Let Them "Hear" By Reading
The faith which enables one to "call upon the name of the Lord," like all faith, is based upon evidence. The evidence can be presented orally or in writing. We have the apostles' testimony in writing; this is the evidence upon which we can believe. This apostolic testimony, in our day, is proclaimed and explained by faithful men both by word of mouth and word of pen.
The main objective of a Christian should be to bring everyone that he can, (relative, friends, associates, yes, even enemies) to call upon the name of the Lord, for "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Rom. 10:13) But this desired objective can be realized only by those who pursue the divine order — hear, believe, "call upon the name of the Lord." (Rom. 10:14,17)
The frenzied rush which is common to most of us serves to handicap many of our efforts at getting the gospel into the hearts of men and women by way of their ears. This has caused many to despair and cease, or at least greatly curtail, their efforts to save others.
These observations are not intended to encourage any to neglect opportunities of teaching orally. The spoken word in the immediate presence of an interested hearer is still without peer as a means of planting the seed of the kingdom in the hearts of men. The design of this article is to encourage the use of the medium of the printed word to supplement the oral teaching and also to reach hearts which for various reasons cannot be reached by word of mouth.
Sound, well-informed, brethren who have ability to write clearly and accurately are constantly writing articles and tracts, preparing literature, etc., to help people to understand what the will of the Lord is.
Periodicals and tracts are within the economic reach of the majority of church members. Few there are who can truthfully say that they cannot afford to pay for a few tracts or magazines to send to those whom they wish to teach. Many brethren who are prevented by lack of qualifications or opportunities to teach by word of mouth could do a great work by mailing carefully selected tracts that fit the case to people in whom they are interested. One brother, known by this writer, keeps tracts on hand to mail to all of those with whom he corresponds. These tracts go to his business as well as his social correspondents.
The use of the printed word in sowing the seed of the kingdom has been hindered by those who oppose the use of "uninspired literature." All of us need to see that NO oral teaching in our day is any more inspired than written teaching. The significant characteristic which should be demanded in both oral and written teaching is scripturalness. The question is not, is it inspired? but is it scriptural?
Some people can be reached with tracts, etc., who cannot be reached from pulpit, radio, or even personal contacts. The feeling of need of putting up a defense against the message is not nearly so strong in one when he is reading a tract in private as it is when he is listening to some one, aware of being observed and perhaps putting up arguments in opposition to what is said. True, he may not be agreeing with what he is reading, but he is in a better frame of mind for the reception of truth. It would be interesting and horrifying to know how many souls have been repelled and hindered in receiving the truth by observing a smile or other facial expression of triumph which was interpreted as gloating over a personal victory. Much has been said about the disadvantage that one labors under in writing. It has been pointed out that phrases which offend and antagonize would not have that unfavorable result could the words smile at the reader. This is true, but it is offset in some cases by the fact that involuntary facial expressions of triumph can work as much devastation in oral teaching as the absence of a warm kindly smile can work in writing.
"What shall we say then?" Shall we wage a word battle to see which means of teaching is the less likely to raise barriers against the truth? No, let's just use both means to the extent of our ability and remember that we are to be "wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." This "wisdom" and "harmlessness" must be cultivated and prayed for. (Jas. 1:5)
Let them "hear" by hearing and by reading as well.
— 417 E. Groesbeck, Lufkin, Texas