Fitzgerald, W. J.
Atlanta, Georgia
June 8, 1905
Previously unpublished.
Elder W. J. Fitzgerald
1809 Wallace Street
Philadelphia
Dear Brother Fitzgerald,—
I will try to write you a few lines. We are waiting in the partially finished station here at Atlanta, while the cars are switching back and forth, and I will improve the time by writing to you. 20LtMs, Lt 175, 1905, par. 1
I wish to say to you, my brother, that we cannot encourage you to look to the General Conference to take the responsibility of paying the debts of the sanitariums that are being established. Nevertheless, I write to you, as I have written the brethren at Melrose, to go right forward, and do your best, having courage that the Lord will surely open ways before you. We do not want the General Conference to stand responsible for the sanitariums that we have felt assured we must have; but when we take up the burden of purchasing buildings, we lay the whole matter before our own people in the conference or section that is to be benefited and let them share the burden. We have done this with much success. 20LtMs, Lt 175, 1905, par. 2
At this juncture, when the work in Washington and Takoma Park must be perfected and the publishing house erected, and when calls for help are coming from all parts of the world, we have no heart to urge the wants of the local fields upon our people at large. We just raise every penny possible from the friends in the locality where the institution is to be, and then we pray, and then we feel clear to borrow at low interest from our brethren who have money to lend; and I have worked in this way in Australia and since coming to this country. Let us do everything possible to secure means within our own borders. 20LtMs, Lt 175, 1905, par. 3
When Ministry of Healing is ready for circulation, let every one be prepared to do his part in selling it, and thus lessen the debts on our sanitariums. The gift of the manuscript means much to me. While I feel glad to make this gift for the relief of our sanitariums, I want every member of the church to act his part in the work of its circulation. Will you do it? Let each one do his best. Will our people in Pennsylvania rally to the work? Will others in like circumstances gird up the loins of their minds and do their utmost in this good work? 20LtMs, Lt 175, 1905, par. 4
Take hold, brethren and sisters, and pray and work and believe. Talk hope and courage and faith. Let not one word of discouragement or of mournful unbelief be expressed. Stand up manfully as one all through the ranks, and move forward by faith. 20LtMs, Lt 175, 1905, par. 5
To you in Philadelphia I would say, Have faith. Secure what means you must have to carry on the work acceptably. Manage the work wisely, that it may prosper. The Lord would have us watch and pray and go forward. 20LtMs, Lt 175, 1905, par. 6
If Dr. Kellogg is called to perform special surgical operations, pay him, and take his receipt. Do not allow him to perform the operations unless he will allow you to settle with him for his labor and will give you a receipt in full. I know what I am saying. Please do not be unmindful of my words. 20LtMs, Lt 175, 1905, par. 7
In the place of mourning because you have secured facilities to do the work that you desire to do, praise God that you have these advantages. Be of good courage, and watch unto prayer. We will all do our best to help one another. Do not fret, and never talk disbelievingly. 20LtMs, Lt 175, 1905, par. 8