Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 200, 1900

McCullagh, S.

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

March 24, 1900

Previously unpublished.

Dear Brother McCullagh:

Two nights ago I was, in the night season, in a council meeting of our brethren and the question was asked, Should Brother McCullagh leave the work just as it is now is? It was not the best thing to do. 15LtMs, Lt 200, 1900, par. 1

One who was in authority said to Brother McCullagh, You have taken too large a responsibility. You will need in every move you make to know that you are moving in [a] way that you will not follow your own judgment, but the united voice of your brethren. You have failed in this, working too much independently. You have not the vital strength to carry this load of responsibility. Now, before you advance any farther, advise and consult with your brethren and they will help you very much. As it will require their financial strength to carry this thing through, you must not move a step in your own individual independence. 15LtMs, Lt 200, 1900, par. 2

There are men who have as deep an interest as it is possible for you to have who will act a part in counsel, in wisdom in financial [lines], and in carrying through these matters, but this is not your work. God has not appointed you this work to do. You are a man who must not take any responsibilities. You have men in Ballarat who should take this off you, and you be left to minister in Word and doctrine. 15LtMs, Lt 200, 1900, par. 3

Never should you take any such responsibilities on you. This is not your work. You can borrow money, [but] have you taken your brethren right along with you in your building plans? Have you yoked up with them and they with you? As you are carrying this matter, there will be irritation in several lines of the work. One man’s mind and one man’s judgment is not to be allowed to become an efficiency in any case where the building of a church is concerned. It takes every member of the church who can carry responsibilities, and the minister is not the man to lift this work alone. You want to move solidly and guard against incurring debts because of which, after the house is built, you must dedicate it to God [still] involved [in debt], to be a burden to the church. Better move surely and slowly and let each do his best. 15LtMs, Lt 200, 1900, par. 4

There is need of a house of worship, and the Lord will put it into the hearts of the brethren to do to the uttermost of their ability. But you are to be guarded and not to stand under any such responsibilities as this financing. You have made a mistake. You need now to correct this error as fast as possible and leave the burden on the church. As matters stand now, you have involved yourself in the burden, and you must not leave everything at loose ends and go to Geelong. This is the lesson you must learn, to secure the mind and judgment of your brethren and not advance without their advice, counsel, and co-operation. There will be a great disaffection if you now leave matters abruptly. In all your enterprises, counsel with your brethren. All the church are to unite in this building and counseling together. You will be led on and on to incur heavy debts hard to lift after once invested. First secure the means before paying it out. 15LtMs, Lt 200, 1900, par. 5

Some words were spoken but I have not time to write them. There is another point you have not considered and your brethren have not considered, in their wish to have you come to labor with them in Geelong. You are exchanging a more favorable climate for a climate more taxing. You cannot long be in Geelong without suffering and peril to your life. As I have spoken favorably to you in regard to coming to Ballarat, I must now say I dare not encourage your moving and settling here. Your health needs a drier, cooler climate than the climate in Geelong. I will say I would not dare to have you come. I have had no words with Brother Starr, but as I am to be there evening after the Sabbath I will then converse with him. 15LtMs, Lt 200, 1900, par. 6

In much love. 15LtMs, Lt 200, 1900, par. 7

March 25

Geelong

I cannot send this Sunday, but will say to you a few things farther. I have had a talk with Brother Starr. I find he feels as I do, and we had no words on this question until my return from Melbourne. I have thought of telegraphing to you after the Sabbath and mentioned it to him, supposing a telegram would reach you. 15LtMs, Lt 200, 1900, par. 8

I really supposed this climate would be better for you than Ballarat, but now I see the goodness of the Lord in letting us know before you should settle in Geelong. I think this will all come out right. But the cautions were given you not to do things on your own responsibility, because you would not be a financial success. 15LtMs, Lt 200, 1900, par. 9

You need to move cautiously in regard to health. I have been distressed much myself and several are in the same difficulty. I spoke in Geelong to a houseful and the meeting was good. 15LtMs, Lt 200, 1900, par. 10

Evening, March 25, I have just come from the hall. There was a good-sized congregation. They listened with great attention and this is the last time I expect to speak in Geelong or in this part of the country. I had freedom in speaking from the First Epistle of John, chapter 3. I was glad to speak to them once more, but I am afflicted in throat, head, and lungs. 15LtMs, Lt 200, 1900, par. 11