In 1 Sam. 4 Israel had gone to battle with the Philistines.Israel was overtaken and lost 4, 000 men. So, they got theidea thatif they could only get the ark of the covenant fromShiloh (vs. 3-5) and bring it to the place of battle they could overcome. They were using it as a talisman or good luckcharm thinking that it's very presence would save them.The elders of Israel said, "Let us fetch the ark of the covenant... it may save usout of the hand ofourenemies."

Well, they got the ark and went to battle again. This timethey lost 30, 000 men and the ark was taken. Now the arkwas a most precious possession of the Jews. It was the focalpoint of the tabernacle. It held a copy of the law given atSinai. The lid was the mercy seat where man met with God.Also, Eli, a priest of God, had two sons to be killed, Hophniand Phinehas.

Word was brought back to Shiloh about the tragedy (vs.12-22). The messenger first told Eli (vs. 17-18) that his sonswere dead and the ark was taken. It was the mention of the ark being taken that caused him to fall over backwards and break his neck and die. Then the message came to Phinehas' wife (vs. 19-22). She was ready to deliver her child. The news of the death of her husband and father-in-law and of the ark induced labor and finally caused her death. Can youimagine being in such a circumstance? No wonder she died.But notice whatstood outin her mind aboutallof this. She paid little attention to her newborn son, as well as the reportof her husband and father-in-law, but she said, "The glory is departed from Israel: for the arkof God is taken" (v. 22).

With the ark gone, glory had departed from Israel. When the glory of Israel is departed it is something to bebothered about.

God intends for Israel today to be glorious. Paul wrote,"That he might present to himself a glorious church" (Eph.

5: 27).The context pictures the church asa bride adorned inall her purity that is glorious and radiant for her husband. ,

But, sometimes "the glory is departed from Israel. " It is nolonger a glorious church. It is an occasion for much alarm, atime for sadness, a circumstance that warrants greatattention. It is worthy of more attention than a newbornchild or the news of the death of a loved one. How many ofus really have the concern for Israel as Phinehas' wife did?, Let's consider several ways that glory has departed fromIsrael.

Trusting In The "Church" Or "Truth" Alone

The glory is gone when we begin to trust in something otherthan God. In Israel's case it was the ark, "it may save us. "Today people trust in the "church" or the "truth" apart from any real service to God. There are some who evidently think that being a member of the church and having your name on the roll means your ticket is punchedfor heaven. Others think that all that really matters is that"wehave the truth" in what we believeand practice.

While those things are important they cannot be substituted for dedication and faithfulness (cf. Heb. 6: 1-12). We can't leave off attendance, bible study, prayer and personalgodliness.

Becoming Soft and Mellow

A glorious church is a militant one, aggressive againstsin and error. Paul set an example ofsuch a spirit (Acts 17:16-17, 22-24; 18: 28; 19: 8-9). Elders are to "exhort and convince the gainsayers" and stop the mouths of thosewho teach things theyought not(Tit. 1: 9, 11).

Many brethren have developed a complacent attitude thatdesires to coexists with error. We have become soft on sin and error. We are no longer the people who debate and defendthe cause of Christ. The militant men of the

past would not be appreciated today as they were in theirday. Men like J. D. Tant, W. W. Otey, M. C. Kurfees,Frank Puckett, W. Curtis Porter, James P. Miller and Roy

E. Cogdill hammered away at sin and denominational error.

But today it is different. We don't want to offend anyone. We would like to make others feel comfortable even while they are in sin and error. But all we will accomplish is sending them to hell in good humor! I'm afraid that we are no longer the distinctive and separatepeople (2 Cor. 6: 14-17). Many of the sermons preachedamong our brethren never mention that denominationalismis sinful. These lessons could be preached in anydenomination without anyone knowing they were from a"Church of Christ" preacher. Few efforts are being madeto really rescue the lost in denominationalism. Manychurches are showing little or no growth. How many have we baptized in the last year? We have merely set uphousekeeping and are maintaining our status quo.All suchattitudes are the forerunners of apostacy.

We are also seeing a number of churches failing todiscipline those who walk disorderly (2 Thess. 3: 6; 1 Cor.

5: 1-13; Rom. 16: 17). Some are afraid. Others have merelybecome soft and tolerate sin, ungodliness and unfaithfulness.

What a sad story—glory is departed from Israel!

Worldliness

Worldliness is living like the world, following the sensual and the forbidden. Paul urged that we be "not conformedto this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing ofyour mind... " (Rom. 12: 2). John writes forbidding us tolove the world and involving ourselves in the "lust of theflesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 Jno. 2:15-17).

Yet this ungodliness is rampant through the church. Immodesty is nothing uncommon. Some "Christian" women wear their skirts with splits in them. Some "Christian" men wear their trunks and shorts and go without shirts. All such is immodest (1 Tim. 2: 9-10).Those who wear a lack of decent clothing are naked (cf. John

21: 7). Mixed swimming and the modern danceisapprovedby many parents. The social drink is approved by quite afew. We frequently hear of some member of the body ofChrist involved in fornication, in either a premarital orextra-marital relationship. An occasion to weep—the glory is gone!

Division

The glory of God is seen in the unity of his people (John

17: 20-23). However, it is quite common for brethren to split and splinter over every disagreement. Brethren who havesome disagreement (and some preachers can be among the worst) develop bitterness and set out to destroy one another.Indeed the glory has departed.

Not Spiritually Minded

We are seeing more and more material and social mindedness among the people of God. Many have a concept that going to church is merely a social event.More emphasis is placed on material things than the

EDITORIAL STEW

This column is the annual mixture of unrelated thingswhich sort ofcatch up some loose ends as we close one yearand prepare to begin another. You have in your hand thefinal issue ofVolume 26.

* * * * * * * * * * Purely Personal

1985 has been a difficult year for the editor of this paper.It began with the worsening health of my wife, Barbara,who ended her earthly pilgrimage on March 31. Her deathwrought significant changes in my life personally as well asin the operation of the paper. With the good help of Mrs.Donnie (Joan) Rader the office work has gone on. Mrs.Bobby Hughes is also now helping. We have been trying tokeep things running as smoothly as possible. The businesslike manner in which Barbara (Bobbie) always handled herwork has made things much easier than they would havebeen otherwise. Readers have been patient in cases where wedid have some problems. We thank all of you for yourkindness and understanding during months that have beenvery difficult for all of us connected with the paper, andespecially thiswriter.

*** * * * * * **Lessons From the House of Mourning

The wise man wrote "It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting; for that is theend ofall men; and the living willlay itto his heart" (Eccle. 7:2). This passage had always been a great puzzle to me. He did not say it is wrong to go to a party (the house of feasting), butsimply that it is "better" to go to a funeral (the house ofmourning). But why isthatso? The experiences of thisyearhave clarified it in my mind.

(1) It is better to go to a funeral than to a partybecause "that is the end of all men" and the living will be made to realize it. How can one attend a funeral without thinkingabout the prospect of his own death and his state of readiness for that appointment? (2) It is better to go to a funeral because we are brought face to face with our own mortality. The power andaccomplishments of men are vast. The technology of this age in the field of space exploration, medical research, industry and in many other endeavors speaks eloquently tothis point. But with all of that, man cannot stay the hand ofdeath. We may prolong life and

improve its quality, but we cannot prevent death fromtakingplace.ButInever thought of that at aparty. Did you?

