Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 8
July 19, 1956
NUMBER 11, PAGE 11a

Proscribed

Charles A. Holt, Franklin, Tennessee

"Never was there more vigilant, determined and untiring opposition to any religious paper published on the continent, far as we are advised, than at this time to this paper. It has been denounced from pulpit and press — by associations, conferences and councils — and is now persecuted from house-to-house. Some persons are so beset by teachers of their own vicinities that they are afraid to be known as subscribers. It is not uncommon for persons to be visited, besought and commanded not to take it, by those in authority with the people for orthodoxy and piety.

"What does this mean? Does it not loudly proclaim inability of those who proscribe, to refute — or those who denounce, to reason against it? He who calls in aid of the civil magistrate to support orthodoxy, and he who relies on decrees of councils to sustain his faith, are equally bold, intelligent and honest guides of public sentiment!? The teacher who prohibits his people from reading this journal may be sincere and zealous, but surely he proclaims his inability to refute it. Victory gained over anyone this way is an honor to the vanquished and disgrace to the conqueror, if sense he have to feel it. What hero ever boasted of having conquered a manacled, fettered antagonist? Rejoicings of such are like joys of Philistines over Samson shorn and blind. Joy of the Philistines was but for a moment — Samson (shorn and blind) overcame the strength and glory of that people!

"If the friends of Reformation, and free and full discussion, were only half as vigilant, active and determined as our opponents, each year would count three in progress of Truth and Liberty."

The above was not written concerning the Gospel Guardian although it might well have been. It was written by A. Campbell and appeared in the Millennial Harbinger. It pretty well describes the situation concerning the Guardian, for, indeed, this paper is proscribed in every possible way by those who are determined to lead the church along institutional lines. They hold sway over the thinking of the masses within the church and the Guardian is banned and positively forbidden reading. It is misrepresented and disparaged. The promoters of human arrangements and organizations among us do not want the people to read the Guardian. They are opposed to "free and full discussion" and can pretty well maintain the hold on the masses as long as they can keep them reading only what they write. It will never do for their followers to read "both sides" of the issues which confront the church today. "What does this mean? Does it not loudly proclaim inability of those who proscribe, to refute — or those who denounce, to reason against it? The teacher who prohibits his people from reading this journal may be sincere and zealous, but surely proclaims his inability to refute it. Victory gained over anyone this way is an honor to the vanquished and disgrace to the conqueror, if sense he have to feel it." Let the people read and study for themselves and we will not fear the outcome. Let free and full discussion of issues prevail. The Guardian was started with faith in this practice and still maintains this policy. If we are wrong in what we teach, then by all means deliver the people and us from such error — not by proscription or misrepresentation; but by reason and God's truth! THINK, brethren THINK!