The Overflow
Correction
"My article, 'A Problem, A Plea and A, Paralogism Concerning Benevolence' in the July 15 GG was of such nature that it calls for a correction of the linotype operator's error. At the bottom of page 2 beginning with the word "Benevolence" it should, read thusly: 'Benevolence was a fruit of their labors — that is, once converted, individuals were taught to do good unto all men especially those of the household of faith. First the church was established and set in order to carry out its divine mission of evangelism and edification." — Wm. E. Wallace, Akron, Ohio.
Still Another
Brother Daniel I. Hider of Dilley, Texas, knowing our penchant for collecting odd church names, sends this one: "Free Jesus Name Pentecostal Holiness." But come to think of it, what could be "odder" than the quite ordinary "Bible Baptist Church"?
Any Suggestions?
From the very first day this writer became editor of the Gospel Guardian he has been determined to keep an "open" editorial policy — permitting both sides of all controversial questions to have ample space for a discussion of the issues involved. Almost from the beginning some brethren have taken advantage of this to become involved in a discussion with some of the Guardian staff, and then right in the middle of the discussion, transfer their side of it to other journals where they knew the Gospel Guardian writers could have no chance at all to reply. Thus they have carried on an exchange in the Gospel Guardian and at the same time have sought to reach as many readers as they could otherwise through other mediums where they knew the Guardian writers would be excluded. We have realized all the time that such behavior was dishonorable and unscrupulous, but we have continued to carry their writings in spite of it, feeling that fair minded brethren would understand the situation. But we are being urged by many brethren over the land to make a clear-cut definite statement of policy, offering space to any honorable brother for a discussion of issues provided he will not try to take advantage of us and run to other mediums right in the midst of his discussion with us. What do you think? We'd like to get an expression from our readers as to the wisest and most righteous course to follow along these lines.
Then we get some like this On the "Juniper Junction" TV program not long since "Aunt Buney" was temporarily occupying the editor's chair of the weekly newspaper of the community. "Uncle Ned" submitted an article which "Aunt Buney" refused to print. Incensed, "Uncle Ned" demanded to know why she would not print it. "Well," said Aunt Buney, "First, hit ain't writ right, and second, hit ain't put together right, and third, hit shouldn't a been writ in the first place." Upon hearing this, Uncle Ned asked, "What do ye aim to do with hit? Throw hit in the trash-can?" "Oh, no," replied Aunt Buney, "The whole thing would have to be re-writ before hit would be fit to throw in the trash can!"
College Lectureship
That reminds us of the perennial complaint we hear at the college lectureships when some brother, impressed by the importance and weight of his own solemn utterances, will not dare trust himself to speak, but must read his speech. Upon being asked about the speech by one who didn't hear it, the bored preachers who endured the ordeal will almost invariably reply, "Well, in the first place, he read it; in the second place, he read it poorly; and in the third place, it wasn't worth reading in the first place."
Free Discussion
"Whosoever is afraid of submitting any question, civil or religious, to the test of free discussion, is more in love with his own opinion than with truth."
— Thomas Watson
All Together
The followers of R. H. Boll are pretty well sold on the idea that it won't be long till there will be a complete amalgamation of church and state; Christ will take over the governments of the earth, and a theocracy will then last for 1,000 years. With that sort of mental background, it is no problem at all for them to reconcile themselves to the church engaging in various secular activities and pursuits. Latest thing to come to our attention is the "Big Winchester Rally" last month in which premillennial churches throughout Kentucky and the nation were urged to rally behind the premillennialists effort to buy the old Kentucky Weslyan College property. Church contributions for this purpose were urged and insisted upon.
Let's Have It
Brother Harper says he has the "proof" that this writer thinks the "one man missionary society" of Don Carlos Janes, Barney Morehead and Jimmie Lovell to be all right. Since this is absolutely false, we call upon our brother to produce his "proof." Since it is "proof" he has, we will expect either a written statement from our pen, a cancelled check showing we have made a contribution, or unimpeachable testimony that we have either publicly or privately urged brethren to send contributions to these men or expressed approval of their manner of collecting and disbursing funds. We're going to give our brother a few weeks to produce his proof of this slander, and then when it is evident to all that he has made a false accusation, we will see if he is as good at writing "apologies" for himself as he is in writing them for others.
Overseeing The Flock!
"I remember hearing Brother Joe Ratcliff, of Bardwell, Kentucky, tell about going to a place one time for a meeting. He got there after the crowd had assembled on a Sunday morning, and found the house full of people. As he walked to the platform, with a grip in each hand, he noticed two men sitting on opposite ends of a bench at the back of the platform, and facing the audience. He asked them, when they arose to meet him, if they were preachers. The reply was 'No.' He then asked if they were there to lead the prayer. Again the answer was 'No.' He inquired what they were doing up on the platform. They replied that they were the elders, and were 'overseeing the congregation'!!"
— C. D. Crouch, Phoenix, Arizona