(3) It is better to go to a funeral than a party for at a funeral we are made to see that there is much good in people. It is common for us to equate wrong doing with being human. "Well, I'm just human" has been the excusefor every transgression. But it is also human to do good.God made us all with that potential. Neighbors, friends,relatives and brethren alike go out of their way to help you over the loss of a loved one. It is an island of beauty in a seaof ugliness.

It is not wrong to go to a party, but you surely can learn a great deal more from a funeral. I understand that much better now than I did before.

• * * * * * ** * *

Hope for the Present and the Future

It has been my good fortune this past year to work inmeetings with some very fine young gospel preachers. I haverecently been able to hear several others who have preparedthemselves well and who are doing man-sized work. Theyare alert, well informed, studious, godly and dedicated to thecause of truth. There are always some young preachers who have been drinking from the wrong fountain. But there are also older men who are less than what a gospelpreacher ought to be. We can all take heart when we see and hearableyoung men. They need encouragement. They needa chance to puttheir talents to use in the kingdom.

* * ** * * * * * *

On the Lighter Side

Several years ago I held a meeting in a man's yard in a ruralcommunity. He had made some crude benches, strung upsome lights and nailed a board to an oak tree so I could hang up a cloth chart each night. There was no pulpit stand.Each night we had 40-50 people to come from that community to hear the gospel preached. The brother who owned the place had a long-eared, sad-eyed hound dog who laid down each night right by the front seat during thesinging. But when I started preaching, he did not seem tocare much for that, and would get up, shake himself and gounder thehousefor theduration. When westood to sing aninvitation song, he would awaken, shake himself again, and walk slowly and deliberately out from under the house, downbeside the benches and lie down almost at my feet where helooked up at me with sad, mournful eyes. He did it every night. A good friend was leading the singing and remarked tome the second night, "Connie, you restored the old houndlast night, but it did not take. " I think I have seen a few others which did not "take" either.

* * * * * * * * *

Young Christians in College

This fall I had three meeting in a row in universitytowns with congregations situated very near the campusesof large universities. In two of the places, the churches were large and there were many students who faithfullyattended and did much to help the meeting.

Their singing, inviting of friends and youthful enthusiasmdid much to help. In the other place the church is small andstruggling and there are only a few students who attend,though a number are there in school who are from faithfulchurches in other places where they had attended all theirlives. One young man, who attended his home congregation in a large metropolitan area and who wentaway to school with a good recommendation from his homecongregation, attends only on Sunday mornings, when heattends at all. While I was there in the meeting he attended a fraternity function on Sunday night instead of the meeting. We saw him only on Sunday morning. Young Christians away from home in college are in a unique position to add strength and encouragement to congregations near university campuses and can do muchto lead their new found friends to the Lord.

* * * * * * * * * * Would You Help Us?

All of the papers being published by brethren would receive considerable help if present subscribers would showtheir papers to friends and brethren in their acquaintance.Several of our readers have subscribed for some friend or relative when renewing their own subscription. This is much appreciated. We would urge others to do the same.Do you have children away in college? How about those inmilitary service? How about newly married children? Youwould do them a great favor to introduce them to good reading material and it would not cost much. Think about it,would you? Thanks to those who have stayed with us through the years and many of whom have sent gift subscriptions to others.

• * * * * * * * * *

• Religious Supply Center

Religious Supply Center of Louisville continues to advertise in SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES. This book store is owned by stock holders and is managed by David Key. It is a tax paying business. The book store is not owned by the paper, nor is the paper connected to the store.The store simply advertises in the paper. We are glad to recommend them to our readers. They can fill all yourneeds for religious books, literature, tracts, class materials,communion supplies and many other things. The staff atthe store consists of Marie Ricks, Mary Catherine (Wimpy) Threlkel, Phyllis Key and Jane Ashbrook. Theyhave a large volume of business from satisfied customers allover the country. Their toll free number is much in use. Everywhere I go, people ask me about some of the personnelat the store and remark about the friendly service and speedwith which orders are filled. The paper appreciates theirbusiness as an advertising client and the book store appreciates your business. Once more, we urge readers notto send book store business to the paper, and please do notsend paper business to the book store. That complicates theirwork and ours and only delays the matter.

* * * * * * * ***

Volume 27

As we close out one year and prepare to begin another, wewish for all our readers a happy and productive year in 1986.Please read your Bible and pray daily.

Seleucia

Seleucia Pieria was founded about five miles north of the mouth of the Orontes River by Seleucus I Nicator in 300 B. C.and named for himself. It was one of nine cities bearing thename of Seleucus, and was a fine Mediterranean harbor which served as the seaport of Antioch. The road was paved but one of the worst we encountered. It was mountainous, narrow, and in need of repair. We understoodthe statement of Luke that Barnabas and Saul "went down" to Seleucia to be literally true. The city is now representedby a small town by the name of Samandag.

Thanks to an old plan of the ancient port which we had among our notes we were able to locate the harbor. In the olddays itwas a deep water portof fresh water, but now itwassilted up. Local farmers were busy at work in the alluvialdeposits of the once-great harbor which served as a base ofRome's Syrian fleet. Only a small amount of water nowmakes its way into the sea where the mouth of the harboronce lay. A gravel road had been built along a desertedstretch of beach, but it was washed out at the entrance tothe harbor. This made it impossible for us to continue northto the Rock Channel which had been begun in the days ofVespasian and Titus. The 200 yard long channel had beencut in solid rock to divert dangerous torrents from floodingthe town and the port. The water was stored in a reservoirand then sent through sluices to stir up the stagnant waterof the harbor to prevent silting. We could also see man-made caverns in the cliffs of the mountain. It has been suggested that these served as warehouses in the days ofSeleucia's commercial importance. It was time to return toAdana. We hoped there might be time to return to Tarsusbefore dark but we were unable to do so.

Tarsus

We didn't have to be at the airport to return the car andcatch our flight to Istanbul until 8: 30 the next morning.We hated to miss the city since it was the native home ofPaul. We arose early and by 5: 45 A. M. were on our way toTarsus. We left the main highway on the east of the city andwere fortunate to come upon the River Cydnus which hadonce brought Cleopatra to Tarsus to meet Mark Antony. Wesaw the stone-arched bridge built during the time of theEmperor Justinian (6th century), and the beautiful waterfalls. In the city we saw the stone arch which wasprobably the Sea Gate

to the old walled city. It is popularly known as Cleopatra's Gate; some call it St. Paul's Gate. The modern city, which now boasts a population of 122, 000 inhabitants, covers thecity of Paul.

Tarsus had been important historically. Because of its position on the River Cydnus near the Mediterranean about 30miles below the Cilician Gates, Tarsus in Cilicia served as oneof the great crossroads of history. Paul described his hometownas "no insignificant city" (Acts 21: 39; 9: 11; 22: 3). It was afortified city and trade center as early as 2000 B. C. It was captured by the Assyrian kings Shalmaneser III (833 B. C. )and Sennacherib (698 B. C. ), and had seen the likes of Alexander the Great and Cleopatra.

