Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 14
October 18, 1962
NUMBER 24, PAGE 6-7,14

News And Views

Charles A. Holt, 4862 University Dr. Wichita Falls, Texas

Notes Of Interest

Jim McDonald has moved from Vidor, to work with the Union Road church in Lufkin, Texas.... Barney Thompson recently moved from Grand Saline, to Henderson, Texas, to labor with the church there....It was my good pleasure to attend the first two nights of the debate in Baytown, Texas, between W. R. Jones and H. C. McCaghren. These two nights were devoted to a discussion of the so-called "orphan home question." It was an interesting and, I am sure, profitable debate. One of the most impressive things about this discussion was the attendance. There must have been between 750 and 850 people there each night. This shows the interest that there is in these "Issues," in that particular area anyway, and the fact that people will still attend a debate. I rejoice that this is still true and I pray that it may always be the case. There is no better way of studying problems and questions than in honorable debate. Just the fact that the attendance for this debate was so good is not itself what caused such interest and rejoicing. Those who were in a position to know told me that perhaps as many as 300 of those in attendance were from the "liberal churches" in that area! Now that is something. Rarely do you ever see them take such an interest in a debate. Very few of them ever attend such. In most quarters they have the idea that debating is wrong; that it is all a big fuss about nothing, and that they are right and cannot be wrong so why attend a debate. In lack I know of instances where those of the "liberal persuasion" are encouraged NOT to attend a debate. Be it said to their credit that they did attend the first two nights of this debate in representative number. The Cause of Truth can always be served by any honorable study of God's word if the people will only come, listen, ,study, and think' Speaking of honorable controversy; there are various ideas concerning just what such is and when such is done. Frankly, I have never heard even one man, of all the many I have heard and read after, who has made a real attempt to justify these practices causing all the disturbance today, by God's word. They have effected to do so, yet, with but little thinking one can see that they did not really attempt it. They spend their time in quibbling, sophistry, emotional appeals, invectives, reading from papers and bulletins in a desperate attempt to prove someone is inconsistent, and in downright misrepresentations. The strongest weapon they have is CONFUSION! Confuse the points at issue and confuse the people! When have you ever heard a defender of these modern innovations take the Bible in -hand and address himself to the task of honestly trying to prove therefrom that these things are SCRIPTURAL?? I would go a long way and stay a long while tc hear any one of them make such an effort....I was recently looking over some letters I have received from Guy N. Woods. One of the last ones received from him was written February 1, 1961. He was telling me how little he thought of something I had written about my thinking he is ready to call off all debates — never have another IF he could save face and get out of it. Among other things he wrote: "You know that you have a standing challenge to meet me in a debate in Indianapolis provided you can get local endorsement ...." As I recall, the challenge" for me to meet Woods came from W. L. Totty and the Garfield Heights church. Of course, I have not tried to secure any "local endorsement" there just for the honor (?) of meeting Woods. I have never even written any of the brethren to tell them of the "standing challenge." I am not going to try to inject myself into a situation there in Indianapolis. I am sure that the men there are fully able to take care of any situation, and if someone is needed to meet Woods they likely will make the selection of someone to do so. That Is the way it should be.... During the last few years, I have had several debates with various brethren relative to these Issues; but the above is about as close (as far as I know) as I have come to meeting Woods. Frankly, I was, and I still am, willing for others to meet him. Guy Woods and I had been, what I considered, pretty close friends. I had appreciated and respected his ability and knowledge. Since there were some WANTING (even "itching"), and others willing to meet him (all of whom I felt fully capable of doing the job; yea, more so than myself), I have not really sought to have a debate with Guy. However, hoping that none will think me egotistical nor out of place, I will say here that I have decided that I would like to meet him. But let me hasten to add that I am NOT moved to write this because I think that others have in any way failed to do a good job. I just think that debates on these questions should continue, and since Woods has met some of the "greater," then perhaps it will not be amiss for me to offer myself for the task. I do have a "standing challenge" to meet him, even If it Is limited to Indianapolis. I doubt that the brethren there will be interested in such a discussion, and likely would rather choose one of the men who has already "tasted" of Woods' powers as a debater to do the job, yet I just thought that I would let it be known that I would be most willing to meet him. It is just unfortunate that this "standing challenge" he flings around to me, and others, is limited to Indianapolis. Why not other places? Is Indianapolis the ONLY place where there is a church thus willing to extend such a "standing challenge" to me or others? What about Florence, Alabama; Wichita Falls Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; and dozens of other places. Churches in these other places won't have to go so far as to present a "standing challenge since they must nearly be forced into a discussion anyway; but if they will just endorse Woods and agree to entertain the debate half the time, then I am quite certain that Woods will spend his time in nothing but debates; and I likely will be way back down the line waiting upon my chance to meet him.... Again I say that the days of such debates is all but over. Like the digressives of a former day, they have learned the hard way that debates just do not help their cause! The Northeast Exhorter is the name of a nice, printed, monthly paper published by the Northeast church in Gainesville, Florida. E. L. Flannery is the editor, and his address is 1503 N. E. 12th Street. This paper will do a lot of good. In the very first issue, Flannery is striking for a debate, presents propositions and signs his name! More power to him and I hope that he can find a "taker."....The Voice Of West End is the name of a nice, printed paper published by the West End church in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Ferrell Jenkins is the editor, and that tells us enough to assure that It will be a dandy publication. The address is Morgantown Road. ...Living Faith And Modern Science is the name of the latest class workbook by Robert C. Welch, 1102 N. Mound Street, Nacogdoches, Texas. It sells for 30e per copy; four or more for 25? each. Certainly this booklet deals with a needed field of study; especially is it of value to those of high school and college age. I commend this publication and urge its use. Whether used in a class or not, it should be read by everyone.

