to present the
instruction that has been given. When the minds of persons reproved
are under a strong deception, they naturally resist the testimony; and
having taken an attitude of resistance, it is difficult for them afterward
to acknowledge that they have been wrong.
In the early days of this cause, if some of the leading brethren were
present when messages from the Lord were given, we would consult
with them as to the best manner of bringing the instruction before the
people. Sometimes it was decided that certain portions would better
not be read before a congregation. Sometimes those whose course
was reproved would request that the matters pointing out their wrongs