We push back against
The very institutions
Of which we are members—
As watchmen on the tower,
Calling out bad developments
We see going on within.
And though this seems right to us,
Yet they almost never listen.
And we go for decades warning
Against the sin and error that tends
To strengthen with time.
But how can it be that
We are not infected ourselves
With whatever germ makes the others
Not listen and not care about
The wrongs we see?
Or does bad company no longer
Corrupt good character?
I think we should look at ourselves,
Who, with our warnings,
Keep saying, “No! No!”,
But with our fellowship,
Keep saying, “Yes! Yes!”
Could it be that the reform we want,
We do not want badly enough?
Have we forgotten that the Master said,
“Come out from them and be separate”?
Is staying the prime directive?
Or is it obedience?
