Letters
I notice that some brother is really giving you what for in the Gospel Advocate this week. Don't let it worry you, as I am sure it won't. Whenever one stands for the truth he can expect all kinds of criticism from those who are otherwise minded. Your papa received such all his life. This attack will only serve to make more people read what you write, and maybe some of them will be open-minded enough and honest enough to accept the truth . . . .
I love your with all my heart, Mama
(Mrs. J. D. Tant)
Memphis, Tennessee June 25, 1958
Dear Brother Tant:
I have read your articles and Lemmons'. I admire your effort to make some favorable impression on him and others associated with him. I also understand your hope that some of those who have become obsessed with institutionalism may be willing to make some concessions to stay off an open division. I hate to dampen your hopes, but during my early years in dealing with those who preferred their institutions (the missionary societies) to all else, many of us wondered why at least some of them would not give up what they admitted were "opinions" and "expedients" and preserve the unity of the church of the Lord. But during seventy or more years of dealing with them, I have never heard of one who would yield in the least in order to preserve unity!
I learned that the SPIRIT of apostasy is unscriptural, unreasonable, and seems to cause those in whose hearts it has found congenial soil to violate every law of God and man in their efforts to crush those who oppose them.
I admire your efforts to reason with brethren; I commend you for it, and for your hope of making at least a little impression on them. Twenty-five years from now you will have learned that the SPIRIT of apostasy will not listen to reason. Unless these brethren are converted to TRUTH, they will make no concessions at all for the sake of peace. I rejoice in your great work, what you say, and the spirit in which you say it.
In faith, hope, and love, W. W. Otey
Winfield, Kansas September 22, 1958
Dear Yater:
Am writing this to tell you how much I appreciate your editorial, "Was It Gambling? I am in hearty agreement with your conclusion that it was gambling.
I have had occasion to discuss Dr. Ruby's playing "Twenty-one" with several brethren. Most of them thought he was gambling, too. Incidentally, while he was on the program, Brother A. H. Maner printed an announcement of it in the Grove Avenue bulletin and urged the people to watch the program and see Dr. Ruby!" ....
Sincerely yours George T. Jones
Kilgore, Texas September 17, 1958
Dear Brother Tant:
Recently I wrote to Miss Bess Blake, counselor for the Department of Public Welfare for the State of Tennessee, and asked her to give me the number of the State statute referred to in the Pamphlet, "Desired Standards and Minimum Requirements" requiring that homes caring for dependent children MUST be incorporated. This is the booklet Brother Guy N. Woods has cited, and on which he relies for his contention that incorporation of such homes is "the law of the land."
Bess Blake in turn wrote the Attorney General of the State of Tennessee, sending him a copy of my letter. Here are a couple of quotations from the exchange:
1. From the Attorney General's answer to Bess Blake: "You therefore are advised that in the opinion of this office, Section 14-1401 (1) T. C. A. is constitutional, and that, properly construed, its scope is not confined to such full time child caring agencies as may have charters of incorporation, but includes unincorporated institutions, societies, agencies, or facilities as well."
2. From Bess Blake's answer to my letter: "The section of the minimum requirements, referred to in your letter, stating that 'private institutions offering care to dependent children must be incorporated in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee' . . . is being changed to conform to the Attorney General's opinion."
Yours in Christ, Dudley Ross Spears
Cookeville, Tennessee August 26, 1958
Mr. B. G. Goodpasture Nashville, Tennessee
Dear Brother Goodpasture:
As a currently enrolled student, I felt it my duty to point out some misrepresentations printed in the GOSPEL ADVOCATE of August 21, 1958, concerning Florida Christian College, Tampa, Florida.
I was amazed at the number of "hear-says" printed in this issue, but since you stated that you had rather make a "mistake on the side of charity rather than on the side of severity," I was wondering if you would be "charitable" enough to print this letter from a "firsthand" source. I noticed that none of your "protesting" letters came from a student of this college — but what better judge could there be?? I have always been taught that lending an ear to hear-say was dangerous!
