“I feel that reference to personalities before the election
would give rise to misunderstanding and differences. What
the friends should do is get thoroughly acquainted with one
another, to exchange views, to mix freely and discuss among
themselves the requirements and qualifications for such a membership
without reference or application, however indirect, to
particular individuals. We should refrain from influencing the
opinion of others, of canvassing for any particular individual,
but should stress the necessity of getting fully acquainted with
the qualifications of membership referred to in our Beloved’s
Tablets of learning more about one another through direct,
personal experience rather than through the reports and opinions
of our friends.”