Editorial January 3, 1914 Issue

Leaders and Followers

Annie M. Knott

In ancient times, as we read in the Scriptures, spiritual leaders were chosen from among the people to make known to them the divine purpose and power, and to inspire them with a desire to obey the divine will. Not every prophet was called to this high office, but only those who met the divine requirement in calm courage, meekness, self-effacement, and above all, in far-sighted spiritual vision.

In Exodus we read that Moses shrank when called to assume this high responsibility; but God said to him: "Now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee." We are told that a symbol of the divine presence was with the people, the pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night; also that their needs were often met by what to them seemed to be supernatural means, and that protection from disease was promised, so long as they heeded the commands given through their divinely appointed leader. Again, we read in the fifty-fifth chapter of Isaiah that David was given for "a leader and commander to the people." In both of these cases it is very clear that the leadership was a spiritual office, though it seemed to extend to the outward and material; but its permanent element, that which is even today a mighty world influence, was purely spiritual.

Respecting the leadership of Moses, Mrs. Eddy says (Science and Health, p. 200): "Moses advanced a nation to the worship of God in Spirit instead of matter, and illustrated the grand human capacities of being bestowed by immortal Mind." Leading of course implies following, and nothing less than inspiration and divine guidance can make a faithful follower, any more than it can make a true leader. Moses has had many loyal followers, who prized wisdom far above rubies, and it is noteworthy that the qualities which characterized the leader are expressed in some measure by them. When we think of David as a great leader, we may well recall Kipling's beautiful lines:—

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