Burnett's Battle With Digression
Like most gospel preachers who stood for "the old paths" during the digression of the past century, T. R. Burnett kept up a constant barrage against the exponents of digression. He was able to put into a few words truth that went to the very heart of the controversy. Time has not dulled the quality of much that he said.
"No man has the right to be 'liberal' with the things that belong to God."
"The digressives have 'sought out many inventions,' but do not seem to be half through yet."
'Whether we stand together depends upon whether you are willing to stand upon the old foundation." (Paraphrase.)
"A brother who is very zealous for the new order of things said that the organ in worship was right and scriptural, for David had it, and David was one of the apostles."
"When one thinks of the many 'great sermons' that have been preached (according to the reports that have been made of them), he wonders that the world is not converted."
"The church at Bonham, Texas (the first church), has put the organ into the Sunday School. It will not be long till it will obtain the 'second blessing,' and put it into the church."
"All the denominations are having trouble with their machinery. They have too much machinery. Yet some thoughtless Christians contend that unless the churches of Christ have machinery they can never succeed."
"The editor of the Christian Courier says that discussion of the organ question promotes the use of the instrument; yet he opposes debates on the subject. He reminds me of the whiskey men who affirm that prohibition promotes the sale of liquor, yet whiskey men are all opposed to prohibition. Is that not remarkable?" (Gospel Advocate, 1894-1898.)
— P.O. Box 83, Tuckerman, Ark.