WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
By H. E. PHILLIPS
Some very simple words can be made to signify veryserious and ugly things. In religion the term heresy is a very bad word. It signifies a fundamental error intrue religion. Sometimes the one in error uses thisterm to describe another who opposes him. If oneshould apply the term heresy to another who did not agree with his own "standard of true religion," thatugly implication would go to the man who may notbe guilty of it at all. We must know what a termmeans and use it in its proper sense before others knowwhat we mean.
Another term with a disgraceful significance is communism. In most of the free countries of the world this term signifies bondage and ignorance. But reallythe word in rightful usage means "to have things incommon" — a practice now common in America, within understandable bounds, of course. However, because of the doctrine of Communism as taught by Russia the word now has come to mean "the doctrine of community of property" — all property owned by thestate. This is not what we approve in democracy. Allone has to do to place another under suspicion is to callhim a Communist. But is one condemned because someone calls him a term that automatically brands himas a traitor? Certainly not. One is not really a communist because he might believe in people having thingsin common, or because someone accuses him of being aCommunist in the Russian sense of the word. One must be proved guilty by the right standard of definition.
We hear some terms today among Christians thatare as misused and have become as abusive as the terms referred to above. The term "anti" or "legal" describes something to be shunned in the eyes of many.The terms "pro" and "liberal" are terms which alsodescribe something to turn away from. What do theseterms mean? and what do we mean when we say, "JohnDoe is an Anti" or "James Henry is a liberal"? It must have some further terms before we can know what one is against, or whether he is an anti or not. Likewise. Pro means "for, in favor of." Unless we havesome further terms we can not know whether one is a pro or not. Take, for example, the subject of "uninspired literature" as a help in studying the Bible. If oneis "against" the use of such literature in connection with Bible study, he is anti uninspired literature in Biblestudy. It does not follow that he is "Anti-Bible study," or "Anti-newspaper." The man who favors, the use of uninspired literature in Bible study as a helpis Pro uninspired literature in Bible study. It does notfollow that he favors false and misleading uninspiredliterature because he is "Pro." The whole point isthis: when we say someone is "Anti" something or"Pro" something let us be sure we do not make him"Anti" or "Pro" what he is not.
It is very common today to hear one say of a certain preacher: "He is Anti-orphan home and Anti-cooperation." Does this mean that preacher is opposedto orphan homes and all efforts of cooperation? Thatis what the statement appears to say. Actually, thatis not the case at all. We know of no one who is anti caring for orphans, even in "orphan homes." Weknow of no one who opposes cooperation. Then whycall them "Anti"? The reason is because they do notagree with the organizational arrangements used inorphan care and cooperation. They are branded "Anti"something they are not, and the word carries a verybad significance.
Every Christian should be "Anti" something; hemust be opposed to all that is wrong. If I should usethe term 'Anti" with reference to one of my brethren,would that imply that he is "against" everything? Ifnot, would I not have to specify what he is "against"?Beloved, that is the honest way to deal with each other.Do not attribute a belief and position to someone whichhe does not accept, either by direct charge or the use of a term which does not convey the exact truth. One isdishonest and unfair who will do so, regardless ofwhich side of a position he may take. Think on thesethings.
TRAIN UP THE CHILD
The inspired words of the wise man, "Train up achild in the way he should go: and when he is old, hewill not depart from it," strike the hearts and lives ofmany parents today with a relentless force. It may notbe until after the child is grown that the parents cometo realize the full meaning of these words. If we canimpress young parents that the time to "train up achild" is when he is a child, we will accomplish much.This word "train" does not mean to paddle a few timesand cry "don't" to anything the child attempts to do.It means "to educate; to rear and instruct; to drill anddiscipline." To train up a child then means to educateand drill in all affairs that make him a good man. Thereis a wrong way and a right way to train. Inspirationsays to train the child "in the way he should go" — that means the right way. To leave out spiritual training is to train in the wrong way.
A NEW PAPER IS BORN
Truth and truth alone can make men free. Our Master taught this lesson to the Jews that believed onhim in John 8:32. With this issue of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES you hold in your hand a newpaper that is born to do just that. The truth has a rightto be heard from the pulpit, over the air lanes, on thetelevision screen, and on the printed page. This isone purpose of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES.After almost two years of publishing the SOUTHEASTERN NEWS LETTER, your editors are broadening the scope of their activity by adding a majormonthly to the list of periodicals in the brotherhood.We are not ignorant of the trials that are always present in such a work. No matter what may appear in thesepages some will be dissatisfied. We realize the impossibility of pleasing all men and will, therefore, be devotedto pleasing God and his Son, Jesus Christ. We are tryingto do good, not evil. We are determined to teach thepure gospel as it is taught in the New Testament, nothing more and nothing less.
We do not become obligated to personally endorseeverything that may appear in this publication. Eachwriter will be responsible for his own writing. Wehave, however, selected a few men who are sound, loyalgospel preachers and teachers and invited them to write.No claim is laid to perfection. We have, and will, makemistakes. The pages of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES will be open to men of good faith. We will allow anyone who has something worthwhile to say tospeak his mind. We will not, however, allow propagandists to sow seeds of discord. This paper will not be devoted to unfair controversy and personal sarcasm. Thatdoes not mean that controversial matters will not be discussed; on the contrary, they will be freely discussed.
We mean that this paper does not exist to wage anyparticular battle for or against a given issue. We intend to attack all forms of departure from the truth, and to contend for the faith once for all delivered. Certainly disputed issues will be dealt with. Theapostles in the New Testament dealt with issues thatopposed Christianity. The plagues of modernism, institutionalism, indifference, worldliness and such like,are matters that demand our attention today; we mustdeal with them to be faithful to the Lord. In doingthis we do not have to manifest an unchristian spirit.We have no policy but to be scriptural, fair, sincere, and faithful in our work as editors of this paper. We know nothing more that could be asked of us inpresenting this paper for your edification. Let us worktogether to stimulate more interest in "Searching theScriptures" to know the truth, for it is only the truthof God that will make men free. We ask your help ingetting subscriptions. The subscription price is $2 per year.
H. E. PhillipsJames P. Miller
WILL HE BE THE LAST?
James P. Miller
Every informed member of the church now knowsthat Pat Hardeman is no longer the gospel preacher,but is now Dr. Thomas P. Hardeman, pastor of theUnitarian Fellowship of Tampa, Florida. To graspwhat this really means in the fullest sense, the following statement was recently published in the Courier-Journal by the First Unitarian Church of Louisville:
'"What's your creed?' people ask. We haven'tany. So they ask again, "What do you believe?'We haven't any required beliefs. Each member isexpected to believe only what his knowledge andexperience lead him to believe, but to remain openminded. A Unitarian may be a humanist or anatheist. He may be a Christian or Non-Christian."