Tarsus was commercially important. Ancient writers mentionthe linen woven here from flax which grew in the fertile plain.A material called cilicium was woven from goat's hair and used to make coverings which would protect against cold and wet. The city was culturally important. Strabo describes the people as being avid in the pursuit of culture. Tarsus was auniversity town, and was noted as the home of several well-known philosophers, especially of the Stoic school. Barclay says: "If a man was destined to be a missionary to the worldat large, there was no better place in all the east for him to growto manhood than in Tarsus" (The Mind of St. Paul, pp. 25-26).

We wished for a little more time to explore the city, butwe headed east to the Adana airport with a satisfaction thatwe had seen the places we set out to see. Guess who showedup at the airport to get the car? The same young man whohad brought it to Konya. We learned from him that it cost100, 000 Turkish liras to have the broken down car towed to Antalya. That's more than $190. Perhaps they'll make it up on thenext customer.

Conclusion

In these few days we had driven about 1, 000 miles andvisited all the sites associated with Paul's first journeyexcept for Cyprus, which I had visited some years before.It has been a good experience. We felt we had a better understanding of the territory and could do a better job ofteaching that portion of Acts and the epistle to the Galatians. Altogether, including the time with the tour inAegean Turkey, we had spent 13 days in the country. Wefound the people to be friendly and helpful in every way.To everyone of them we say "Cok tesekkur ederim" (Thank you very much).

What happened to the churches, established by Paul andBarnabas? Well, that's another story, for another time.

* * * * *** * *

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Besides the publications quoted in the articles, thefollowing materials have been helpful: Akurgal, Ancient Civilizations andRuinsof Turkey; Bean, Turkey'sSouthern Shore; Berrett, Discovering the World of the Bible; Blakeand Edmonds, Biblical Sites in Turkey; Bruce, Paul:Apostle of the Heart Set Free; Denham, Southern Turkey; Freely, The Companion Guide to Tur

key; National Geographic, Greece and Rome: Builders ofOur World; Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveller and Roman Citizen; Sawyer, "The Cities of Galatia, " Biblical Illustrator, Spring, 1982; Tenney, New Testament Times;Tbksoz, A Travel Guide to the Historic Treasures of Turkey.

The most accurate and helpful articles can often be found in the encyclopedias. Check appropriate entries inthe following works: The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Vol. I and II, revised 1979, 1982); The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible (4 vol. Plus supplement); The New International Dictionary of Biblical Archaeology; The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of theBible.

"A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but shethat maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones" (Prov.

12: 4). A crown shows that a man is a leader, worthy ofrespect and honor. A wife crowns or dethrones her husband with her spoken attitudes and behavior. The public often takes its cue from her, for who can respect a"man who knoweth not how to rule his own house" (1 Tim.

3: 5)?

His wife's subjection is probably the surest gauge of a husband's character. Despite all her protestations, in fact,sometimes because of them, a wife who is not in subjection is an easy thing to spot. Why? Simply becauseshe will notbe in subjection anywhere.In Bible class sheiscontroversial, opinionated, and pushy. She speaks her mindin a sarcastic, hostile, or offensive tone of voice—and woe to the teacher who tries to point this out to her. She makespublic scenes, either by raising her voice, or by being careless of who might be within earshot. Any man, anywhere, anytime is prey to her razor-sharp tongue.

A wife's loyalty to her husband is a way of bestowinghonor on him. Unfortunately, many times we who considerourselves loyal to our husbands, behave in many disloyalways without ever realizing it. Loyalty is not confined tosexual fidelity.

A woman who does things she and her neighbors knowher husband does not want her doing is disloyal. Do you have to hide things from your husband? The phone bill?The credit card bill? Have you ever said, in the middle of ajuicy piece of gossip, "I have to get off the phone now. Myhusband just drove up?" Even if his demands seem unreasonable, the very fact that you gripe about them toothers, then disregard them, shows that you really thinkvery little of the man you chose, and want others to feel thesame disdain for him. God intended that the husband and wife be for each other,

each the one the other can count on.

Sometimes what looks at first like loyalty may actually be the opposite. I once observed two women whose husbands became involved in a disagreement on the meetinghouse steps. One, when asked what was going on,played it down, saying, "It's nothing important. I'm sure they'll settle it. " The other took it upon herself to become"play-by-play commentator, " explaining again and again toanyone who would listen her perception of what was going on between the two men. Once, she even fired a causticcomment across the churchyard to the other man. In the first place, she had no business butting in between the two men. In the second, she had no business making it any morepublic than it already was, or stirring up trouble among others with her added comments and one-sided broadcasting of the situation. It was not her "strife, " nor anyone else's who happened to be "passing by" (Prov. 26:17). What appeared at first to be loyalty was actually the opposite—a spreading of her husband's private affairs, and alack of confidence in his ability to handle them alone. Her"loyalty" was really a self-serving attempt to line upsides—"sowing discord among brethren" (Prov. 6: 19). Onestanding by hearing her repeat the same sentences word byword like a broken record, did not respect her for herloyalty to her husband, but only felt pity for her havingsuch a bad caseof verborrhea(Prov. 15:2).

Along the same lines, a gossiping wife can cause othersto think less of a man. How much would you be willing totell a man whose wife spends half her day on the phone?Would you go to him with a problem? Would you be inclinedto confess your faults? Gossip certainly brings no respect,but rather causes all to "wag their heads"(Psa.64:8).

Another way a wife demeans her husband is by makingstatements that begin, "He knows better than to.. . " as ifhe should fear the consequences she might hand out. Whattales wetell about our marriage without ever realizing it!

Immoralbehavior is probably the greatestdisgrace a wifedoes her husband. It leaves others not only questioning hiscontrol of the home, but his manhood as well. Few Christians slip as far as adultery (though those numbersare rising), but many get as close to this immorality aspossible by their choice of clothing. Immodesty encourages men to think thoughts about other men's wives that they have no business thinking. Not only hasshe shamed her husband, but she has enticed another to sin against him as well.

When a woman acts in these ways, she is telling theworld? "I do not feel my husband is worthy of honor and respect. Why should you?" And that publicly expressedattitude eats away at his spirit like a cancer eats away atbones. " . . . But she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in the bones. " Just as cancer can kill the body, a wifecan kill her husband's spirit. Respect your husband; honorhim as head. Do nothing that will shame him. Be his crown, the reason others respect and honor him as well. Asit is said of the worthy woman, "Her husband is known inthe gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land"(Prov. 31: 23).

NOTE: I am interrupting my line of thought on "Elements of Successful Discipline" to present a story by Eli Barber in Home Memories, "Torn Never Left Down the Bars Again" from S. D. Gordon's Quiet Talks on Home Ideals which I read recently, I hope my readers may betouched by it as was I—J. R. C.

"TomNever LeftDown the Bars Again"

The great test of home-training is in discipline. When thechild has disobeyed, perhaps thoughtlessly, perhaps wilfully, —that is a testing time full of meaning to bothparent and child. It means most to the child, but it meansmuch to the parent.

Here is where right birth will be found to bear some of itsfinest fruit. The planned birth, with no element of chance,or of anything lower entering in, removes at once a largegroup of the knottiest problems of discipline. All problemscentering in the child's disposition, his docility of spirit, maypractically be solved beforebirth.

