"Concerning the question of refusal by certain believers to
accept election to an administrative post: The Guardian strongly
feels that criticism, opposition, or confusion do not provide
sufficient grounds for either refusal or resignation. Only cases
of physical or mental incapacity, which, by their very nature,
are extremely rare, constitute valid reasons for such an act.
The difficulties and tests involved in the acceptance of Administrative
posts, far from inducing the believers to dissociate
themselves from the work of the Cause, should spur them on
to greater exertions and to a more active participation in the
privileged task of resolving the problems that confront the
"Only in cases where individual believers, without any valid reason, deliberately refuse the repeated exhortations, pleas, and warnings addressed to them by their Assemblies, should action be taken in removing them from the voting list. This is a measure designed to sustain the institutions of the Faith at the present time, and to insure that the abilities and talents of its, as yet, limited number of supporters are properly consecrated to its service.
"The believers, for the sake of the Cause, now in the period of its infancy, should accept their duties in a spirit a self-sacrifice, and should be animated by the desire to uphold the verdict of the electorate, and to lend their share of assistance however difficult the circumstances, to the effective administration of the affairs of the Faith.
"The same sanction should apply to those who persistently
refuse to dissociate themselves from political and ecclesiastical
activities. This is a general principle which is being maintained
throughout the