Pat Hardeman's departure from the faith and theloss of his soul is the result of a kind of thinking thatfills the brethren in far too many places today. Whenyou hear brethren say, "We do not have to have authority for all we do;" or again, "Show me where Godsaid it is wrong;" or "Let us forget the how and justget it done," you know that these brethren are on thesame road. Everyone of this attitude have three great things in common: A lack of respect for the inspiration of the Bible, the authority of Christ, and the all-sufficiency of the blood-bought church of the Lord.
I believe that in some way every thinking personin the church knows that this is true. Our departuresfrom the faith must be preceded by an attitude similarto that of Pat Hardeman. The attitude comes first,and the departure later. With hundreds of highly educated young men in the pulpit of the churches dependent on what they have been taught by sectarian teachers in denominational seminaries and universities, wecannot help but lift our voice to cry, WILL HE BETHE LAST?
like Paul of old, I am filled with wonder and astonishment at my brethren. He marveled that the Galatians could be so quickly removed from the pure gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. I, too, stand amazed thatmy brethren can so quickly turn their backs on someof the great truths for which we have stood so long.
The Jews came to Pilate in Matthew 27:64 and asked him to make the sepulcher sure lest the disciples ofChrist come and steal him, Christ, away. In answer,Pilate uttered these words: "Ye have a watch: go yourway to make it as sure as you can." There was no wayto make the tomb of my Lord sure, for they "foughtagainst God." This passage, however, gave to therestoration a great text. In religion, we ought to "makeit as sure as we can." To paraphrase the statement ofthe Roman we said, "We have the word of God, weneed to make our salvation as sure as we can." This gave way to a great sermon preached by every oldsoldier of the cross on THE INFALLIBLY SAFE WAY. The message was plain and clear, always takethe way that is conceded by all to be safe, "make it assure as you can." We applied it to every phase of theworship, organization and work of the church. Thecry was, always take the safe and sure course.
On the present day issues before the church, manyof my brethren have forgotten this great principle.They are willing, like the digressives of another century to gamble with the salvation of souls. I marvelthat they would say it is no longer necessary to takethe infallible way. In matters of benevolence and cooperation, there are ways that the scripture teachesclearly and are admitted by all to be safe. No onequestions the fact that they are sure and that if theyare practiced by the people of God, we walk in the"things that are written." The trouble among brethren is not caused by these things that are in the Bible.They are not under question, and all men of goodfaith admit they are sure.
To provide for a needy person, widow or orphan,by those of blood or those connected by the blood ofChrist, is admitted by all to be safe. The duty of thebrethren to those in need has never been questioned and has been practiced for centuries. The right of the churchto help those of her number who cannot find relieffrom blood and brethren has never been doubted and from the days of the first congregation on earth hasbeen the rule and practice of the body of Christ. Thesethings are infallibly safe. The trouble, as always, isover the means pressed upon the churches that are notfound in the word of God. The human institution to do the work of the church is the issue. No man denies that the church can do her own work, the question is: Can she do this work through a man-made institution?This organization, whatever it may be called and however it may be organized, is the thing that is not foundin the word of God. This man-created institution which all admit to be without foundation in the Bible,
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is the organization that violates the ability of the saintsto give answer according to the "oracles of God." ThatChrist founded a church as the "pillar and ground ofthe truth," is freely admitted. The fact that for centuries the true church of Christ had no human institution to support and work through is also freely admitted. The proper care of orphans in the churchesunder the direction of inspired apostles without the aidof any human institution on earth is "without controversy." THIS IS THE SAFE WAY.
I do not believe that the great majority of brethrenare willing to give up the safe ground. I am sure, andam confident, that if faced with all of the facts theywill say, let those in need be relieved first, by bloodkin, (I Timothy 5:8 and 16); then by brethren, (IJohn 3:16); and if these means fail, by the church,"let the church be charged (I Timothy 5:16). Theywant, as I, every mouth fed and every body clothed,but they do not believe that to feed the hungry and toclothe the naked, we need to build and maintain fromthe treasury of the church of our Lord man-made institutions unknown to the pages of God's book.
Brethren, let us walk together in the INFALLIBLYSAFE WAY.
DAY SPOILERS
J. E. Whighman, Tampa, Florida
All our training and experience convinces us thatthe beginning of any effort or thing is very important.The Bible relates over and over again the importance ofstarting right on any effort or undertaking.
During the life span of a man of 70 years, he is presented with over 25,000 "brand new" days which hecan use, mis-use, waste or throw away. Each of thesedays comes fresh and new! They come one at a timeand neither the millionaire nor the beggar can havemore or less than one at a time. Neither can "cheat" on the proposition and get them two or more at a timeor set any of I hem aside for future reference. None ofus can call them back and do any of them over. Truly,the days that God gives us are precious blessings sinceGod neither trusts nor burdens us with more than one at a time.
Any one of these days, standing alone as it does, can
very easily be spoiled in its very beginning. We hear
people say that some person or incident "spoiled their
whole day.". This may be true, but it should not be.
Why should we be so fragile and so spiritually weak that
we would surrender a single day and let it go to waste?
We hear of people whose days are spoiled by burned
toast, by the strength or weakness of coffee, by the
weather, by sharp remarks of wives or husbands, by
the driving habits of other people on the streets or high
ways, or by any number of other trivial matters. We
suggest that such small matters are not of sufficient im
portance to spoil a single golden day of a person of
character and spiritual depth.
Days are holy. They are essential parts of God's
order. No man can mis-use anything that God made
and escape the consequences. If we wrongly use these
golden links in the chain of eternity, we shall most
likely look back some day in bitter regret and .wish we could live the wasted days over again. We hear manypeople thus complain. It seems that many people spendmore time in trying to call back yesterdays and in trying to live their tomorrows ahead of time than they doin trying to fill each day as it passes with dutiful work and conduct.
Each day is either a problem or an opportunity. ButGod hands each day to us in exactly the same condition,new and unspoiled. Therefore if we spoil our days, itmust be that the fault is with us. God wills that we use all our days as opportunities to brighten other lives,to fulfill great duties, to practice humility and developgood will and to walk humbly in the paths of peace,love, joy, longsuffering, gentleness and patience, because against such there is no law — hence no burden of guilt of heaviness. A sufficient number of men andwomen have tried this way of life — all down the ages
— to convince the searching heart that it is the onlyway of life which can ease the burdens of this life andfinally fit one for eternal residence in the Beautiful Garden of God!