A New Song Book

"Sacred Selections For The Church" is the name of one of the latest song books to be published. It only recently came to my attention, but has been out for years. It is compiled and edited by Ellis J. Crum, of Kendallville, Indiana. I personally think that it is the finest and most complete song book that I have seen. It is a large book, containing 685 songs, but it is neat and well-bound. It contains every SINGABLE song that I recall ever hearing. Many of the well-known songs which contained objectionable words and thoughts have been changed so as to make them acceptable. The book cost more than others — $1.75 per copy in any quantity, but it has MORE to offer than any other. It comes in attractive maroon binding and will enhance the looks of any auditorium. I recommend the use of this book. In fact, I am a distributor for it and will be glad to send a sample copy (for the regular price, of course) and more detailed literature about this book. Since song books are so vital and play such an important part in our services, why not get the best? Write me at the above address. I can also supply almost any other song book that is published. I will have a few words to say later on about some of the others. I would appreciate your inquiries and your orders.

Good Book Of Sermon Outlines

Eugene W. Clevenger, now associated with ACC, has recently published a book of sermon outlines, It comes under the heading, "Sermons For Saints And Sinners," and it is one of the best sermon outline books that I have ever seen. Clevenger is a good student, and is very apt at organizing material. The outlines are full and understandable — they are useable! I commend this book and think that anyone could find it worth far more than the $3.00 it costs. I have this book for sale also, and will be glad to send you a copy.

Wallace-Holt Debate

Since I am talking about books, let me take just a little more space to remind all that the "Wallace-Holt Debate" book is still available. This debate took place in the latter part of 1960, and is, as far as I know, the last debate on "current issues" to be published. It sells for $3.50 per copy. Yep, I think that it is worth the price and worth the reading!

Church Support Of College?

From the bulletin of the Sixth St. church in Friona, Texas, I lift the following letter, which was addressed to the "Elders" of that church:

"Thank You! Dear Brethren;

"With this handshake through the mail goes our sincere gratitude to you for permitting us to speak in behalf of the teacher's payroll fund at LCC.

"The total response in gifts and purposes came to 1,737.40. Each contributor will receive an individual receipt.

"If every eldership and congregation of Christians within a 200 mile radius were as interested in Christian Education and LCC as Friona, our financial problems would be the least of the challenges before us in building a great Christian College."