Discipline is a great test of love and of wisdom. It callsfor a fine tempering together of wisdom and love, firmnessand gentleness, insistence upon obedience, but with a love-light in the eye. The old puritanical ideas made stern fathers. Love was sacrificed to a sense of right. Now there is a distinct and dangerous swing the other way, toward aweak laxness of discipline. Neither is ideal, but of the twothe former bred stronger men. It takes a good bit of keenwork to blend right and love in good proportions.

There's a fine story that comes from a New Englandhome of years ago. It is told by one of the two boysconcerned, grown to manhood as he tells the story. He said.

"Once I saved Tom from a promised whipping for leavingdown the bars when he went after the cows at milking time, thus giving the young cattle left in the pasture achance to get out, which they always improved. If theywere on theback sideof the lot when Tom got the cowshethought it unnecessary to put up the bars. It would be soshort a time when the cows would be driven back,

"Father cautioned and reproved him several times, till finally he threatened to whip him if it happened again.Several weeks passed, and he left the bars down again. Theyoung cattle got into the corn, doing much damage.

"The next morning father said nothing, but went about his usual work. Tom was gloomy; there was an air ofdepression in the house, and I was greatly troubled. I couldn't bear to have Tom whipped, nor could I blamefather. At last I resolved to go and speak to him.

"The sun was shining brightly, and he was opening sometumbles of hay in the east meadow. I approached himslowly, for I did not feel sure of my ground, and stood still without saying a word. He looked up at me and said: "'Well, Joe what is it'

" 'I have come to speak to you about Tom. I don't want him whipped. '

"Ido not seehow you can help it,myson. I cannot havemy crops destroyed in this way, and I must keep my word.'

" 'Father, didn't you read this in the morning lesson: "Hewas wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised forouriniquities,and by His stripes we are healed. ' "

" 'Yes; what a boy you are to remember, Joe. ' " 'Well, I will take half the blows you intend to give Tom. '

" 'I can't do that, Joe. Tom is the transgressor, not you, ' father answered, his face softening and his voice trembling a little. Then looking at me keenly, he asked'

" 'Did Tom send you to me?'

" 'No. He knows nothing of my coming. '

"My father stood leaning on his pitchfork with bothhands, looking down on the ground. At length he said:

" 'Go and bring Tom. '

"I foundhim on the frontporch with a sober face, tryingto study." 'Come with me, Tom; father wants you. ' " 'I know what he wants, ' turning a little pale. After a moment's hesitation he arose, saying:

" 'I might as well go now and have it done with. '

"As we walked along I thought best to give him a littleadvice, for he generally did as occasion served him. Therewas no knowing beforehand what he would do.

" 'Now, Tom, you mustn't flare up or show any spunk. You must be humble and answer father's questions in a good kindof way. You mustn't talk any; only answer his questions. Idon't think he'll be hard with you. '

"To this he made no reply. He evidently thought it easyfor me to talk; the stripes were notcoming down my back.

"Father stood as I had left him. I can see him now, afterthe lapse of so many years, with his back to the morningsun, leaning forward a little on the stall of his fork, lookingdown to the ground, one hand above the other and his chinon his hands, and some forkfuls of hay scattered abouthim.

"He did not seem to see us. He was lost in reverie.

" 'Father, ' I ventured timidly, 'Tom is here. '

"He looked upat us both quickly, then said:

" 'Tom, do you remember these words in our Scripturereading this morning, "He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities, and byHis stripes we are healed?" '

" 'Yes, sir, ' answered Tom, greatly surprised.

" 'What do you think those words mean?'

" 'That Christ suffered for us, ' replied Tom, his voice unsteady and his face flushingup.

" 'Well, Joe offers to suffer for you. '

"Tom turned to me with a look on his face I shall never forget, and exclaimed:" 'No, Joe you shall not do that. ' "Then, flinging his arms around my neck, he kissed me,

and, quick as a flash, stepped up to father and held out hishand, saying:

" 'The stripes belong to me, father; I am ready. '

"Tears were now falling down father's face, and for a minute he could not speak. Then he said:

" 'No, Tom, I cannot punish anyone now. I do not thinkyou'll ever forget this day. If you do, remember Joe's offer holds good. I love my children, and I want to do them all the good I can. But I must be obeyed and that is one wayof doing them good. You may go now. '

"Tom did not stir. He was evidently waiting for me and yet, for some reason I could not explain, I hesitated. Steppingcloser, I said:

" 'Father, I want to kiss you. '

"He caught me in his arms, saying: 'Oh, my boy, ' and kissed me. Then taking Tom, who was ready, he said: 'Godbless you, dear Tom, ' kissinghim with swimming eyes.

"Then, with a great awe upon us, we went to the house.I will add that Tom never left the bars down again. "

THE DIGRESSIVE PATTERN

Webster gives several uses of the term pattern, but the

one I wish to use for the purpose of this study is as follows:

"An arrangement or composition that suggests or reveals a

design; a configuration; as, a poem with a pattern"

(Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam Co.

). But, instead of "a poem with a pattern, " let us consider

digression with a pattern.

We could talk about the events leading up to digression,

and see a pattern unfolding also, but right now, we will

concern ourselves with the pattern which develops after

some digressive practice has begun. The criminal in society

is often apprehended because of his "M. O. "— his method

of operation. Even so the digressive practitioner is caught

up in the very thing which he tries so hard to avoid—a

pattern.

A good example of this digressive pattern was witnessed during the years when the church was divided overMissionary Societies and instrumental music in the worship. Those who introduced these innovations tried zealously at the first to defend their idols. And, theirefforts were sometimes effective, as far as convincing otherswas concerned. It seemed to make little or no difference to some that such attempts to defend these unscriptural practices were inconsistent and contradictory.

Some attempted to defend the instrument of music andthe Missionary Society on the grounds of expediency, butthey never did prove that their "expedient" was first lawful(1 Cor. 6: 12). Then, these same proponents of expediencytalked out of the other side of their mouths and declared that instruments of music were included in the command to sing, using the psallo argument. They didn't seem to understand that if their "command" argument was valid, they didn't need the "expedient" dodge. Then, the advocates of these divisive practices tried to prove thatsince mechanical instruments of music were found in the Old Testament, and in the figurative language of Revelation, that such should be admissible in the worshipof the New Testament church.

But, why so many conflicting arguments in the futileattempt to defend a digressive practice? The answer issimple, and needs to be sorted out from among all thesmoke screens thrown up by these invaders of divine authority: THEY WERE BUYING TIME! If they couldsucceed in holding some of the members and some

of the church property for the present, time was on their side.After a few years, it wouldn't make any difference to manywhether or not there was any scriptural authority for a givenpractice. Then, they would quit debating and defending theircause, which is exactly what they did.

Does this pattern sound familiar? Those who introducedand defended their benevolent societies and sponsoring church arrangements in evangelism at the first tried to defend their efforts. The "en loco parentis" argument wasmade, the "principle eternal" pitch, and the "if one can do it,all can do it" sillygism.

These spiritual contortionists were first here and then there, contradicting and opposing themselves and one another, not to mention the word of God. What were theydoing? They were buying time, until their innovations weretraditionally accepted by another generation, at which timesuch things wouldn't have to be defended, because manywould wax indifferent.

