The Overflow
Unworthy of him Brother Hugo McCord's recent article in the Gospel Advocate, "I Visited Childhaven," could not but be a disappointment to his many friends (one of whom the editor is which of long standing). Brother Hugo's article carried the implication in unmistakable terms that those who object to institutional orphan homes are a bunch of stingy tight-wads who have no love for helpless little orphan children, and who would probably laugh with unholy glee to see these little ones slowly starve to death. Such writing as that adds nothing constructive to the discussion of a grave and serious problem. We're ashamed of you, brother McCord; that article was unworthy of you. You ought to apologize for it.
"Holy mackerel!"
While we're on the subject, brother McCord's charge that some brethren have simply dragged a red herring across the trail (in their raising of the "organizational issue") reminds us of Harry Truman's use of the same quip against those who were charging Communist infiltration into our government. The President has had to eat his words in considerable embarrassment. Walter Winchell made the apt comment, "Those guys in Washington who a year ago were saying "red herring" are now crying "Holy mackerel!" And once the truth is understood on the "institutional-organizational issue," we have no doubt brother Hugo will change his fish too.
—O—
Excitement at Bethel We see in the papers where little Bethel College (Presbyterian—enrolment 450) at McKenzie, Tennessee, faced a problem. It was brought to light that Dr. John E. Bauman, professor of zoology, was a member of a nudist cult. He was promptly fired by Bethel's President Roy N. Baker, who stated that "Nudism does not fit in with our church program. We don't fool with that kind of business." We think Dr. Bauman would probably feel quite at home in one "church program" (Church of Christ, that is) we were told about not long ago—one of the sisters (a big fat one) came to ladies' Bible class wearing shorts. Ugh!
—O—
Not prepared We simply weren't prepared for the flood of letters we received following our recent plea for a "discussion of the issues" rather than any attack on personalities. We are humbly grateful for the expressions of good-will and confidence. Our readers will understand that it is impossible to respond to each letter, but be assured of our gratitude for your words of encouragement. May we make this suggestion: if, as you say, you are appreciative of the work of the Guardian in presenting a fair discussion of the problems now facing the church, show your appreciation by sending us new subscriptions.
—O—
Brother Wright's articles Next week we print the last two in the series of nine articles brother Cecil N. Wright wrote on "The Cooperation Controversy." It is possible that brother Wright may desire to make some response to our review and some further explanation of his views. If so, the Gospel Guardian will be glad to publish whatever he may want to submit. We think this is only fair, and we want both him and our readers to know that the pages of the paper are open to any reply he may want to make.
—O—
As Elam saw it
"All the work of the New Testament church was carried on by the church, as the church, and through the church. However, the church that does not carry on earnestly and zealously such work is dead; and the one that contends that the church should do it, and does not do it, is pharisaic."
— E. A. Elam
(Gospel Advocate, 1904)
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Terre Haute, Indiana Amid all the wrangles, fuming, "feudin', fussin', and fightin' " of the churches today, it was like a breath of cool air on a hot summer day to hold a meeting in Terre Haute, Ind., last month. The two white congregations there, with M. F. Cottrell and Doyle Earwood as the local preachers, have as perfect harmony and as complete good-will as we have ever seen between congregations anywhere. It was difficult to tell which congregation was most in attendance (we were preaching at Fifth and McKeen). Mid-week services are habitually dismissed by each church when the other is in a meeting; and once each month through the year both churches have a mid-week service together. The thing that makes Terre Haute particularly worthy of note in this is that only a few years ago the feeling between these two congregations was about as antagonistic as any to be found anywhere. Their present harmony and fellowship shows what faithful gospel preaching and determined Christian living can accomplish in so short a time. May their tribe increase!
—O—
News reports and subscriptions We remind you once again that the Guardian's editor has no "office." His editorial work is done wherever he finds space to put down a portable typewriter—mostly in Pullman cars and hotel rooms. (This page, for example, is being written from the Antlers Hotel in Lorain, Ohio; next week's paper will be prepared from the home of brother G. M. Johnson in Beamsville, Ontario.) For that reason all news reports, new subscriptions, etc., should be sent not to the editor, but to the publishing office —Box 980, Lufkin, Texas. Thanks.
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Coming soon Our reprinting of the Wright articles necessarily crowded us for space, and caused the delay of a number of fine articles. We offer this explanation to those who have submitted material; and want our readers to know that some excellent discussions of vital topics are coming soon. We have some particularly thought provoking articles from brother Murray Marshall on the "Development of the Missionary Society in Kentucky."
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From a G. A. staff-writer
"To represent (and sometimes misrepresent) some brother in print and then refuse him apace to reply or explain is dishonorable, unjust, and unfair. Such would not be done by any reputable man of the world.
When members of the church do such, one may well know that they are lower in their standard of ethics than men who never heard of the church."
— George W. DeHoff