Associate Editors Added
We are happy to announce the addition of three new names to our staff of associates: Robert H. Farish of Lufkin, Texas, Hoyt H. Houchen of Abilene, Texas, and Robert C. Welch of Nacogdoches, Texas. These names are already well known to Guardian readers, and their articles have long been read with interest and appreciation by our subscribers. All three men have articles in this issue; future issues will contain material from their pens at frequent intervals.
* * * A Medley Of Matters — Birthday — Mrs. J. D. Tant
We have had several inquiries lately as to the health of the editor's mother — Mrs. J. D. Tant. She was recently in the hospital in San Antonio, Texas, for a few days, but at the time of this writing has left the hospital and gone to the home of her daughter. She still takes great pleasuii. in receiving cards and letters, although the burden of responding to each of them would be too great a tax on her waning strength.
She was born on February 13, 1872, and thus will begin her ninetieth year next month. Until only a few weeks ago she sat at her typewriter for two or three hours every day, writing letters to brethren all over the world, telling them of "Truth In Love" the monthly magazine which we publish for distribution among the non-christians of the land. Whether she will be able to resume this work or not is not yet determined. But she has written approximately 10,000 such letters within the last decade, seeking to enlist the interest of churches and individuals in sending this paper to those who need it. She was methodical in that work, and adamant in her determination to get out her daily "quota" no matter what else was done or not done. Hers has been a will that would not yield, even to the encroachments of advancing age. In her life has been fulfilled the longing of the poet who penned:
Into The Sunset
"Let me die, working,
Still tackling plans unfinished, tasks undone!
Clean to its end, swift may my race be run.
No laggard steps, no faltering, no shirking;
Let me die, working!
"Let me die, thinking.
Let me fare forth still with an open mind,
Fresh secrets to unfold, new truths to find,
My soul undimmed, alert, no question blinking;
Let me die, thinking!
"Let me die, laughing,
No sighing o'er past sins; they are forgiven.
Spilled on this earth are all the joys of heaven;
Beyond the horizon, eternity is calling;
Let me die, laughing!" — S. Hall Young It seems not too unlikely that February 13, 1961, may be Nannie Yater Tant's final birthday celebration. Those who would like to send her a card may address it to:
Mrs. J. D. Tant Box 311 Eldorado, Texas
Middle Of The Road
In their articles in this issue both brother Welch and brother Farish are taking brother Reuel Lemmons to task for his "middle of the road" ambitions. We believe their articles are timely and to the point. One of the most tragic figures in the whole Restoration history was J. W. McGarvey — the very epitome of a "middle of the road" philosophy. He hated instrumental music in the worship with a passion; taught against it; pleaded with his brethren not to force it to the dividing of churches — yet was all the time an ardent defender of the Missionary Societies.
The total impact of his influence, for whatever it was worth, was thus lost to the cause of truth and righteousness. And in the end his Digressive friends buried him — and played an organ at his funeral.
Brother Lemmons has said some strong things in condemnation of church support of the schools; but at the same time has tried to defend the "brotherhood orphanages," "centralized cooperatives" and other departures from the simplicity that is in Christ. We greatly fear that he may be lacking that basic fortitude of character which will permit him to make an "all-out" fight against the course he condemns. But that, of course, remains to be seen. The way he "buckled under" when pressure was applied in the Freed-Hardeman episode does not leave us very sanguine as to his taking any real stand for truth in the future. We may be mistaken; we sincerely hope that we are.
— F. Y. T.
How's That, Again?
In view of the swift reaction of so many brethren to Gospel Press's solicitation of church contributions, we were much interested in seeing a copy of the telegram brother Alan Bryan, president of the Gospel Press, sent a brother who had enquired about the matter. Here is the telegram:
"Please correct misunderstanding concerning support of Gospel Press. Churches can only buy space in national magazines or purchase tracts. Gospel Press itself is supported entirely by individual contributions. Will appreciate your informing anyone of this fact.
Alan Bryan, Pres. Gospel Press."
Maybe the president and his vice had better get their head, together and talk things over. The vice solicits church contributions; and the president says his concern is supported "entirely by individual contributions." Who is trying to pull whose leg?
— F. Y. T.