A Personal Letter Of General Interest
Last spring Bro. Luther Blackmon of Houston held a meeting for us at Vivion Rd. in Kansas City. One day while he was here we made a trip over to Winfield, Kansas to spend part of a day with Bro. W. W. Otey. We would have stayed longer, but had to return for services that night. During our stay, mostly we just listened. That was what we intended to do when we went. Bro. Otey's mind is still fresh and clear, though having been in diligent use for over 90 years. Bro. Blackmon and I asked just enough questions to keep Bro. Otey talking. We profited immensely by the day's visit.
The thing that impressed me most was the optimism of this old man. Here he was, soon to throw off this fleshly tabernacle, the outward man perishing, but the inward man having been renewed day by day. Therefore his spirit was undaunted. I must confess that at times things look pretty bad to me, and I often feel a little dismayed. Bro. Otey would ask about this situation or that. The answers we could give in some instances did not seem too bright. But he would say "That's fine!", "Wonderful!", "That's great!", etc. His optimism having surprised us, in a later letter to him I mentioned our astonishment at how pleased he was with the present developments. His optimism was created by the difference between the relative strength of the conservatives of today as compared with the conservatives during the last cleavage.
Below is his reply to me. After I told him that I would like to print the letter, he asked that I make a few typographical corrections for him. Which I have done. Here is his letter. It will be of interest to you all.
Dear Brother Willis, I have waited longer than usual to answer your last letter, but not because of lack of interest in its contents
You said that you and Brother Blackmon were surprised at my optimism when most think nearly all are going into apostasy. My courageous forward look is no because I think the majority or even half of the churches will remain faithful. I am sure that the great majority as always will drift into departure from the New Testament pattern. The basis of my undaunted courage is this I believe with all my heart that God approves our stand for the church of the Lord as sufficient in and through which to do all that he wants us to do. With this unwavering faith in God's approval, final success is sure. I often reflect on the story of Elisha and his young servant in Dothan. Surrounded by a whole army, the young man cried out in terror. Elisha asked God to open the young man's eyes. He saw the mountain full of God's army. Can't we in some little measure get the same view of God's army protecting those who fight for the defense of the church of the Lord, his greatest work?
There is today a greater number of preachers and writers, most of them young men, than was saved from the last apostasy. The average ability of this large number is far greater than those saved before. This is an asset to the Cause we plead much greater than many have opened their eyes of faith to see. Much thought should be given to this great asset.
Almost no churches of large numbers and influence were saved from digression. One church in Detroit, a number in Nashville, one or two in Indianapolis, perhaps none in any other large centers. Congregations in county seats were the rare exceptions. The vast majority were in villages and rural places. Now we can count scores in large centers, churches of large numbers, some already supporting as many as three preachers outside their region. This will greatly increase. We learn of numbers who simply walk out and establish the church after the New Testament pattern, and go forward with great zeal. It is my confirmed opinion that this will happen in a large number of churches that are moving toward becoming a denomination. This is as it should be.
When the controversy first started many congregations were committed to one or more institutions. For many it will be comparatively easy just to drop such support and again be in harmony with the truth. In this it is different from the last apostasy. When instrumental music was put in, never, so far as I know, was one removed, that is, till comparatively recently. It is much easier to disentangle the church from the support of an institution than to remove an instrument of music.
Finally, institutions were not really discussed before. Only our side just scratched the surface. I believe that the church, what it is, its work — everything pertaining to it, is examined as it has never been done since apostolic days. When this discussion is over, the church in every phase will be understood as never before. This fact, you young men, have not yet appreciated. Only when subjects are ably discussed, pro and con, can a subject to revealed in all its strength and its weakness. Don't overlook this fundamental great truth in the present controversy. The best on both sides are doing their best. I am sure that all who love the truth, and will read the discussion in papers, tracts and books will be astonished at the weakness of the best that can be said for human inventions.
J. B. Briney was the first and only man who ever tried to defend in public debate innovations. But the division was complete at that time. Innovators were so greatly in the majority that SILENCE was their most effective weapon. Our brethren tried to ignore the issues as a little breeze that would soon blow itself out. They were simply forced to stand and defend. And such a defense it has been!
But I must close. Chief reason why I have not answered sooner was I thought I might undertake to prepare an article presenting this thought in a suitable way for publication. But I am trying to relax in some measure and shrank from the task of writing along these lines for the Gospel Guardian. Now as always, whatever I write is the property of the one receiving it to use as he deems proper. Should you think this is worthwhile, and wish to work it up in a suitable way, it is yours to use as you may desire.
May God give you health, strength and the courage to continue to defend the church only.
In Faith, Hope And Love, W. W. Otey
P. S. Bad typing will come to all when the 90's are reached!