The Overflow
"Man Of Distinction" - Indubitably
A few weeks ago we published a satire from the Christian Century on the whiskey distillers' "Man of Distinction" advertisements. Now comes Jack Dunn, preacher for the East-side church in Phoenix, Arizona, with his own contribution to the literature on this subject. Here is the sad story he tells:
"0 list to a tale (a succinct one)
About Doakes, a "man of distinction";
He lifted his bottle While pressing the throttle, And now he's a man of extinction."
—O—
We've seen them like that, too In a little town in the wheat section of western Kansas last summer, G. K. Wallace was having a very poorly attended meeting. After several listless services Bro. G. K. announced to the church, "I think I might as well close this meeting and go home. You brethren have made so much money off your wheat you simply aren't interested in going to heaven. And you've lived in this scorching Kansas heat so long that you are no longer afraid of hell. There is little good I can do you!"
Campbell On Titles
In our next issue we will print a few things Alexander Campbell had to say on the subject of "titles," especially when used to indicate special honor or preferment to members of the church. It seems to us (as it did to Bro. Campbell) that this mad scramble after titles and designations is a mark of spiritual immaturity and hardly comports with the character and dignity of a humble gospel preacher. How will it sound in the golden street of the New Jerusalem to have the Lord Jesus come around with a group of saints and say, "Bro. Paul, Bro. Peter, Bro. James, Bro. Campbell, Bro. Larimore, Bro. Mc-Garvey, may I have the great pleasure and the high honor of introducing you brethren to DOCTOR__________?" Ugh! !
—O—
Letters
"I am with you in opposing connecting the churches with the schools, (unless the Bible teaching is directly under the elders of the church). Premillennialism must continue to be exposed—and opposed."
—Garvin Toms, Jacksonville, Fla.
—O—
"I especially enjoyed the Guardian of June 9 and deeply appreciated your comments on "Heresy in Boston." —Malcolm P. Hinckley, Wichita Kan.
—O—
"I do not want to miss a single copy. I hope the Gospel Guardian will continue to grow, for we need it so badly to turn back the tide of digression that is sweeping the church today... Hold fast, 0 Gospel Guardian, to the "ancient order of things" and a "thus saith the Lord."
—Bryan Rushing, Houston, Texas
—O—
"I am enjoying the Gospel Guardian very much; I think it is doing a lot of good. I think there is a great need for such a paper in the brotherhood today. It seems to me that many are departing from the ancient landmarks set up by the apostles."
—R. R. Givens, Chillicothe, Texas
—O—
"I have just finished reading every word of the Gospel Guardian- Cled's front page article is fine. I appreciate so much the article by Will Thompson- I have been preaching nearly as long as he has.
I would be derelict in my duty if I did not give the article on "The Music Question" a hearty "Amen." To my knowledge there is just one congregation in all of the Ohio Valley where they have put the organ (or piano) in for a wedding. How I do appreciate the quotation from Moses E. Lard! I don't want to hold a meeting where there is some "music box" stuck around, even if it is "kivered" at all times except the wedding. I would to God that every faithful preacher would refuse to step his foot into a meetinghouse where they have such things. These are perilous times indeed. The colleges are getting entirely out of place. If we live a few more years at the present rate of drifting, a preacher who has not been to one of "our schools" just will not do! Lord, help.
—Fred E. Dennis, Marietta, Ohio
—O—
Indianapolis - For many years Indianapolis has been a "sick spot" so far as New Testament Christianity was concerned. When the digression swept the nation seventy-five years ago, the church in Indianapolis was almost completely wiped out. Confused, divided, discouraged, the brethren there made little progress for more than half a century. But today Indianapolis is coming alive. The cause is showing a steady and substantial growth. Many old problems are being gradually overcome; many old wounds are healing. The editor recently conducted a meeting with the 40th and Capitol congregation which was attended by members from every other church of Christ in Indianapolis—a thing that would have been unthinkable a few years ago. The fine Irvington church in east Indianapolis is one of the best in the nation. With no spectacular promotion they are nevertheless going firmly ahead in planning for the establishment of more and more congregations in that city. There has been no fanfare of trumpets — just a steady diet of straight gospel preaching.
—O—
The Difference
Voltaire said, "I hate life, and yet I hate to die." Paul said, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
—O—
The Dreamer
He used to dream of things he'd do When grown to be a man, Beguiling boyhood years away With many an idle plan.
And now, when grown to be a man, He knows no greater joy Than dreaming of the things he'd do If still he were a boy.
—Thomas Nunan