t would be injurious or
impossible for us to live in family, in unity, in love. I do not
believe this difference exists, but if it does, and we are conscious
of being led by a higher spirit than our own, we should and would
sacrifice all that hinders us from the divine calling. That demands
implicit, uncompromising obedience. It speaks in the tone of high
authority. The dead must bury their dead. That which offends it must
be got rid of at all costs, be it wife, parents, children, brothers,
sisters, or our own eye or hand. I do not contemplate a sacrifice of
either of these; still, it is well to consider whether, if such a
demand should be made of us, we are in such a state of mind that we
would be willing to give one or all up, if they should stand in the
way of our progress toward God. . . .

"If you desire to continue the way of life you have and do now lead,
be plain, frank, and so express yourselves explicitly. If not, and
you have any desire or intention in your minds to alter or make a
radical change in your external circumstances for the sake of a
higher, better mode of life, be equally open, and let me know all
your thoughts and aspirations which are struggling for expression,
for real life. . . .

"We have labored together in union for material wealth; can we now
labor in the same way for spiritual wealth? If there are sufficient
points of accord in us in this higher life, we must come together and
live in harmony. Since my departure from home there has been a change
in my mind, or, perhaps more truly, a sudden and rapid growth in a
certain direction, the germs of which you must have heretofore
perceived in my conduct and life. On the other hand, I suppose there
has been a progress in your minds, and I feel that the time has
arrived when we should see where we are, so that we may either come
together or separate. Our future relation cannot be a wilful one. It
must be based on a unity of spirit, for the social, the humane
instincts cannot bind us together any longer. . . . Have we the
spiritual as well as the natural brotherhood? this is the question
which deeply concerns us now. . . . I do not know what the spirit has
done for you since my departure. If it has led you as it has led me,
there is no reason why I should be amongst strangers by birth,
although not altogether strangers in love . . . Think seriously upon
your answer. Act true. Life is to me of serious import, and I feel
called upon to give up all