Where are the champions of those doctrines and practiceswhich have divided the church during the past thirty yearsor so? Some have gone, some have gone out from us, andothers are going. Occasionally, some deluded, well-meaningpreacher will resurrect one of these worn-out arguments which have been answered a hundred times, and try tobreathe new life into it, but for the most part, the disciples ofdigression follow the old pattern of justkeeping quiet.

Due to my experiences in the fight against instrumentalmusic in worship over forty years ago, Brother Adamssuggested that it might be profitable to some for me towrite an article on the subject. From June, 1941 to January,1949, 1 lived in Upper East Tennessee, Johnson City, 115miles from Johnson Bible College at Kimberlin Heights, andonly 4 miles from Milligan College, in an area where Christian churches with "Church of Christ" signs on their buildings were found every direction one turned and preachers on the instrumental music persuasion were plentiful. They loudly argued for the name, the plan of salvation and the Christian graces and just as loudlyopposed the United Christian Missionary Society; but theyhad one of their own called "The Appalachian MountainEvangelizing Association, " which was "the same old woman with another dress on. " They thought they had all the answers on the instrumental music question for thebroom of digression had swept clean in the area of Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky.

I was on the Johnson City radio, WJHL, for 51/2 years,most of the time five days a week, preaching New

Testament doctrine on church organization, work and worship. This brought the wrath of these people down uponme in defense on their "Baal's Calf" in worship and some ofthem were so cock-sure that they challenged me for debate.Four times I accommodated them. The first time was with the President and General Evangelist of the AMEA, M. B.Miller, who felt it his duty to "save the church" at Lone Oak, 8 miles out of Johnson City. The debate was held inthat building and resulted in conversion of three-fourths ofthe congregation, including the preacher, the preacher's wife, who wasPresidentof theLadies' Aid Society, the pianist, the treasurer and others. He who seemed "to be somewhat among them" didn't even know the Greekword for "heart. " They all thought the Greek verb "psallo" was irrefutable proof for instrumental music in worship, but their mostglaring error was in assuming that that verb carried with itits object, which no verb does! A lesson in elementaryEnglish grammar should have taught them that. "Psallo"means to strike, touch, twitch, twang or pull, whether theobject be a ball, carpenter's line, string, hair or a musicalinstrument. I always tried to give them the benefit of J. W.McGarvey's pungent remark in the CHRISTIAN LEADER,1905: "If any man who is a preacher believes that the apostleteaches the use of instrumental music in the church, by enjoining the singing of psalms, he is one of those smatterers in Greek who can believe anything that he wishes to believe. "

M. B. Miller wrote a tract on "Some Facts About Acceptable Music" in which he set forth 5 "facts" as he called them, going first to the Greek. My old Bible teacherin Lipscomb College, H. Leo Boles, said that anyproposition which cannot be proven by the King James orRevised Version of the Bible, cannot be proven anyway.Miller and all the others up there banked heavily upon J.

B. Rotherham's Emphasized Bible in which he puts "strikethe strings" for the meaning of psallo. He was a Christian Church preacher in England.

His second "fact" is nonsensical: "Those who oppose theuse of an instrument contend that 'to sing' always meansthe human voice... Where in the New Testament does it sayto sing with the human voice?" In his third "fact" he cites Strabo, Josephus, Barnabas, Justin Martyr, Lucian andClement of Alexandria without saying that he was quotingfrom them as quoted in a book entitled "PSALLO" by O. E.Payne which was reviewed and exposed as fraudulent by M.

C. Kurfees in a 91-page booklet entitled "Review of O. E.Payne's Book on PSALLO, " published by the Gospel Advocate Company in 1937. On page 80-81 he gives Payne's quote of Justin verbatim and then gives the quotations from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume I, pp. 235,209, 213, showing that Payne had inserted "play on the harp" in parentheses every time he came to the word "psallo" in any form, without saying that the inserts were his!This is an example of the zeal of errorists who try to "prove" their position "by hook or crook. " S. H. Masters, an oldpreacher whose father had preached against the instrumentin worship in the 1800's, tried that on me in debate nearCorbin, KY, by quoting McGarvey in his commen

tary on 1 Corinthians in favor of instrumental music inworship. I happened to know that the comments he quoted: were the words of his son-in-law, Philip Y. Pendleton, who finished the commentary after McGarveydied. Masters didn't get away with it!

In his forth "fact" Miller claims "None of these Scriptures... tell us to make either (singing or playing, JEN) a testof fellowship among brethren, much less does it command either as an essential to public worship... " He was not theonly digressive preacher who argued with me that singing is not commanded in our worship. This is obviously adesperate move in view of Eph. 5: 19 and Col. 3: 16. ButMiller met himself coming back in the last two sentences ofthis paragraph by saying, "There is no other word in theGreek that Paul could haveused to tell us 'to play'or 'strike strings. ' Hence he told us to do it in the most positivemanner possible. " First he says we are not commanded tosing or play, then that we are commanded to play! As G. C.Brewer saidofone of his opponents, "He wriggles in and hewriggles out, always leaving you in doubt whether thesnake that made the track was going north or coming back."

Miller's fifth "fact" has to do with judging anotherman's servant in which he ranges all the way from Mt. 7: 1to 1 Jn. 3: 4 and argues that there is no law againstinstrumental music; therefore, no transgression. Then hepays his respects to Kurfees' book, Instrumental Music InWorship as "being shot through and through with misrepresentation and contradiction" and to one by W. G.Roberts in similar words. He extols "our lamented Bro. O.

E. Payne, but somehow overlooks the "fact" that he contradicted O. E. Payne, who said on page 172 of hisbook "We must unite in agreeing that if we forego musicalinstruments, we cannot conform to the divine injunction topsallein. " (Kurfees' quote of Payne in his review of Payne,

p. 71)

Martha had great faith in Jesus, "Lord, if thou hadst beenhere, my brother had not died, " and, "I have believed thatthou art the Christ the son of God" (Jn. 11: 21, 27).Moreover, she expressed a hope that though Lazarus wasdead, Jesus could still do something, "Even now I knowthat, whatsoever thou shalt ask of God, God will give thee"(Jn 11: 22). But, when Jesus commanded, "Take away thestone, " she objected, "He stinketh; for he hath been deadfour days" (Jn 11: 39). She had great faith in the abstract,but it failed in the practical. How often do we, who servethe Lord with great faith, fail when we pray? We know that Jesus is Christ; we believe God answers prayers; but wesputter when anyone suggests a practical answer to the prayer of faith.

He Stinketh

The advance of scientific knowledge has raised many doubts for believers. Since we can trace many of the "Hows" better than the ancients, we wonder, "If I pray forthat and receive it, would it not be a miracle since it isunlikely under normal conditions?" Some very carefullyphrase their prayers for the sick so that they ask no morethan the doctor said was possible. Farmers watch the radar weather report to make sure it is all right to pray forrain, and expect it. This may exaggerate the situation somewhat, but there is little doubt that many are losingthe faithful expectation that God can, and will, alter eventsbecause they pray. The vagueness of public prayer is oneindicator of this attitude. Men pray for the untraceable general things—for rulers, church growth, forgiveness, thesick the world over. One even begins to wonder if the "If it bethy will" is a statement of submission, or one offering God away ofescape for not acting.