The letter was signed by Dale Simpson, LCC Director of Development. If this is not getting the money OUT OF THE CHURCH TREASURY, then it is as near to it as one can get and not ACTUALLY do so. Why thank the elders of the church? The colleges are getting theirs, even if they are mostly going to the "back door" to get it.

The Inquiring Mind

Imposture shrinks from light, And dreads the curious eye;

But sacred truths the test invite, They bid us search and try

0 may we still maintain Meek, inquiring mind,

Assured we shall not search in vain, But hidden treasures find.

With understanding blessed, Created to be free,

Our faith on man we dare not rest, We trust alone in Thee.

(I recently picked up the above poem from some bulletin. The name of the author is not given; and I do not even know from what bulletin it came. The point of the poem is certainly needed, — C.A.H.)

—O—

John W. Pitman, P.O. Box 165, Rose Hill, Va. We moved here from Dayton, Ohio, one month ago. The small congregation here of 8 members were without a preacher. They met here for 5 years. Have a building paid for. It is 45 miles to the nearest congregation in Virginia at Big Stone Gap, where Windell Wiser is the preacher. Also, Ervin Hall lives there and preaches for two congregations in the area. We are the only three gospel preachers in the area. One lady who had heard the radio program from Big Stone Gap, who lives at Amburgy, Ky, Knott County, wrote that she wanted to be baptized. A meeting is now in progress in her home. Several in attendance. This whole section is a large mission field untouched. People here know nothing of the gospel of Christ. People are scattered all over these mountains. Christ said, "Go preach the gospel to every creature." But also said, "How shall they preach except they are sent." (Rom. 10) I am not ashamed to ask for support to preach the gospel of Christ. I hope I never will be. All that has been promised here is $91.00 a month. We are a family of six with three in school. We will stay here until school is out even though no more support comes in. But we hope some God-fearing churches or even members will send to supply our need. Why not let this be your "Macedonia"? Any congregation who would send a preacher here for a meeting would be welcomed. We hope same one will send one our way. Also send the names of anyone you know near by and we will call upon them. We ask all who read this to remember us when you pray. I am free to go out for meetings. Any place wanting to use me may do so.

—O—

Bill Echols, 169 Main St., East Orange, N. J. I was with the Uniontown church near Cherry Tree, Pa., for a gospel meeting, Sept. 17-23. There are several places needing preachers in the East and I would like to hear from brethren interested in moving to this part of the nation.

—O—

Gerald K. Rainwater, Box 9055, Tigrett, Tennessee. After working with the congregations in Tigrett and Fowlkes, Tennessee, for the past year, I am planning to move to Ft. Smith, Arkansas, to take up secular work as well as to continue to preach the gospel of Christ. If there is a congregation or congregations within a hundred and fifty mile radius of Ft. Smith that would like the services of a conservative preacher for one or more Sundays each month you can contact me at the above address or, after the 1st of December, at 711 Cavanaugh Road, Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

—O—

Preacher wanted, experienced man. If interested write and give qualifications. Church of Christ, Box 911, Station "A," Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Wm. E. Fain, 720 South 140th, Seattle 88, Washington. The church here in Seattle has been blessed with very good attendance this summer and with an unusually large number of visitors, due to the World's Fair. We have been pleasantly surprised with the large number of faithful brethren who have not only come Sunday morning, but have returned Sunday evening, and some on Wednesday evening. We are sure that the ad placed in the Guardian has had a part in helping them know of our location. We have had two good meetings this summer. In June we had a meeting and vacation Bible school, with different preachers speaking to the adult class in the morning, and brother Jim Cope doing the preaching each evening. His preaching was excellent. In August, brother Harold Sharp conducted a meeting here, followed by one in Renton, a suburb. Again, the preaching was "the best." There were several responses to the invitation, but I believe the greatest good accomplished in these meetings was to awaken us to a greater realization of our responsibilities to God. Both men are "booked well ahead" in meetings and will do anyone interested in the Truth much good.