I wish to make it clear that no one has asked me to write this. In fact, no person connected with FCC knows anything about its writing; but I would not hesitate for a moment to stand up for Brother Cope and all the rest of the faculty. I do not admire these men because they make a few mistakes, as all men do. Neither is my admiration only because they are not afraid to be called a "hobbyist" or any other broad term with a crippling connotation. But I admire these men because of their great love for the truth.
Why would people who claim to be children of God misrepresent others? Is it out of fear and thereby an effort to close men's eyes? If you are honestly sincere, please lend an ear and accept the following as it is in truth.
First, never have I heard any member of the faculty "boast that theirs is the only scriptural school in the brotherhood; that the other schools are in digression." To the contrary, I was advised by faculty members just this past year to plan my degree with either Harding College or Abilene Christian College, as these are nearer my home. Furthermore, some of last year's students are planning on enrolling at David Lipscomb College. Does this sound as if these teachers are so fanatical in their views that they are closing their eyes and the eyes of their students to other schools "in digression"? Be honest, now!!
Second, these current issues are not "indoctrinated in the minds of young preachers" in Bible classes. Last year, I took seven Bible courses — this is three more courses than the average student takes in a year — but out of all seven, to say these issues were even mentioned in more than a dozen class meetings would probably be stretching the truth. Just think!! Thirty-six weeks with six days out of each week meeting classes, and only twelve times was this studied in seven Bible Courses!! This averages less than two days out of the whole year in each course devoted to the present controversy! And yet, someone has the audacity to say, "it is indoctrinated by the faculty." Many times I wondered why more was not being taught on such a prominent controversy as this. Certainly, it is studied by individuals on campus who are interested in learning what is right and what is wrong, but it is done on the student's own time. Also, the members of the faculty will spend hours talking with any student who desires information on this subject or on any other subject; but it, too, is on their own time!
Third, "hobbyism" is not encouraged by this school. We sometimes confuse the terms "hobbyism" and "extremism" or "conservatism." It is true that the teachers continually stress the importance of speaking where the Bible speaks and being silent where the Bible is silent; and of doing Bible things in Bible ways — but if this is "hobbyism" and thereby wrong, then we need us a new creed; for II John 9 teaches that "whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God."
Fourth, I have been preaching at Apopka, Florida, for the past six months. This is only thirteen miles from the Mt. Dora Christian Home and Bible School. Never has any faculty member warned me, "Be careful of those boys!" Never have I been told or encouraged to have nothing to do with this home. I have not been indoctrinated to be an "orphan hater" nor anything of the kind.
In fact, during the summer, I have visited the home and played softball with the boys about four or five different afternoons. During the lectureship at FCC, Brother Orville Boyd, Superintendent of this home, was the speaker at one of the night sessions (the best attended sessions) and as I remember, was given a very warm introduction. Does this honestly seem as if James Cope and the rest of the faculty are attempting to cause division?? To the contrary, there seems to be an effort for peace and unity among the brethren — but we cannot have peace and at the same time sacrifice the truth. However, it takes open minds who are willing to search the scriptures to find truth.
This leads to the fifth point I wish to make. When men must stoop so low to reach their goal as to use misrepresentations (especially, when their information is based on "hear say") it shows desperation on their part. If we attempt to close men's eyes and prejudice their hearts by misrepresentations, then we join the forces of the Jews who crucified our Lord. (Matt. 13:15; Matt. 23:37,38) We need to have open and receptive minds as we seek the goal of knowing God's will. This is the true spirit of Christ; this is the attitude of humility and love so often pleaded for!
If some people are so prejudiced that they "would not even think of hiring a preacher from FCC," I wonder if they are not the ones who are causing division?? If by attending FCC means that I am a "hobbyist" then I am proud to join the ranks. No matter how many churches will not hire me, my soul is more important than material gain. (Matt. 16:26) And I know my soul cannot be saved unless I speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent. (II John 9) If this is "hobbyism" and thereby wrong, then let us throw away our New Testaments because the inspired apostle John was a "hobbyist" also.
Since you stated that you have not received a letter of commendation for your printing the advertisement of Florida Christian College, I submit this letter as one; furthermore, as a student, I will affirm "firsthandedly" that the advertisement was a "true picture" of FCC.
Yours In Christ, Robert Harkrider
Student, Florida Christian College