God does not have to check with the doctor to heal. Byhis providence, He may confound the doctor's predictions,because we asked in faith. The radar forecast is no limit to the Almighty. It only reports what God is doing. God willprovidentially alterevents for His children's sakes.

Before God will answer our prayers, we mast ask in faith.The doubter will receive nothing (Jas 1: 6-7). We think wehave faith in our prayers until someone suggests that Godhas, or will, specifically answer requests. Suddenly, we are protesting, "Are you suggesting the miraculous? Are yougoing Pentecostal?" We may as well join Martha, "He stinketh. " We say we believe in Jesus even as she did, butwhen the test comes, we see only the apparentlyinsurmountable obstacles, instead of the power of the Lord."He stinketh. "

Elijah

Could we transport a modern weather reporting systemto the top of Mt. Carmel 2700 years ago, the weather map would show, "No possibility of rain through theweekend. Clear skies for the foreseeable future. " A man of like passions with us" bowed down to pray, "nothing doubting" (Jas 5: 17; 1 Kg 18: 41-46). Elijah sent hisservant to check the weather. So far as a man could see from the top of the mountain-all clear, no change. Elijahprayed more. Again and again the negative report came.How many give up too soon, and disclose the weakness oftheir faith in the providence of the Almighty? The seventh time the servant reported a hand-size cloud on the horizon.Today, some petitioners would pack their bags "if that is allthatprayer can do. We prayed and prayed and only have onesmall cloud to show for it. " Elijah warned Ahab to hurrybefore he was caught in the rain. He believed in prayer.

We give up too soon. Paul prayed three times before heeven received a "no" to his request (2 Cor 12: 8). We praywith too many qualifications. These constant "if it be possibles" divulge more a spirit of doubt, than a spirit ofyieldingness. We need to learn to ask in faith, and leave the"possibles" to God. God is able (Eph 3: 20). God will (1 Jn 5:15). We may not be able to see how God can act in somesituations. We may feel that what we ask would necessarilyinvolve a miracle. But our knowledge and feelings are notthe boundaries the Almighty must operate within. Many apatient has recovered to confound the doctors, who expected death with no hope. Weathermen develop theirpredictive abilities by explaining why yesterday's forecast was wrong.

The next time you pray for rain, carry an umbrella. If itdoes not rain, be disappointed. If you are not disappointed, then you really did not expect anything to happen. Then pray again, and keep on carrying the umbrella. Do the same in all areas of prayer. God cares. He,not the scientists, controls the universe.

While searching for something to pry off the seal from thetop of a bottle of medicine, I got to thinking about the dollarcost of the safety seal, which I was struggling to remove.How many dollars did that poor, miserable murderer,who putpoison in a popular relief tablet, cost society? Reams of papercould be used writing about the mental anguish, the sadness, fear, and anxiety, which that sin cost society. AsJob said, "Oh that grief were weighed, and all my calamitieslaid in the balance" (Job 6: 2). And not being even a cousin toEinstein, I am unable to guess at a dollar figure which wasand is required to defray the cost to society of that one sin.However, I think that we can profit by considering theimmensity of the dollar cost.

How many dollars did the pharmaceutical houses haveto spend to perfect safety seals? These seals appear onmost medicine containers today. How many additionaldollars are spent every day for material and labor to sealeach container? In the words of the commercial, "Who pays?" The answer is, "You do"!

This increase, in dollar cost, cannot be charged to inflation due to limitation of supply in the face of increase of demand. It is inflation caused by sin. How much"inflation" due directly to sin, are we—all of us— the innocent aswell as the guilty—having to strugglewith?

The sin of greed, and its close kin, dishonesty, are extremely costly to society. Our God still demands that,"Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in measureof length, of weight, or of quantity. Just balances, justweights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I amJehovah your God" (Leviticus 19: 35, 36).

The dollar cost of drunkenness is immeasurable. Back there in the thirties when the fight waxed hot to get rid of theeighteenth amendment, an "argument" was advanced to the effect that the tax on intoxicants would bring relieffrom our heavy tax burden! Some ingenious persons evenmade the startling proposal that the tax could be used toeducate people to drink in moderation! The best commentary on this will appear on the six o'clock newstoday! That news cast will reflect what has been accomplished in the fifty years in which the sin of drunkenness has been tolerated and encouraged. Is this liquor tax providing enough dollars to pay the doctor, medical, and hospital expenses which are chargeable todrunk drivers? Remember, we are not trying to weigh thegrief, worry, and fear which such has cost and continues to cost.

How does sin affect our "economy"? We are bombardedwith commentaries on the state of our economy. New businesses,more jobs, moredollarsseems to be

our chief concern. This is not the area of concern which God requires us to put first. See Matthew 6: 33.

The persons who demanded of Brother G. C. Brewer, "What is so bad about sin?" got this answer, "Its consequence"! Sin is too costly to be tolerated by any intelligentperson. The high cost of sin extends not only through timebut continues in eternity.

But let's just put aside thehigh dollar cost of sin and closewith this, "For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift ofGod iseternallife inChrist Jesus ourLord" (Romans 6: 23).

"... The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few;therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborersinto His harvest" (Luke 10: 2). With these words, Christsent out seventy men to preach concerning the approaching kingdom (v.9). In giving this commission,Jesusemphasizesthree main points concerning evangelism.

1. ) THE HARVEST TRULY IS GREAT.

When you take time to consider the full impact of thisstatement, its effects are indeed sobering. Realizing thatthe "harvest" is referring to the souls of men, this points outthe enormous responsibility on the Christian to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost. Christ came to "seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19: 10). There are manylost souls who would be willing to hear and obey God's word,but they have never been contacted. Look around you in theworld today. Look at your friends, your relatives, the peoplewith whom you work, your neighbors. How many of themare Christians? Not very many, right? That is why the harvest is so plenteous. So many are walking in the broadway that "leads to destruction" (Matt. 7: 13). The opportunities for doing good are there—accept your personal responsibility to "preach the word" (2 Tim. 4: 2).

2. ) BUT THE LABORERS ARE FEW.

Whose fault is this? It is certainly not God's fault! He has given us the word and commanded us to teach it to others.Are YOU obeying that commandment? The church is to bethe "pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Tim. 3: 15). As Christians, we must stand firm on the scriptures, speakingwhere the Bible speaks and being silent where the Bible issilent. If Christians do not teach the word of God to the lost—nobody will!

"It should be remembered that as a divine institution, thechurch has a divine mission. It is neither political, norsocial, but altogether spiritual in its design. Its concern isnot the entertainment of people but the saving of souls. Theprimary mission of the New Testament church is to 'evangelize" the world" (Roy E. Cogdill, The New Testament Church).

3. ) THEREFORE PRAY THE LORD OF THE HARVEST TO SEND OUT LABORERS INTO HIS HARVEST.

This should be one of the prominent features of ourpetitions to God. We need to pray on the behalf of otherswho are preaching and teaching the word of God, that theymight never grow weary in well doing. But we should alsopray on our own behalf, that we might become stronger inthe word and better teachers. Christ prayed for His ownstrength (Mark 1: 35; Luke 6: 12). Pray to God. Pray formore laborers to enter into the harvest.