THE PATTERN OF MERCY
Oaks Gowen,- Bradenton, Florida
"Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in mefirst Jesus Christ might shew forth all long suffering,for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe onhim to life everlasting." (I Tim. 1:16). Attention ishere called to the fact that Paul speaks of his conversionas a pattern." There are several questions which cometo mind at this point: (1) What is a "pattern"? (2)Where can this "pattern" be found? (3) Is the "pattern" binding upon all men today?
In answer to the first question, a pattern is: "Anoriginal or model proposed for imitation; somethingused or worthy to be used as a copy: an exemplar."(Funk 8 Wagnalls Standard Dictionary). The long-suffering extended unto Saul and the mercy he receivedof the Lord Jesus Christ are proposed by Paul for ourimitation in obtaining salvation from sin. Paul sayshis case of conversion is shown forth by the Lord "fora pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." We answer the second question:This "pattern" of mercy can be found in the record ofwhat Paul did in order to obtain mercy by which hewas saved. Luke by inspiration gives us in detail whatPaul did in Acts chapters 9, 22 and 26. Also Paulwrites some things about it in Romans the sixth chapter. All we need to do in order to find the "pattern"is simply turn to these passages of scripture and studythem for ourselves. Third question: Is the "pattern"of conversion binding upon all men today? God hasbut one plan of salvation for all men. Christ is theanswer of God to man's need. No one can be saved out of Christ. The "pattern" of Paul's conversion showshow we get into Christ. "Know ye not, that so manyof us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptizedinto his death?" (Rom. 6:3). Christ died for our sins,shed his Blood. The only way you can get into thedeath of Christ is by duplicating the "pattern" of Paul'sconversion in being "buried with Christ by baptisminto death." (Rom. 6:4).
Sectarian preachers have through the years deniedthe binding force of the "pattern" of mercy set forthin the many cases of conversion recorded in the Acts ofthe Apostles. They are therefore divided on the question of what to do in order to be saved. On the other hand, gospel preachers have been contending earnestlyfor every item in the plan or "pattern" of salvationand have thus been united. If the "pattern" of conversion found in Acts is not binding upon us, then,what good purpose does it serve? What profit is therein it for us? Surely everyone can see "patterns" arebinding upon us today.
LIMITATIONS OF THE CHURCH IN BENEVOLENCE
By Jerry Belchick, Orlando, Florida
The church of our Lord has a mission. That this is true cannot be denied. Part of that Divine mission is "the work of ministering." (Eph. 4:12). That thechurch of God has certain benevolent obligations is alsonot open to dispute .. . it is admitted by all. Thatthis benevolent work has certain limitations imposedupon it is not, unfortunately, a matter of general agreement; for there are those who affirm that there are nolimitations placed upon the charitable activities of theLord's church. Others admit of some limitations, butare not generally agreed as to what those restrictionsmight be. It is our purpose, in this short article, tostudy certain cases of benevolence performed by THECHURCH as recorded in the New Testament. From these Bible examples we should be able to see if there are any strictures placed upon the benevolent activitiesof God's church.
We are, of course, limited by space in such a studyas this. We must, therefore, assume that the followingtenets will be accepted as true:
- The individual Christian is not restricted (except by resources and opportunity) in the "good" thathe may do. (Matt. 10:42, 25:31-46, Gal. 6:10 and James 1:27).
- The church does have certain benevolent obligations. (Eph. 4:12).
- That the individual Christian is commanded to do certain benevolent acts that the church is forbidden to do. (I Tim. 5:6).
- Authority for individual benevolence it not,necessarily, authority for the church to engage inthose same benevolent acts.
Now to a study of the Sacred Volume: In Acts 6 we are informed that certain members of the Jerusalem congregation were in need. These, we are told, werewidows and their needs were to be supplied by a "dailyministration." This "daily ministration" was a supplying of their physical needs each day and is referred to by the apostles as "serving tables." The church atJerusalem was instructed to "look ye out among youseven men" . . . "whom we may appoint over thisbusiness." Without laboring the point may we conclude that this business was the church at Jerusalem providing for the needs of their own indigent widows.
During the reign of Claudius Caesar a great dearthplagued the earth. This famine worked a hardship on
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the brethren that dwelt in Judea. In view of the pressing circumstances the brethren that dwelt in Antioch determined to "send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea: which also they did, and sent it to theelders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul." (Acts 11:29-30). It is obvious that the "brethren" in Judeawere in need and could not supply this need because of the present distress; therefore, sister congregations aidedthem by sending "relief." This adds up to the ratherobvious fact that the church is obligated to provide forthe needs of "its own" and when this is not possiblebecause of circumstances the "needy" church has a rightto look to sister congregations for assistance.
Paul teaches on this subject in yet other places whenhe declares that "it hath pleased him of Macedonia andAchai to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem." (Rom. 15:26). Also, nowconcerning the collection for the saints ..." (I Cor.16:1). From these two scriptural citations we are ableto learn that churches came to the aide of their destitute brothers and sisters who dwelt in other places. When a congregation of the Lord's church is destitute andcannot provide for the needs of their own brethren,they have the right to ask for and to receive help fromthose of "like precious faith."
There are many references in the book of II Corinthians concerning the churches benevolent activities.In chapter 9:1, Paul speaks of "the ministering to the saints" and in chapter 8:14 the term "ministering tothe saints" is used again.
If we are willing to abide by the scriptures referred to thus far (and others that teach the same thing) weshall be able to arrive at the following conclusions:
1. Each church provided for their own needy as per:Acts 6:1-7, Acts 2:44-45, Eph. 4:12 and I Tim.
5:15.
- When the local church could not provide for the needs of its own membership, other congregationsassisted as per: Acts 11:29-30, Rom. 15:26, etc.
- The churches benevolent activities are limited to "brethren," "saints," "poor saints," "widows indeed" (those who "trusteth in God").
- It is significant that every time the Holy Spirit speaks of the benevolent work of the church He uses such limiting terms as "brethren," "poorsaints," "saints," etc.
- To go beyond this is to go beyond that which iswritten.
To summarize: as a citizen, as a neighbor, as oneinterested in the well-being of my fellowman, my acts of charity are limited only by resources and by opportunity. The benevolent activities of the blood boughtchurch of Prince Immanuel is limited, by God, to the"saints."
