Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 19
April 25, 1968
NUMBER 50, PAGE 4-5a

Wallace & The Gospel Guardian

Editorial

It is with considerable satisfaction that we announce to our readers the addition of William E. Wallace to the Gospel Guardian force. Next week we begin our twentieth year as a weekly religious journal; and three months later William Wallace will move to Lufkin to take over his new responsibility as "editorial assistant" — co-worker, general helper, special representative in charge of hard and difficult assignments, or whatever other title may be appropriate. In short, he is going to take over a part of the heavy lead this editor has been trying to carry. Business control and management will remain unchanged; it is in the editorial field that Brother Wallace will find his place. He will be traveling much among the churches in gospel meetings, of course, and where-ever he goes will do what he can to acquaint brethren with the Gospel Guardian, and the service this journal can render in a score of ways to help in the common cause.

Let this fact be clear: William Wallace has his own convictions, and in anything he writes, he speaks for himself — as is also the case with this editor, and with every other person whose articles may appear in this journal. It is inevitable that in such an arrangement differences will arise sometimes they will be sharp and clear-cut. But over-riding all differences will be the compelling urgency and necessity of getting on with the great task before us — the "propagation and defense of New Testament Christianity." Wallace's whole life gives eloquent testimony as to just how important that work is to him. He truly is one who has "counted all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus." We need not labor the point with those who know his history. But with unique ability and unquestioned integrity, his connection with the Gospel Guardian cannot but strengthen our efforts.

We believe the future not only of this journal but of the cause of New Testament Christianity is bright. Whether the present "unity" efforts portend an eventual healing of the breach that now exists, or whether that breach is destined to widen, we do not know and cannot say. But in either case there is a tremendous work ahead for all of us. Atheistic materialism has engulfed our generation. This is not the first time, and probably will not be the last, for Christians to face such a civilization. It is a time of deep sorrow and trouble, especially for Christian parents as they guide the feet of their children into the pathway of truth and righteousness. Terrible pressures, anti-Christian and anti-God, are evident on every hand; the "new morality", which is actually hoary with age, denies and derides every tenet the faithful have held dear. It will not subside in a few days or a few years. It will be a force to be reckoned with as long as any of us is alive.

In these trying and troubled times there is urgent need for such a journal as the Gospel Guardian has been — and will continue to be. As the battle over institutionalism gradually recedes (either by a closing of the breach, or by a widening of it — either development will have the same effect) new problems and new issues must be met. William Wallace, twenty years this editor's junior, will bring a new perspective and a new vitality to our editorial pages. Steeped in the traditions and background of the Restoration, he still is a part of the "new" generation — particularly the generation that has grown to maturity since World War II. We have known him from his childhood, and have taken great interest in his development as a faithful preacher of the gospel. We saw him as seventeen year-old boy undertake his four year "hitch" in the United States Marine Corps. We judged (wrongly, as it turned out) that this would be the end of an interest he might have in the Lord's church, and were saddened by the thought. But during those four years he changed from a confused and uncertain boy into a mature and dedicated Christian — coming out of his military service with an unswerving resolve to give his life to the proclamation of the gospel of Christ.

We are happy to have him with us in the production of this paper. His duties will be many and varied. We have great plans for the future course of the journal; William Wallace will play no small part in them.

F. Y. T.