Leadership
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farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No
man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the
kingdom of God.”
No earthly ties, no earthly considerations, should weigh one mo-
ment in the scale against duty to the cause and work of God. Jesus
severed His connection from everything to save a lost world, and He
requires of us a full and entire consecration. There are sacrifices to
be made for the interests of God’s cause. The sacrifice of feeling is
the most keen that is required of us; yet after all it is a small sacrifice.
You have plenty of friends, and if the feelings are only sanctified, you
need not feel that you are making a very great sacrifice. You do not
leave your wife among heathen. You are not called to tread the burning
African desert or to face prisons and encounter trial at every step. Be
careful how you appeal to your sympathies and let human feelings
and personal considerations mingle with your efforts and labors for
the cause of God. He demands unselfish and willing service. You can
render this and yet do all your duties to your family; but hold this as a
secondary matter.
My husband and myself have made mistakes in consenting to take
responsibilities that others should carry. In the commencement of this
work a man was needed to propose, to execute with determination, and
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to lead out battling with error and surmounting obstacles. My husband
bore the heaviest burden and met the most determined opposition.
But when we became a fully organized body, and several men were
chosen to act in responsible positions, then it was the proper time
for my husband to cease to act longer as one man to stand under the
responsibilities and carry the heavy burdens. This labor devolved
on more than one. Here is where the mistake has been made by his
brethren in urging him, and by himself in consenting, to stand under
the burdens and responsibilities that he had borne alone for years. He
should have laid down these burdens years ago, and they should have
been divided with other men chosen to act in behalf of the people Satan
would be pleased to have one man’s mind and one man’s judgment
control the minds and judgment of those who believe the present truth.
My husband has frequently been left almost alone to see and feel
the wants of the cause of God and to act promptly. His leading brethren
were not deficient in intellect, but they lacked a willing mind to stand in
the position which my husband has occupied. They have inconsistently