THE DIVINE NATURE OF THE CHURCH
James E. Gunn, Orlando, Florida
Anything that is made or built carries with it theimprint and design of the builder. The church of myLord has the imprint and design of its divine builderupon it. The inspired record of its establishment and functioning during the days of the Apostles shows usthat it is of God and not of man.
Almost 700 years before the birth of the Christ,Jehovah said through the prophet Isaiah that "themountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains . . . for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." (Isa. 2:2, 3). In the mind of man, God'splan for the establishment of the church in Jerusalemwould have been ruined when the Jews rejected Jesus and crucified him outside the city. A divine imprint isseen in its establishment in that very city a short timeafterwards.
In the first proclamation of the Gospel the Apostlesdid not try to avoid those who had been responsiblefor the crucifixion of Christ but boldly pointed outthat they by the hands of men without the law didcrucify and slay the one whom God had raised up.(Acts 2:23-24). This truth, boldly presented, couldnot be denied. They realized their guilt and askedwhat was required of them. For the first time manwas told what he could do to receive the remission of his sins. (Acts 2:38). The church which Jesus had said He would build was now a reality. Whenwe realize that all of this was designed and became areality by divine authority, we should certainly refrain from attempting to change or alter it in any way.
No other organization has for its head the Son ofGod, the Saviour of man. The establishment of thechurch was so dear to God that He gave His only begotten Son as a ransom for it. Today Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the body, the church. Nowhere inHis last will and testament do we find a promise or aray of hope extended to those who are outside thatbody. (Eph. 5:23). All who will obey His commands gain entrance into that body of which He isthe saviour and have Christ as their representative inHeaven, ever interceding in their behalf.
The mission of the church is divine in its nature.
It is given the obligation of saving souls by the preach
ing of the gospel. Many times the resources and energy
of the church are dissipated into satisfying the fleshly
desires of man. This, of course, is without the au
thority of its head. The church was chosen by God
as the agency through which His wisdom be made
known to the world and is the only organization
spiritual, social, or fraternal through which God can
be glorified.
The divine imprint manifests itself in the blessings
that are obtainable in the body of Christ, His church.
No rational person who believes in God feels that he
can acceptably live here or receive a reward in the world
that is to come without the blessings of Christ. The
only place these blessings are obtainable are in Christ.
(Eph. 1:3).
Efforts must not be made by any who love God anddesire to have Him as their Father to attempt to change the divine nature of the church. We must strive to know His will to the very best of our ability and thenobey His every command. When this is done we willthen be a member of His body, the church (Gal. 3:2627; Acts 2:41-47) and enjoy every spiritual blessingHe has promised.
The following article from the pen of O. C.Lambert, over 37 years ago, is as timely nowas when written. It appeared in the GospelAdvocate, September 28, 1922, page 916.
— Editor.
"THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST"
By O. C. Lambert
More "everyday" people is the crying need of the hour
— people without worldly ambition, in love with simple things and content in humble spheres. The laws in controlof this universe seem to demand that one of the leadingcharacteristics of everything great or good or beautiful be simplicity. The weakness of our modern civilization lies in the fact that it is so complex that we do not have time to really live. We have drifted away from the simple,wholesome ways, and the church, too, has been taintedwith the spirit of the times.
The simple ways are best. The most satisfyingdrink is water; all the glory of Solomon could not rival forone moment a simple dogwood blossom: the most beautiful bouquet is made of the plainest flowers and grasses; theartist searches for beauty among rustic scenes; the sweetest poetry sings the charms of common things; the songs thattouch us most deeply and linger longest in our memories are the hymns our mothers sang. A man may gorgehimself with dainties until his taste is perverted and heloses his relish for food; and just so the only religionworthy of the name, that will continue to satisfy thehungry, healthy, growing soul, is the simple worship ofChrist and his apostles. All the embellishments of mensimply rob it of its power. Expensive houses and fixtures, pompous cere-monies, instrumental music and the like, are adulterations which are fatal to the spirit of Christianity.
It is not because mother is possessed of any of thosegraces which mark one for distinction or renown that she is idolized in our hearts, but because we see in her the embodiment of simple virtues.
The wonderful things that God is doing all around us in the material universe we personify as Nature. She has a fashion of constructing the most beautiful things of thesimplest elements. Refuse animal and vegetable matter comes forth from her fingers reanimated in other forms oflife. She distills the crystal dew-drops from stagnant morasses and thrusts her worn-out garments into hermagic loom, by which they are transformed into newfabrics of finest texture and daintiest colors. If a man attempted to teach the flowers to bloom, he could onlymar and spoil; likewise, when men lay un
holy hands upon God's doings in the spiritual realm, the results cannot but be disastrous. Hear the warning of Paul: "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Evethrough his subtlety, so your minds should be corruptedfrom the simplicity that is in Christ." (2 Cor. 11:3).
There is a danger, or else we would not have had this warning. So let us guard jealously the rich heritage of the gospel of Christ, and attack mercilessly every departure from its original simplicity. There is no-thing in theprayers, the Lord's Supper, the study of God's word, thegiving of our means on the first day of the week, the simple singing of spiritual songs, that will ever appeal tothe vanity of the human heart. Let us never becomedissatisfied with this simplicity.
Isa. 7:14, "... a virgin ..."
In the Hebrew, the term almah designates a "youngwoman of marriageable age." This "young woman may or may not be a virgin. The Hebrew bethulah designatesone who is strictly a virgin. Isaiah's prophecy of the birthof Jesus uses the term almah; hence, the RSV translates the word "young woman." It cannot be denied that almah does not necessarily mean "virgin. But the point is, is the term almah ever used where it does not refer to a virgin?There are excellent Hebrew scholars who maintain that all seven occurrences of almah in the Hebrew text use the term to refer to one who is a virgin. Cf. Machen's The Virgin Birth of Christ, and Young's Studies in Isaiah. In the light of its use elsewhere, therefore, it would seem thatalmah in Isa. 7:14 refers to a virgin. In addition to this,Matthew, who quotes from the Hebrew, uses the Greekparthenos which does denote a virgin.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH PROGRAMS
I recently noted in a bulletin a report of some of the work of the Central Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky. Ralph G. Wilburn, once a member of the Lord's church, is the preacher. One page of his bulletin lists the followingchurch activities: Buffet supper for youth groups, prepbasketball, Girl Scout Troop 5, Brownie Troop 106, Boy Scout Troop 4, Brownie Troop 98, Midget Basketballgame, Buckskin Lads and Lassies meet in Fellowship Hall, Buckskin Beaus and Belles meet in Fellowship Hall, Dudes and Dolls Square Dance Group meets in Fellowship Hall. I often wonder how far behind the Christian Church some of us are. We are at the point of having our"Fellowship Halls," and only the Lord knows what isgoing on in some of them. Just give us a little time; weare on the
way. Ed.—
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JUDICIAL OATHS
QUESTION: Did Christ, in the sermon on theMount, condemn the judicial oath? And also according to James 5:12, can a Christian consistently testifyunder oath? — L.B.