"Do you not say, There are still four months and thencomes the harvest? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyesand look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest"(John 4: 35).

Most of us are impressed with the zeal the "Watch-towerWitnesses" display when they go from house to house tospread their false doctrine. The wise person will be verycareful in allowing them to enter his house. One should knowhis Biblewellfor such occasions.

In like manner, weshould be careful of "wolves in sheep'sclothing. " There are some Christians who pride themselveson being intelligent, knowledgeable, and "lovingly tolerant." They too go from house to house. But do they go toconfuse or to convict? Do they go to twist and pervert thescriptures or to teach and persuade with scriptures Do theygo to defend the faith or to defeat the faith? Do they go toencourage or to discourage? Until one can determine thenature and purpose of such visits, Christians would do wellto be careful of such men. If they begin to say or do strange things, check your Bible.

Remember—In Acts 2: 46, the Christians broke their bread from house to house and that's good. In Acts 20: 20,Paul had taught the Christians from house to house andthat's good. But John warns us in II John 10. "If there comeany unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him notinto your house, neither bid him Godspeed. " If you allow him to teach you a doctrine which is false, then you are nothearing the doctrine of Christ and that's bad. One should be extremely careful of those who appear to go from house tohouse in a secretive and undercover way with seemingly good intentions. If he brings the doctrine of Christ, receivehim. If not, then smile and simply close the door. Brethren,don't give up.

Index for Volumes XXV & XXVI

ANSWERS FOR OUR HOPE—Marshall E. Patton

Attitude and Continual Cleansing ..................................................224A Welcome Change.............................................................................269Elders and Adopted Children .......................................................... 77Repentance and Confession ............................................................. 61

ARROWS OF TRUTH FOR DENOMINATIONAL ERROR—Ward Hogland

"Alms to My Natio n"..........................................................................110Goodand Bad Cognomens................................................................ 11Forty Down and Sixty to go ..............................................................295Two A's of Bible Unity, The .............................................................433

BEHAVING ONESELF IN GOD'S HOUSE—

J. Wiley Adams

Changing Scene, The .........................................................................230Faithis the Victory ............................................................................463Preaching and False Brethren........................................................516

BREAD OF LIFE—Herschel E.Patton

Babylon, Not Yet Fallen...................................................................132Eating the BreadofLife .................................................................. 80False Religionis not Bread .............................................................365"Feed My Sheep" ...............................................................................109"Loathing God's Gifts".....................................................................488Moreon Religious Conflict ..............................................................251"Not Bread" ........................................................................................322Prospective Gain Counted Loss for Christ..................................460Religious Conflict ...............................................................................226

BUILDING BETTER FAMILIES—James R. Cope

A Marriage Ceremony......................................................................297Beginning Early..................................................................................391"But Nurture Them".........................................................................152Consistency and Right ......................................................................515Continuing Steadfastly .....................................................................445Elements of Discipline......................................................................372Elements of Successful Discipline ................................................342Firmness with Kindness ..................................................................468Focus on the Will of God ...................................................................486God's Order for Parents................................................................... 85Parental Blindness ............................................................................204Parental Duties and Needs .............................................................. 53Parental Patience ..............................................................................529Parental Stupidity ..............................................................................229Parenthood a Sacred Trust............................................................ 6"P ro vo ke N ot ".....................................................................................131Signposts and Yardsticks .................................................................249Some Elements of Successful Parental Discipline ..................271"Tom Never Left Down the Bars Again" ....................................559

EDITORIAL: Connie W. Adams

About this Special Issue....................................................................410About Our August Special ................................................................148"And Set the Table with Love" .......................................................195Another Example of Catholic Pressure..................................... 5A Shameful Failure ............................................................................ 75A Short Course in Premillennialism .............................................219Bobbie is at Rest..................................................................................387Claude Worley.................................................................................... 6Collingsville Affair, The ...................................................................123Contributions and Buying Services ............................................... 27Does the New Testament Authorize CongregationalSinging? ............................................................................................459Editorial Stew:Heart Transplant for David Joy................................................267

Hope for the Present andthe Future ..................................... 555Lessons from the House of Mourning .................................... 555Losing My Shirt(s) ........................................................................267On the Lighter Side ....................................................................... 555Purely Personal ............................................................................ 555Thanks for a Job Well Done ....................................................... 267Twenty Five Years........................................................................ 268Winter Studies ................................................................................ 268Young Christians in College....................................................... 555

Evelyn Puckett at Rest..................................................................... 196"Her HusbandShall Praise Her"................................................... 411

H. E. Phillips Suffers Heart Attack .............................................. 410In Much Wisdom is MuchGrief ...................................................... 339"Lord, Is it I?"...................................................................................... 507Marks of a Stable Church ................................................................. 147Mind of Christ and Error,The ........................................................ 363Need for Reliable Translations, The .............................................172On Textual Variations ........................................................................ 243Our Light Affliction.............................................................................315Reception of our August Special Issue .........................................243Roy E. Cogdill......................................................................................435Twisted Love and Unity.....................................................................531Weldon E. Warnockto Write Question andAnswer Column..............................................................................291Who is Greatest in the Kingdom? ...................................................51Who Moved?.......................................................................................... 291"Whose Sins Ye Remit—Whose Sins Ye Retain" ...................... 483Wisdom of God, The ......................................................................... 3Word of the Truth of the Gospel,The............................................. 99

EXPOSITION: TEXT AND CONTEXT— Weldon E. Warnock

Fruit-bearing Christians ..................................................................201God Has Been Expelled ....................................................................156Good Advice From a Denominational Preacher ...................... 29We Have Become Stoic ......................................................................221

INSIGHT—Dee Bowman

What the Beer Commercials Don't Say........................................105

MY SERVANTS THE PROPHETS—Rodney Miller

Nehemiah: Let Us Rise Up and Build .......................................... 54

MYSTERY OF INIQUITY, THE—Eugene Britnell

A Letter from Italy..............................................................................368An Ambassador to theVatican ...................................................... 78An Immoral System ..........................................................................440"Bishops Ignore Our Society's Real Foundations".................294Cardinals go to College .....................................................................462Catholicism and Idolatry .................................................................222"Confessions?—Ask the Man Who Goes There!".....................128Forgiveness Only inCatholic Church...........................................318Pope Heals a Doctor Who Was Not Sick! The ...........................203"Pope Says Relics are St. Peter's" ............................................. 5Pope Speaks to the Lutherans, The ............................................... 36"Pope to Petition Mary for Nation's Protection" .....................536Tr ansubst antiation .............................................................................514"Treaty Signals End of Catholicism as Official StateReligion in Italy" ..........................................................................102

RESTORATION FOOTNOTES—Earl Kimbrough

Bible Only, The ....................................................................................361"Debate Thy Cause" ....................................................................... 7Evangelizing by Debates..................................................................446Evangelizing Through Revivals.................................................... 465

"The Object Contemplated"...........................................................202"Paul Chose Silas and Departed" .................................................487Restorers Approach to Evangelism .............................................350Self—supporting Evangelist...........................................................388

