The Overflow
In Memory Of Jesus
Several of the orphan homes have the practice of soliciting, and accepting, gifts of money in lieu of flowers sent to the funeral of some deceased supporter of the home. These gifts are duly acknowledged in the various house organs as "In memory of" the deceased. We were recently intrigued by an announcement of the Sunny Dale home in Phoenix, Arizona, that a Sunday School class at Ajo, Arizona, had sent them thirty dollars "In memory of Jesus Christ." Thirty dollars h-m-m-m. Were they silver?
Preacher Wanted
"Need full-time man with ability to do personal work as well as pulpit work. Age, 40-50. Prefer a man from the Southwest who is thoroughly experienced with "antics" and their tactics as they are now at work in this, their last area of hope. With a total church membership of less than of 1% of the county population plus the "anti" problem, this is the place for a sound preacher who is looking for a challenge. Write to elders, Keizer Church of Christ, Box 2281, Salem, Oregon." (Advertisement in the Christian Chronicle, September 2, 1960.)
Can some "anti-antie" preacher come to the rescue of these desperate brethren? Something like a score of the
most substantial and mature Christians in the Keizer congregation have recently transferred membership to the Central Church in Salem (where Luther G. Roberts preaches) in protest against the ruthless tactics of the "anti-anties" in forcing their "expedients" on the congregation. Step up, brethren; what brave soul will come to the help of these beleaguered disciples? Their plight is distressing!
Concerning The Catholics
We suggest that the article in this issue by Joe Neil Clayton, "Truth Or Error," be given a most careful reading. In these days when so much is being said and written about Catholicism accuracy must come first! Catholicism is bad enough when put in the very best light possible; let the Catholic sources themselves be their own accusers. Brother Clayton's article is timely and of unusual merit.
Paging Tom Warren
More than three-quarters of a century ago, A. T. Pierson, one of the finest scholars of his generation wrote: "It is absurd to demand the same sort of evidence in ethics as in mathematics. The nature of evidence is adapted to its object. Mathematics evidence concerns quantity; Moral evidence concerns the relations between intelligent beings. You can prove, mathematically, that two and two make four; can you prove, mathematically, that food builds up and fever kills, or that honesty is a virtue? There are many truths capable of moral demonstration, that defy the mathematical, yet are none the less truths." (Many Infallible Proofs, p. 21.) But what about "constituent elements" and "total situations?" What has happened to this great argument?
Want An "Ice Cutie?
Brother Lloyd E. Ellis of Chula Vista, California, sends out a catalogue offering for sale a wide variety of articles; and promising that all profit from such sales shall go to the building of a new meeting house for brethren in Verona, Italy. Items advertised for sale included: a deck of marked cards, and a plastic tray for freezing nude "ice cuties," shapely "glamour girls" which (so the catalogue says) will "do a beautiful job of cooling drinks and starting conversations." We have not a doubt in the world about that! Anybody want to advance the cause of Christ in Italy by means of "ice cuties?"
Out In The Fields The little cares that fretted me I lost them yesterday, Among the fields, above the sea, Among the winds at play; Among the lowing of the herds, The rustling of the trees, Among the singing of the birds, The humming of the bees. The foolish fear of what may pass, I cast them all away Among the clover-scented grass, Among the new-mown hay; Among the rustling of the corn, Where drowsy poppies nod, Where ill thoughts die and good are born, Out in the fields with God. — Author Unknown Justification
We heard a brother in a public debate a few days ago giving scriptural justification for Herald of Truth and Benevolent Societies. Here is an exact quotation from the tape: "Have you ever found in the New Testament where the church took money out of a church treasury and paid the preacher? or built a preacher's home? or built a church building, or something like that? Why, my brother knows that the New Testament doesn't have those things in it, yet my brother is saying the church can't do it because it's not in the New Testament!" Ever hear such an argument before? Of course you have! It's the argument the digressives have been making for seventy-five years to justify instrumental music in the worship.
"Abba, Father"
The word "Abba" as used in the New Testament "approximates to a personal name, in contrast to 'Father,' with which it is always joined in the N. T. This is probably due to the fact that, 'Abba' having practically become a proper name, Greek-speaking Jews added the Greek word pater, father, from the language they used. 'Abba' is the word framed by the lips of infants, a n d betokens unreasoning trust; "father' expresses an intelligent apprehension of the relationship. The two together express the love and intelligent confidence of the child." —
(W. E. Vine in Expository Dictionary.) Gift Subscriptions To Preacher Boys
For several years now the Gospel Guardian has been sent on a complimentary basis to all the preacher boys in the various Christian colleges. Certain brethren who firmly believe in "Christian education" have paid for these subscriptions. The offer is still open. All the preacher boys in the colleges who want the Guardian during the school term should send us their name and address. And will friends who see this notice call the matter to their attention? Thanks.
Itinerary
This page is being written in Bremerton, Washington, where the editor is about to close a gospel meeting, the final one of this trip. Leaving home in mid-July we have held meetings at Levelland, Texas; Tularosa, New Mexico; Ventura and Red Bluff, California, and Puyallup and Bremerton, Washington. Schedule for the next few weeks is Indianapolis, Indiana, (Lafayette Heights) October 23-30; Birmingham, Alabama (North B'ham) Nov. 6-13; Sioux City, Iowa, November 20-27.
Thanks!
"J. D. Tant — Texas Preacher" has been on the market now for twenty months. We have received hundreds of letters and comments about it from readers over the nation; many of the readers had personal knowledge of persons and events referred to in the book. We have received many commendations for the accuracy of the story, and no charges of error or inaccuracy in any statement of fact. It seems likely now that the first printing of the book will be exhausted within a few months. If you want a copy, order now. Price is $4.00.