ANSWER:
"Again, ye have heard that it hath been said bythem of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither byheaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth;for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for itis the city, of the great King. Neither shalt thouswear by thy head, because thou canst not makeone hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatsoever ismore than these cometh of evil." (Matt. 5:3337).
"But above all things, my brethren, swear not,neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither byany other oath; but let your yea be yea; and yournay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." (Jas.5:12).
In the sermon on the mount our Lord corrects manyperversions advocated by the scribes and Pharisees andgenerally received by the Jews. The contrast was notalways between the law of Moses and the law of Christ. Primarily it was between their perverted and traditionalviews and the law in its purity. In some instances theytook judicial law and made application to private conduct and thereby justified revenge. Practically "'thewhole of Matthew 5 from verse 21 on deals with this perverted use of the law. Lev. 19:18 reveals the lawthat applied in private life: "Thou shalt not avenge,nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people,but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am theLord." Thus, in the sermon on the mount Jesus called them back to the law in its original purity. Whilehe acknowledges a difference between the law of Mosesand His on divorce (because of the hardness of theirheart), he also shows that "from the beginning it wasnot so." (Matt. 19:8). So, again he calls them backto the law of God in its purity.
The same train of thought prevails concerning histeaching on oaths. God's original law on swearingforbade perjury (forswearing) — - i.e., swearing falsely.(Lev. 19:12; Deut. 23:23). Every oath was to beperformed unto the Lord. (Matt. 5:33). That thescribes and Pharisees perverted this law is evident fromMatt. 23:16-22. These verses show that they hadcoined a number of oaths, used in common conversation, which did not involve directly the name, of God.
These they considered as "nothing" — not binding.Hence, according to their view they could swear by thesethings — heaven, earth, temple, Jerusalem, head, etc — without serious regard and without such oaths being unto God. In other words they thought that so long asthe name of God was not used they could swear freely,lightly, and falsely without bringing themselves undercondemnation or perjuring themselves. This abuseJesus condemns severely and shows that such things ultimately involve God. Therefore, those who used suchoaths thinking "it is nothing" were guilty of perjury(forswearing). Hence, Jesus says "swear not at all;neither by heaven; for it is God's throne; nor by earth;for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King."
Concerning this prohibition The Expositor's GreekTestament calls special attention to the Greek conjunction "mete" translated "neither" and emphasizes thefact that it is not "mede." The former is used "to connect these different evasive oaths as forming a homogeneous group. . . . the latter add negation to negation, while the former divide a single negation intoparts." Hence, it follows that the prohibition "swearnot at all" refers only to the kind of oaths identified by the parts that follow. Such did not include judicialoaths — only the evasive oaths of the Jews which wereused in common conversation. Thus, our Lord condemned their perversion and abuse of God's original law on swearing. Such use of oaths is forbidden altogether!
J. W. McGarvey says, "The universal prohibition,'swear not at all,' is distributed by the specification ofthese four forms of oaths, and is, therefore, more strictly interpreted as including only such oaths. . . Whatwe style the judicial oaths of the law of Moses, then,were not included in the prohibition."
An oath is a solemn affirmation with an appeal toGod for its truthfulness and imprecating his vengeanceif it be untrue.
If Christ condemned judicial oaths and those madeon solemn and important occasions, I find it impossibleto reconcile such teaching with the following facts: (1)Jesus answered under oath in Matt. 26:63. Whether or not he answered using the particular expression "I swear" has nothing to do with the fact that he answeredthe question under the charge of an oath — and that without modification. (2) God swore by himself.(Gen. 22:16. 17: Heb. 6:13-18; 7:21). (3) Pauloften called God to witness the truthfulness of his statements, which is what is meant by an oath. (2 Cor.1:23; Rom. 1:9; Gal. 1:20; Phil. 1:8).
James 5:12 may be regarded as a parallel passage and
the above observations apply with equal force. When
James says, "lest we fall into condemnation," he would
have them know that by swearing by the things men
tioned ultimately involved God; that he who engages
in such, thinking "it is nothing" and who acts accord
ingly, is guilty of perjury, and thereby brings himself
under condemnation.
Swearing is a solemn, serious thing, indeed. Alloaths are in reality unto God. He who at any timemakes oath lightly or uses one in common conversationis in violation of the New Testament prohibition. TheChristian's life and conduct should be such that a simple"yes" or "no" should suffice in order for him to be believed. If more than this is required "it cometh ofevil" — it is because of untruthfulness on the part ofa world full of falsehood. Then, it may be necessaryto make oath, but only on solemn and important occasions. All oaths are unto the Lord and imprecatehis vengeance if what we affirm be false.
A new work in a much needed field is SCRIPTURAL ELDERS AND DEACONS, by H. E. Phillips.This volume of over 300 pages covers the entire field of biblical study on this most important subject.Bound in blue cloth and stamped in gold on both thefront and back bone it is a book that every Christianneeds and that every Elder and Deacon together withevery preacher should have. Brother Phillips has nohobbies to present but a full and safe investigation ofthe organization of the church of our Lord as Godintended for it to be. There are 17 chapters in thebook beginning with the "Nature of church organization," and ending with a chapter "Concerning wives ofofficers of the church." All through out the work truthis presented and error refuted. Chapter 4 deals withthe "No Elder Theory," and chapter 8 teaches on the"Ordaining of Elders." The price of this fine volumeis $4.00 and it can be ordered from Phillips Publications, 124 S.E. 7th Street, Gainesville, Florida.
At last there is a syllabus of the evidences of Christianity that every preacher and teacher can use. It ispublished by brother Arlie J. Hoover who preaches forthe Hyde Park church in Tampa, assisted by EldonLucas and Lawson Wallace. The work is devoted to the external evidences of both the Old and New Testament. Divisions are as follows:
Part 1— The Integrity of the Bible Tracing the New Testament Back Critique of the Two Source Theory Tracing the OldTestament Back The Dead Sea Scrolls Critique of the Documentary Hypotheses
Part 2— The Credibility of the BibleEvidences From Secular HistoriansEvidences From Archaeology
There are seven charts in the book to explain thecontents. This is the work that preachers and teachers have been waiting for that condenses the very best writing of many that have given their life to proving thatthe Bible is the word of God. Brother Hoover and those with him are to be commended for this work.
