Observations Through The Years (III.)
There are other pointed questions that I want to ask our "Institution" minded preachers, elders and brethren generally who are supporting Herald of Truth and institutional orphan homes, etc. But first, a few observations noted a little further back. Along with numerous others, through a period of years, I have seen many changes in the religious attitude and conduct of both churches and preachers. Most of the changes, I think, have been for the better. Churches gradually began to have preaching more often, and later, the hiring of located preachers, or "ministers" as most congregations now have. From then preachers began addressing themselves more to the "practical aspects" of Christianity, and less to principles of doctrine. That meant getting more of the members to become active in some way; but often this activity, under the preacher's direction (not always that of elders), came to be more of a social and recreational nature, rather than religious. We all acknowledge and appreciate the good things that have been accomplished, and that progress has been made, though some of it lately has been in the wrong direction.
Preachers have fired the people with zeal, yes; but in minimizing essential points of "the sound doctrine" about which Paul cautioned Timothy, Titus and others, the result has too often been that a large segment in many churches, untaught on vital principles of the faith, is busy doing things, but whether right or wrong they don't know. The apostles have frequently urged all of us, including preachers and elders, to "be sound in the faith." Paul said: "Be not carried away by divers and strange teachings." Unfortunately, his admonition has met apparent defeat from brethren who have aped the denominational world in setting up "cooperative institutions" through which the church is to do its work. But, you know what? To all intents and designs, that makes the human organization of the home the dominant enterprise, and the church a mere subsidiary!
Paul said: "They that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare." Let me add this, they that are minded to become like the denominations also fall into a temptation and a snare. To do what is popular the world over is a temptation, we know; then, to yield or not to yield — "that's the question." Yes, I know that James said: "Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations." But a relevant question is, do people who endorse and support the unauthorized projects really FALL into temptation? Or did they walk into it with open eyes? Could it be that some are like a person I heard of who, in saying "the Lord's prayer" pled, "Lord, lead us not into temptation — just say where it is, we'll find it." This man likely was honest in his attitude, but wrong in concept. Others could be.
Some questions for brethren who operate orphan homes, and who give out, with oversized tears in their voice, that folks who oppose their "method" don't believe in caring for orphans: Since there were orphans for ages before you were around, did churches or people generally let them starve, freeze or die with disease before these "homes" were established? Certainly not. Since you do not want them till they are "three years old," are you willing for them to be without care until they attain that age? If not, what are you doing about it? Who, if you know, is caring for the babes till they are old enough to be sent to you? If it is done by church members, could they not continue to keep them? As far as you know, they could and would. Who told churches to send their orphans to the "home," inspired writers or you? I think lots of people know the answer.
To those who support these homes from the church treasury (against the wishes of many good brethren): Do you think you can discharge your Christian obligation to the fatherless and widows in your community by sending them off to a chartered institution? Do you think that, in sending contributions to these homes, you are fulfilling the requirements of James 1:27? Really, for the most part, you are helping to perpetuate a human device, and contributing to the affluence of its operators. Aren't they running a business enterprise on your capital? Do you think that is the best way, the scriptural way, to use your means and fulfill your duty to indigent folks among you? Do you think that avoiding contact with needy children, and sending money to outside organizations will get you any eternal credit or yield to your Lord any glory? Well, neither do I — witness the letters operators publish from exes and donors. All the glory goes to the home. In pondering these things, let the Bible (not some man of smooth tongue and fair speech) help you find the right answer.
Here are other questions for operators and supporters of institutional homes: 1) Are these by any means plants? 2) Did God plant them? 3) If so, can you tell us when and how? 4) If not planted by our Heavenly Father, what is to happen to them? Have you read Jesus' words in Matthew 15:13 lately? Give a look, please. Proponents of these projects and the Herald of Truth missionary set-up are "skating on thin ice" when they get to the point where their best defense is the use of identical arguments (?) made in years past by our religious opponents whom we met and, with the armor of God and the sword of the Spirit, conquered and literally drove from the polemic rostrum.
Brother Harper and several others, most of them able and sincere men, have tried hard to defend their questionable supplementary projects by classing them as only "methods" and "expedients"; but proving them by the scriptures to be such has been a signal failure. So, after a fruitless search in the BOOK for precept, example or inference to sustain them, they find themselves "without a leg to stand on," therefore, they virtually say to their erstwhile enemy, move over, so that we may sit with you on your theological MARE'S NEST, to wit, the "principle eternal."