Section 5
participation in the church life because they were not like-souled. For example, some have not been willing to give themselves to the church service in a positive, aggressive way. They could excuse their lack of involvement by saying they did not want to cause trouble, but wanted to keep the situation calm. However, the true rea son for their holding back was that they were not like-souled and were not willing to risk their soul in the church life. We know some brothers who have truly behaved like gentlemen in their involvement with the church. They have been honest and good and have not caused turmoil. Nevertheless, because of their difference of opin ion, because of not being like-souled, they even tually forsook the church life. When these brothers gave up the church life, they did not criticize us. They simply went their own way. The underlying reason for leaving the church life was holding on to the differences in their souls.
Other saints who are not like-souled have chosen to remain in the church life. But to ward the church life in general and toward the church service in particular, they have a nega tive attitude. Instead of offending others or caus ing trouble, they withdraw and become cold. On