— J.P.M.
An atheist cannot find God for the same reason a thief cannot find a policeman.
RANDOM READINGS
After a century of contending that John the Baptistwas a Baptist, and even a Missionary Baptist it is refreshing to have the greatest southern Baptist of themall admit the truth. Billy Graham's answer to thefollowing question speaks for itself. — JPM
MY ANSWER
By Bitty Graham
QUESTION: I have heard the argument that Johnthe Baptist was a Baptist. Will you please tell me if hewas, and if so, where do you find it in the Scriptures?
ANSWER: John was called "the Baptist" because hebaptized with water. I do not think that many Baptistswould say that he was the first member of the Baptistchurch.
The Baptists as a distinct denomination date from thetime of the Reformation in the 16th century. The firstBaptist Church in America was founded in Providence,
R. I., in 1639 by Roger Williams.
Unfortunately, it is the tendency of some religiouspeople to push back their origin to the Apostles ofChrist, thus establishing that they are the "original"Christians, and the only real church.
The important thing, whether you be Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, or whatever, is to be a sincere follower of Jesus Christ. When we get to heaven, I don'tthink we will all have little "dog tags" telling whichdenomination we were members of on earth. When John saw in Revelation the great company of the redeemed, he asked who they were. The angel said:"These are they which have made their robes white inthe blood of the Lamb." The question which will beasked on entrance to heaven is not: "Of what sect are you?" but, "Have you been redeemed by the blood ofChrist?"
And some people do this at worship —
William Allen White, a staunch Republican, decidedone day to look in personally on a local Democratic convention. The chairman spotted him, and just to be devilish, opened the meeting by saying: "Since no minister is present, I am asking my good friend, Mr. White,to step up and deliver the invocation to Almighty God."White arose, glared at the chairman, and replied:"Really, sir, you must excuse me — for two reasons: first, praying publicly for Democrats is out of my line,and second, I much prefer the Lord not to know I amhere."
— The Scrap Book, 1950
The more a man is addicted to vice the more he doesn't care for advice.
I have heard it said that preachers have an easy job.All they have to do is to speak about 30 minutes twicea week, teach one class Sunday morning and anotherWednesday evening, preach a funeral now and then,say the marriage ceremony a few times a year, see a fewsick people during the week, and the rest of the timehe is free to do as he pleases. Yes, a wonderful andeasy job. Besides this he makes a good salary and receives a lot of extra "gifts" during the year.
From the viewpoint of a working preacher the picture might be entirely different. It would be better tobe a doctor. Now he has an easy life. All he has todo is examine a few people a day, prescribe a few pills or administer a treatment to the worst cases, and therest of his time is his own. He makes from $25,000to $50,000 a year. Now that is an easy job. Orwhat about being a farmer? That is a wonderful life!All he has to do is feed a few cattle, ride around all day on a tractor and sell his products for a good profit.The rest of his time is free to hunt and fish. That is the life.
Another easy job is clerking in a store. All theyhave to do is walk around and meet good people, sellthem what they want and take their money. The rest of the time is their own. Working in a bank is alsoan easy job, and what pleasure to handle that moneyall day! They have short hours and get off every holiday. They make so much money, too. What aboutthe building business? Now that is a good job. Ittakes a few more hours than some other jobs, but thepleasure of climbing ladders and driving nails. Whentheir work is finished for the day they are free to doanything they want to do. Another easy job is theoffice worker. They get to sit at a desk all day in air-conditioned rooms, with coffee-breaks and such like.They only have to write a few letters and fill out a fewforms and-their work is done. Most of them make good money. What easy jobs all these are!
Those who work at these jobs know the other side.They know that all is not as it appears to the stranger;there are obligations and problems that only the workers know. The same is true of preaching the gospel.The preacher knows that only about one fortieth ofhis work is done in public. The hours and days spent in private study, teaching, consoling, encouraging,counseling, admonishing and ministering to people ofall classes is a part of the work of preachers that doesnot appear to the average church member. Much ofthis is not really the preacher's work exclusively, but itmust be done and most church members expect preachers to do it. He is usually ready to do whatever calledupon to do as a Christian, and that is exactly what heshould do. But why do not some other Christians dosome of these jobs? Well, the preacher has the timeand it is his job I suppose.
Page 9
"WORSHIP GOD"
By James P. Needham, St. Petersburg, Fla.
These are the words of an angel to John in Revelation 22:9, its final chapter. It is one of the most solemn commands and hence one of the most imposing dutiesof the human race. Of the word "worship" (GreekProskuneo) Thayer's Greek Lexicon says, " . . . .hence in the N.T. by kneeling or prostration to dohomage (to one) or make obeisance, whether inorder to express respect or to make supplication." (p. 548). A command to worship God, therefore, is acommand to do Him homage and express respect forHim in His appointed way. Homage paid in any other manner becomes vain. (Matt. 15:9).
God's Appointed Ways
From a study of the New Testament we discover 5ways by which we are to pay our homage to God today: (1) Teaching and learning God's word, (2) Giving of our material possessions for spiritual ends, (3)Eating the Lord's supper, (4) Prayer, and (5) Singing. The first church ever established participated in all ofthese acts. (Acts 2:42,47). Each of these acts constitutes a way in which God has appointed that outhomage and respect shall be paid. Some question hasarisen through the years as to whether teaching is worship, but of this there seems to be little doubt. Jesussaid of the Pharisees, "In vain do they worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Mt. 15:9). Their worship was in vain because theytaught "commandments of men" and this is equal toan affirmation that had they taught the truth theirworship would have been true.
Some Acts Limited — Others Unlimited
Of these five acts we have examples of the Lord'sSupper and "laying by in store" being limited to thefirst day of the week and engaged in when the churchwas assembled. (Acts 20:7; I Cor. 16:1, 2). Theother three were practiced in the public assemblies, butwere not limited thereto.
The Christian Duty
The fact that the Bible teaches us how to worshipshows that it is our duty to worship, both publicly and privately. Concerning the public worship we are admonished, "not forsaking the assembling of ourselvestogether . . . "' (Heb. 10:25). With reference to ourprivate devotions we are told to "pray without ceasing." (I Thess. 5:17), to "preach the gospel to everycreature" (Mk. 16:15) , and "to sing psalms" whenwe are "merry" (James 5:13). One of our great failings is our indifference toward our duties along thisline. There are those who contend that they worshipat home, hence feel no need to participate in public worship. On the other hand there are those who attendfaithfully to their duty in public worship, and feel thatthis dispenses with the need for private worship. God,having made us, knew our needs better than we, andhence designed the manner of our service to Him in the way most suitable to our nature. As seen, we have anobligation to worship as individuals in a private way,and in company with other individuals, in a public way.No child of God can dispense with either and pleaseGod.
