The Overflow
Fellowship in California Brother C. Wayland James was the guest speaker at the fellowship dinner in the First Brethren Church last Tuesday evening, and our ladies' Trio sang for the group." — Bulletin, Uptown Church of Christ, Long Beach, California.
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Taste nor ... or drink deep
"This I dare affirm in knowledge of nature that a little natural philosophy and the first entrance into it, doth dispose the opinion to atheism, but on the other side, much natural philosophy and wading deep into it, will bring about men's minds to religion." — Lord Bacon
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The bitter (and cheap) truth Senator Bob Taft, late presidential aspirant in the Republican sweepstakes, delights to tell the story of a thrifty widow in his town who wanted the town's leading minister to conduct a memorial service for her dear departed — but was worried about the cost of it. Said the preacher, "For $200.00 I will deliver a eulogy that will enshrine your noble husband in the hearts of the entire city for ten years." "That's too much," said the widow. "For $100.00 I can give a pretty good talk," said the preacher reluctantly. "Nothing fancy, you understand, but no one will be able to doubt the solid virtues and endearing qualities of your late spouse." "That's still too much," said the widow. "Can't you give me something for about $16.00 ?" "I suppose I can," admitted the preacher, "But I must warn you that for that price I'll have to tell the truth about the good-for-nothing bum."
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Women preachers It was prayer-meeting night in a congregation in central Texas. About 175 people were present. After a few songs, a scripture reading and prayer, the little children's class went off into another room. Then the preacher said, 'We will now have a lesson from sister________. " The sister arose from her seat, marched into the pulpit, and proceeded to deliver a rather interesting sermon on "Noah and His Family." Then one of the brethren made a talk; after which another sister was called upon. She likewise strode into the pulpit, and read a rather lengthy poem. The preacher made a few announcements, a visiting brother was called upon for a short talk, a song was sung, and prayer meeting was over. Yes, that was a church of Christ. Or was it?
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Unnatural We never hear a woman preacher without recalling Samuel Johnson's remark to the effect that a woman preaching is as contrary to nature as a dog walking on two legs. They never do it well, but one is surprised that they can do it at all. Personally, we'd just as soon hear a Holy-Roller woman preach as to hear a Christian sister do the job. In fact, sooner. And both of them have the same effect on us that the Laodicean church had on the Lord. Makes us want to — you know what. (And if you don't know, look it up in your Bible. Marginal reading.)
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The devil wouldn't do it!
J. D. Tant had just concluded a meeting in Abilene, Texas, some years ago, and J. P. Crenshaw had taken him to the station to catch a train for his next appointment. As the train drew to a stop at the loading platform, Tant turned to his friend and said, "Well, brother Joe, I am just about ready to do something today that the devil himself has never done ... and wouldn't do." Crenshaw's slightly bulging eyes popped even wider, "What is that, brother Tant?" Came the answer, "I'm leaving Abilene. Goodbye."
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Just for fun Headline of interest a few weeks ago: "Wilson Makes Speech Showing Need of Christian Education." Well, well.
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Add a new one Some people collect stamps, some matchbook covers, and some antique furniture. We collect odd church names. And we've run across some choice ones: "Latter Rain Baptist Church" of Oklahoma City; "Number One Church of Christ" near Gallatin, Tennessee; "Church of the Christian Holy Jumpers," in Los Angeles; "Church of Jesus Christ as Reorganized by John the Baptist" in Detroit are a few samples. This week we picked up another one, "Church of the Glad Tidings of God" at Sherman, Texas.
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Still having trouble Some of the brethren over in Alabama are still having trouble trying to decide whether Childhaven is the church, an agency of the church, an independent business concern, or merely "a co-op." It reminds us of the story of two denizens of a lunatic asylum who were engaged in solemn conclave. "I have decided to conquer England," declared one. "Historians will never be able to say that Julius Caesar rested on his laurels." "England, hey?" mused the other. "Well, Julius, if I were you — and incidentally I am ..."
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Itinerary Our plans for the fall are as follows: last two Sundays in September, Hickory, North Carolina; first two Sundays in October, Wichita, Kansas, (West Douglas); last two Sundays in October, Mulvane, Kansas; all of November, Beamsville and Jordan, Ontario, Canada; first two Sundays in December, Santa Ana, California (Birch and Fairview). Will be home for the holidays, and then will return to California for January and February.
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Easy to quit
"Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I've done it hundreds of times."
— Mark Twain
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Prayer
"In even savage bosoms There are longings, yearnings, strivings For the good they comprehend not;
And their feeble hands and helpless, Groping blindly in the darkness, Touch God's right hand in that darkness And are lifted up and strengthened." — Anonymous