Around the World in 88 Years -E Book - Arthur Burt

After 12 months, when I came to a decision and announced I wasleaving, the church’s leader declared I had missed God and hadsold my birthright. My oldest son agreed with him and left mefor almost 25 years. Through bribery — money and fine clothesgiven to her — they persuaded my little 12-year-old girl and alienatedher from me. Even Marj disfellowshipped me for two years.Every night, she went to the meetings and, like a drug addict,received her shot in the arm, immunizing her against me. Thebrothers had convinced her, if she were to go Arthur’s way, shewould end up out in the wilderness all dried up — the result ofputting her husband before God.After I left, the bondage among the people became so extremethat individuals would check with their leader to inquire, “Wouldit be in order if I bought a new overcoat?” “Would it be in orderif I visited my relation?” The people lost the liberty of the Spiritand the right of each believer to hear and follow the voice ofGod.Marj battled on for two years, torn between her loyalty to herhusband and to what her elders had taught her. Collapsing, nolonger able to fight, she left and joined me. It was a traumatictime of heart searching and pain. There was even a suggestionfrom those who remained that I might drop dead. I didn’t knowwhether they meant figuratively, spiritually or both, and I stoodtrembling, watching my life at every turn.106