And though we have presented the worship of Godas a solemn duty, we think it necessary to impress uponthe reader that any service rendered to God solely outof a sense of duty is a very inferior way to serve God.Beside being a duty, worship is the Christian's exaltedprivilege. "Behold, what manner of love the Fatherhath bestowed upon us that we should be called thesons of God ... " (I John 3:1). When we think ofthe depths of misery out of which we have been "raised . . . and made us sit together in heavenly places inChrist Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shewthe exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness towardus through Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:6, 7) we shouldeagerly anticipate and thankfully accept every opportunity to express our homage and respect to Him whohas so abundantly favored us with his matchless grace.
In these times of indifference and worldly minded-ness worship is almost a forgotten duty to many children of God. Much teaching and admonishing is needed along this line. When people have to be begged andeven threatened with the damnation of hell in an effort to get them to discharge this obligation, spirituality andtrue devotion to God has reached a low ebb. There was a time when it was not unusual to witness tears of appreciation and devotion as they flowed from the eyesof those who worshipped "in spirit and truth" (John4:24), but today many occupy pews time after timewho never really worship. Some carry on conversation, write notes, come late and leave early. Some donot sing, participate in the prayers, or give attention towhat is taught. These are serious situations, and thelonger they are neglected the worse they will become.May we all make studious efforts to worship God "in spirit and truth: for the Father seeketh such to worshipHim." John 4:23).
HUXLEY AND HEAVEN
Charles M. Campbell, Nashville, Tennessee
Sir Julian Huxley, a celebrated British scientist, whilespeaking before a group of noted scientists in Chicago recently, attributed the origin of Christianity to ignorance and superstition, and declared its demise to be veryimminent. His father, Thos. H. Huxley, also a notedagnostic, was an ardent advocate and staunch supporterof the Darwinian theory of organic evolution. However, the son has evidently exceeded the father in thefield of infidelity and has elected to accept atheism, withall of its blighting destructiveness, at face value and infull force. Of course he occupies an unenviable position, for he is obligated, logically, to prove his owntheory as true and trustworthy and, at the same time,to disprove the Bible as unscientific and false.
However, the Bible, not biology, has revealed theonly sane, sensible and satisfactory origin of man.. Andscience and scientists are greatly in need of being found in harmony with the Scriptures, rather than the situation being vice versa, as Sir Julian seems to think.
The authenticity of the textbook of Christianityhas been corroborated repeatedly by the scientific explorations and excavations of qualified and unbiasedarchaeologists, and no one has ever been able to establishconcrete evidence of one truly unscientific statement being contained within it. Moreover, men whose disinterestedness qualified them as reliable and trustworthy witnesses, testified to the miraculous powers exhibitedby its central figure — Jesus of Nazareth — in confirmation of his deity, and, in turn, the divinity whichhe ascribed to the Old Testament, including the Mosaicaccount of creation, the record which the British professor would belie by his very modern theory.
While the advocates of the evolutionary process ofreproduction and variation clamor against the Bibleand its supposed contradictions, they are constantlycontradicting themselves as well as one another. They do not agree with either their contemporaries or theirpredecessors. And their constant attempts to reflectupon the miraculous element in the Bible really reflectupon their lack of logic and proves how utterly unreasonable and irrational they actually are.
The Bible nowhere supposes nor proposes a miracleas difficult to accept as the very postulate of the theoryof evolution. That is, that something evolved fromnothing, and that effect exists without cause. Surely, it is easier to accept the belief of the universe and its wonders existing as the result of the self-originating, self-sustaining, infinitely wise and all powerful Creator thanto give credence to the hypothesis of their having evolvedfrom a non-existing source.
Truly, Sir Julian may be celebrated in the school ofscientists, but he will never be acclaimed in the roomof the prophets. For when his widely publicized prediction of the removal of religion from the face of theearth has been forever forgotten, and his name has beenobliterated from the memories of men, the name ofMoses will be heralded as the inspired author of Genesis,and the name of the Son of God will be proclaimedamong the nations of the earth and the isles of the seas,of which he is the Lord and Master.
Six feet of the silent sod of God's green earth mayappeal to this man of many letters, whose learning willnot allow him to accept the simplicity of ancient Christianity, but there is a spark of divinity within the being of those who have not been too depraved by theirrationality of infidelity to reason about God's revelation, that longs for a final release from the tears andtolls of time, and the dignity of immortality in thatcity which hath foundations — the beautiful home of the soul.
TAKING BACK SEATS
Lawrence Gould, a consultant psychologist, was ask
ed this question: "It is modesty that makes a person
take a back seat in church?"
He replied, "I very much doubt it. Any preacher
who knows psychology has realized that the reason
why so many do this is a fear of committing themselves
too completely to what the church stands for. After
all, nobody takes a back seat at a ball game if he does
not have to, because there you are expected to be no more
than a spectator. Usually those who take front seats
in church are those who work the hardest and give the
most, although there are some exceptions.
Page 11
They rehearsed all that God had done with them . . ."— Acts 14:27
MILLER-GUINN DEBATE
Brother Curtis Porter suffered an accident just threedays before his debate with L. Chester Guinn in Clute,Texas. Hurried arrangements were made for me totake Porter's place and the debate of five night's duration, Dec. 14-18, came to pass as planned. Clute isfifty miles south of Houston, Texas on the Gulf ofMexico. Guinn is the dean of the Texas Baptist College at Henderson, Texas. Vernon Barr moderated forGuinn and brother Oliver Murray who preaches for thechurch in Clute helped me. Three propositions werediscussed. The necessity of baptism, falling from graceand the establishment of the church. Fine order prevailed on all of the five nights. We are happy to report that brother Porter was not injured seriously andwill be all right. The following report from brotherMurray at Clute will tell about the good accomplished.
"The debate is now history and time and eternity will make known the lasting good that hasbeen accomplished by this fine discussion. AsBrother Miller stated, a discussion like this givesan opportunity to reach hundreds of souls withthe truth that otherwise would never attend a gospel meeting or other services of the Lord'sbody where the truth is presented. I have attended several debates and this one is the best one in many respects that I have had the privilege of hearing. Both men conducted themselves as gentlemen throughout the discussion. Brother Millerdid an excellent job of holding forth the word oftruth and exposing the errors of Baptist doctrineand for his untiring labor we are grateful sincerely from the heart. The truth has prevailed, as italways will under any and all circumstance.Truly, the church has been strengthened and Baptist doctrine has received a telling blow from thehammer of God's word so ably administered byour beloved Brother James P. Miller."
