Frank Acknowledgment of Her Mistake

In a letter written a few weeks later, addressed to “My Brethren in Positions of Responsibility,” Mrs. White said:AGP 327.2

“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.” E. G. White Letter 208, 1902.

In this communication, a bright picture of the future of the Nashville printing office was given. In words of precious encouragement she declared:AGP 327.3

“Light will shine upon the workers in Nashville. From this center light will shine forth in the ministry of the word, in the publication of books large and small. We have as yet merely touched the Southern field with the tips of our fingers. ‘The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.’ The same voice that at the beginning said, ‘Let there be light,’ in these last days declares that a knowledge of God’s word shall not be confined merely to a few places.” Idem.

The message to continue the work of the Southern Publishing Association was truly disconcerting. It brought great disappointment to many. Its contradiction to the counsel given to us in our interview threw some into perplexity. But we were reminded that there is scriptural record for a prophet’s reversal, after being divinely instructed, of a seemingly sound human judgment. King David called to him the prophet Nathan and spoke of his purpose to build a house for the Lord.AGP 328.1

“Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee. And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, Go and tell David My servant, Thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not build Me an house.” (See 1 Chronicles 17:1-4.)AGP 328.2

David accepted the message that had come by revelation, in place of the counsel given in the interview the preceding day.AGP 328.3

Our Committee took the same action. We accepted the written message sent to us, and set aside our former plans with the approval that had been given to them by the servant of the Lord. We undertook with renewed determination to make the Nashville printing plant a success. The brethren connected with the work in the South gave their best energies and thought to the enterprise. New talent was brought in. Economies were effected. Each year thereafter the losses were less, and in a few years the plant came through with no deficit. The swing upward continued with larger profit year by year until the gains had more than offset all the preceding losses.AGP 328.4