Why Do You Write For The Gospel Guardian?
A very dear friend recently asked me the question used as the title for this brief article: "Why do you write for the Gospel Guardian?" It's a good question and a fair one. Here are some reasons why I do so:
1. The Gospel Guardian permits open discussion and refutation of any articles appearing on her pages. She presents opportunity to brethren with opposing views to express themselves. This is a safe and fair policy.
2. The Gospel Guardian will permit a brother in Christ who has been attacked as to his teaching or position on some religious matter on her pages to answer his opposition. This is a safe and fair policy.
3. The Gospel Guardian will print what I write and as I compose it. There would be no point in my writing for the Gospel Guardian if she rejected my writings, or rewrote them for me.
4. The Gospel Guardian will apologize when shown she has made a mistake in something printed! In twenty years as editor of the Gospel Advocate, B. C. Goodpasture has printed several erroneous reports, and has apologized one time, to my knowledge,--to the Catholics, concerning the "reputed Knights of Columbus oath!" (Gospel Advocate, May 13, 1948, pp. 460, 469) The Gospel Guardian's policy of correcting errors is proper and fair, and necessary, for any editor is bound to occasionally print (perhaps in all honesty) that which is in error.
5. The Gospel Guardian is fighting for truth against the present drift of the church into institutionalism, the very same mistake that resulted in the "Christian Church," with her various aiding organizations and innovations.
I am not writing for the Gospel Guardian because I always agree with what I read on her pages, for in some
few things I have disagreed.
I am not writing for the Gospel Guardian because I think her staff a set of perfect men.
I am not writing for the Gospel Guardian because I am "mad" at other publications. (I'll write for all who will print what I write!)
I am not writing for the Gospel Guardian thinking it will cause me to be in popular demand with the brotherhood!
In fact, I have written but little for the Gospel Guardian (The Gospel Guardian has not suffered by this, I am sure.)
Finally, my friend and inquirer should know that the Gospel Guardian has never requested, urged, nor invited me to be a writer for them. They have courteously published my occasional articles submitted for their consideration. This I appreciate, and will continue to submit articles from time to time.