NEW CHURCH AT TALLAHASSEE
On January 3, 1960 a new congregation will beginmeeting in Tallahassee near the University. Severalmembers from the Gadsden Street church will form this new church. Plans for this work have been in the making for several months, and the work is beginningwith the help and support of the Tallahassee churchwhich meets on Gadsden Street. Yarbrough Leigh isthe preacher for the older church.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA.— Jesse P. Tunes preachedat Riverside Park in Jacksonville on Sunday night, December 13.
COCOA BEACH, FLA.— A loan for the construction of a building at Cocoa Beach has been approvedand construction will begin soon.
NEW CHURCH AT WOODVILLE
On January 3, 1960 a new congregation will beginmeeting in Woodville, near Tallahassee. Some familieswho have been meeting there on Wednesday nights fromthe church in Tallahassee, plan to begin a full programof work in that community beginning the first Sundayof this year. These brethren from Gadsden Street church in Tallahassee are in full fellowship as theybegin this new work.
TRENTON, FLA. — Herbert Thornton reportsthat four have recently been restored to faithful work.A gospel sing was conducted in the meeting house.December 13, at 3 p.m. Brethren from surroundingcongregations assembled for this purpose . . .
ORLANDO, FLA. — James P. Miller presentedtwo lessons at the Pine Hills building in Orlando onMonday and Tuesday evenings, December 14 and 15on the subjects: "Who Hath Made Us To Differ?"and "The Bride That Never Fails."
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.— Hubert A. Moss has announced his plans to move from the Lake Shore churchin Jacksonville about the first of the year. He plansto help some congregation in the northeast, but has notas yet made definite arrangements.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.— John W. Evans of the Par Avenue church in Orlando preached in afive night meeting here in November, This is a newcongregation and Jimmie Tuten is the preacher.
DUTY
By R. A. Ginn, Meridian, Mississippi Duty — what awesome responsibilities are bound up in thatsmall word, those few letters! How little does it mean to modern folk. How seldom does it bear uponour minds and weigh upon our consciences. "Duty"has been largely eliminated from the vocabulary ofmany. And yet, how great is the common need formore real sense of duty on every hand!
Our Boy Scouts have pledged their eager devotion tonoble principles of life for many years as they vow:"On my honor, I will do my duty ... " No doubt they and their world have been better as a result. Those who answer duty's call cannot help but serve as a blessing to all around them. Every relationship of life suffers when men turn a deaf ear to it.
Our young people need a greater sense of duty in
their school life — duty to learn while opportunities
abound; duty to prepare well for positions of leader
ship that will some day be theirs. Our fathers and
mothers must awake to their duty in the home circle —
duty to their children that cannot be discharged via
baby sitter and television set. The child needs more
than clothes on his back and food in his mouth. Our
citizens lack a consciousness of duty to make each com
munity a decent place in which to live. Page 12
Page 12BOOKS FOR EVERY
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SCRIPTURAL ELDERS AND DEACONS
By H. E. PHILLIPS
A thorough scriptural study of an important subject.
Over 300 pages, easily read type, cloth bound.
Eighteen chapters dealing in detail with the organization of the church, qualifications and duties of eldersand deacons, and duties of the church.
A complete Scripture Index in back of the book plusreferences to standard works in the text.
A book every elder, deacon, preacher andChristian should obtain and read carefully.
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Neglect of duty is perhaps most keenly felt in thechurch. All too few of God's people recognize thattheirs is a spiritual duty to be discharged at all cost.Even then, only God's mercy will see us through thejudgment. "So likewise ye, when ye have done allthose things which are commanded you, say, We areunprofitable servants: we have done that which wasour duty to do." (Luke 17:10).
Most of our church problems would be solved by asense of duty to do what God wants done. Gentile saints supplied the want of their Jewish brethren inJerusalem because they recognized that "their duty isalso to minister unto them in carnal things" (Romans15:27). So it will ever be. Attendance will be poorat our church services until we see our duty to attend each service. Contributions will falter until duty impells us to liberality. Interest and progress will drag solong as there is in us no sense of duty — personal duty
— to increase our efforts in every good work. Most of the strife within our ranks will continue unless more of us learn that our duty to other men cannot be fulfilled with a check sent to some man-made institution. How long will it be until God's truth dawns in ourhearts that God's blessings to his people are only to bemeasured by their response to the clarion call of duty?"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." (Eccl. 12:13).
A TEEN-AGE PARTY
(From East Hill Edifier, Aug. 27, 1959 of PensacolaSam Binkley, Jr.)
The local newspapers have given a great deal of publicity to a teenage party held in a cottage at HickoryShores near Gulf Breeze most of last week. According to the newspaper reports about 20 or 22 teenagers began the party on Monday of last week and it continued until it was broken up by police officers on Friday night. According to the reports about one-third of the teenagers present had been drinking. There wereno chaperons, the reports said.
Three teenage boys who were at the party, but notamong the 17 whose names the officers obtained whenthey rounded them up, said they were just socializing.Apparently in justification of their party, the three asked, "What can we do?" The three youths were implying that sufficiently planned activities were not providedfor them.
This alarming report should awaken those of us whoare parents of teenagers to a realization of the need ofproviding them with wholesome recreation and training which will build them up morally and spiritually.It is evident that teenagers who think they have nothingto do but "roll cannon balls down Palafox Street or wax the railroad tracks" do not realize there is much that can be done which will develop their character andmake a contribution to the world. David was but a young man when he tended his father's sheep, Josephwas still young when he was sent out on an importantmission 'by his father Jacob, Timothy was a youngman when he began to know the "holy scriptures"which are able to make us wise unto salvation by faithin Jesus Christ and Solomon wrote, "Remember nowthy Creator in the days of thy youth." (Ecc. 12:1).
When young people want to know where they cango and what they can do, my advice is to go home, helpwith the house-cleaning, dish washing, lawn mowing,help keep your, clothes straightened out as well as yourroom and the rest of the house, spend some time studying the Bible every day. It is also good to read othergood books. I do not mean to imply that no timeshould be spent in such wholesome recreation as swimming, ball games, etc., but that more time than is nowbeing spent in helping about the house will be verybeneficial.