SIMPLICITY IN CHRIST—P. J. CaseboltBelieve, Repent, and...Whack! ....................................................298Car Wrecks and Orphans .................................................................517"Children of this World, The".........................................................394Digressive Pattern, The...................................................................560Eunuch's Confession, The ................................................................316Excuses .................................................................................................481"Good News from a Far Country"................................................533"Legs of the Lame, The"..................................................................447Simplicity in Christ............................................................................250Smyrnas and Philadelphias, The ..................................................467Snoring the Baby Awake..................................................................349Tea Bags and the Gospel ..................................................................277"Try Out", The ....................................................................................373

THINGS MOST CERTAINLY BELIEVED— Julian P. Snell

Certainties of Our Salvation (1).....................................................457Certainties of Our Salvation (2)......................................................489Preachers and Preaching ................................................................241Social Drinking ...................................................................................130"We Are of the Truth" .......................................................................511What is Wrong?....................................................................................385

THINK ON THESE THINGS—H. E. PhillipsCrossroads: Organizationof Human Power ............................. 49Destiny of the Crossroads System ................................................145Emergence of the Crossroads System ....................................... 1Eyes to See and Ears to Hear but not Understand! .................193Jesus Christisthe Sonof God.........................................................217Makingof a New Translation, The ................................................169Nature of the Revelation of God, The...........................................338UnscripturalOrganizationand Operation of Crossroads....73Why Crossroads is Called a Cult ....................................................121Why Does Crossroads Teach One Thing PubliclyandPractice Another?........................................................................ 97Yater Tant's Involvement with Crossroads................................ 25

USING THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT—Ken Green

Almost a Miracle ................................................................................444An Antidote for the Blues .................................................................389Case of Baby Fae, The ......................................................................345Childhaven Affair, The .....................................................................197Common Sense Economics .............................................................364Financial Compensation for Meetings and Debates ...............463Go to the Mosquito ..............................................................................491How Much is too Much?.................................................................... 84How's this for Extravagance? ........................................................ 58Is Nothing Sacred?.............................................................................537

WHAT SAITH THE SCRIPTURES? (ROM. 4: 3)— Weldon E. Warnock

Guardian Angels.................................................................................367Man of Sin, The ...................................................................................317May the Guilty Party Remarry? ...................................................535Repentance Before Faith .................................................................439Restitutionof All Things...................................................................394Will Jesus Stand on the Mt. of Olives?..........................................343What is the Rock? ...............................................................................292Women and Bible Classes ................................................................510

WORD OF HIS GRACE, THE—Marshall E. Patton

Materialism .........................................................................................508

Our Lord's Incarnation—No.1 ........................................................340Our Lord's Incarnation—No.2 ........................................................369

Adams, Barbara C.

She, Being Dead Yet SpeaksThe Blessings ofa Preacher's Wife .........................................423

Adams, James W.

Get-Together, An Appreciation.......................................................364

Adams, Martin W.

From the Pew's Point of View .........................................................414"My Father the Farmer" .................................................................490

Adams, Stanley W.

Hubbard Howell Obeyed the Gospel.............................................108My Aunt Bobbie ...................................................................................420

Adams, Terry

Remembering Mom Adams .............................................................421

Adams, J. Wiley

Family Reflections .............................................................................415

Adams, Wilson

"Boy George" the Bear .....................................................................351 Fast Food, Rubber Checks, J. C. Penny and

Judge Holford .................................................................................313GoodFriends and GoodFood ..........................................................398Her Children Call Her Blessed ........................................................412Moses on Capital Hill .........................................................................289Reflections on Life ..............................................................................150

Adams, WilmaH.

Bobbie, My Sister-In-Law ................................................................419

Basset, Don

Wayne Earnest Passes .....................................................................532

Bassett, Jerry F.

Scientific Objectivity?.......................................................................206

Blackford, Dick

Can Conservative Brethren Evangelize the World? ................127How to be a Christian in a Wicked World....................................397"The Pen is Mightier than the Sword" .........................................438

Bowman, Dee

Reflections on a Funeral ..................................................................422

Byers, Harold

Bobbie Adams asa Teacher ............................................................417

Casebolt, P. J.

Philippines, '84 ...................................................................................151Trends in Translation.........................................................................225

Edwards, Johnnie

Some Things GodDoes Not Intend to do .....................................ill

Farrish, Robert H.

High Cost of Sin, The .........................................................................563Negative and Positive Preaching.................................................270

Fiscus, Gary L.

Silver Threads Among the God......................................................494

Galloway, Wayne

Setting the World on Fire..................................................................538TowardMore Effective Teaching ..................................................134

Givens, Don

The Cults..............................................................................................

Grider, A. C.

All of the Truth on"All"....................................................................134Assumed or Assigned........................................................................464Compromise of the Truth ................................................................. 87Institutionalism Calls for More Institutions..............................207No Need for an Organization...........................................................231Truth or Consequences...................................................................... 34What is the Issue?...............................................................................278Where's the Scripture? .....................................................................101Why They Quit Defending Their Doctrine.................................155

Himmel, Frank

Godliness and Worldliness............................................................... 10"Have You Not Read?".....................................................................265Mardi Gras...........................................................................................30

Hillis, Roger

The PrimaryMission of the New Testament Church.............564

Hudson, Bruce

House to House ....................................................................................564

Jenkins, Elizabeth

My Friend, Bobbie.............................................................................419

Jenkins, Ferrell

Paul's First Journey Revisited—No. 1.........................................484Paul's First Journey Revisited—No. 2.........................................512Paul's First Journey Revisited—No. 3.........................................534Paul's First Journey Revisited—No. 4.........................................557

Jones, W. R.

Word of God Does Not Change,The..............................................351

Joy, David L.

Inequities of Life.................................................................................518Lord is Faithful, The .........................................................................348

Lee, Irven

God's Silence ........................................................................................274A Good Wife..........................................................................................436

Martin, Don

Raising of Lazarus .............................................................................399

Martin, Luther W.

"Day of Visitation, The"...................................................................470Four Letters, The ...............................................................................541"It Turneth Itselfas Clay of aSeal"—Job.38: 14....................231Roman Catholic "Raccolta"........................................................... 14Rule of Faith, The...............................................................................327

McClister, David

A Portrait of the Early Church.......................................................303

Melton, Fred C.

Go Abroad,YoungMan—Go Abroad............................................392

Miller, G.Spencer

Litigation and the Church.................................................................374

Milliner, RonnySecurity of the Saint Sin,the Great Separator (l)......................................................299 False Views Outside the Church(2)........................................321False Views Inside the Church (3)..........................................346Factors inour Security (4)........................................................390 How can I have Daily Security.................................................443

Morr, Phil

"Australia, '84"..................................................................................252

Nowlin, J. Edward Instrumental Music in Worship: Then and Now.....................561 Paul, Moses and 430 Years..............................................................324

Phillips, H. E.

Bobbie Colley Adams as an Editor'sWife..................................416

Pickup, Martin

Calvinismand the Sovereignty of God......................................... 12Calvinistic Sovereignty and Romans 9........................................ 59Is Calvinistic Sovereignty Biblical?.............................................. 35

Pratte, David E.

You Must Read this Book ..................................................................447

Puckett, Franklin T.

Special Feature—Imputed Righteousness, Grace, and Forgiveness—No. 1............................................................... 81 Special Feature—Imputed Righteousness, Grace, and Forgiveness—No. 2...............................................................103 Special Feature—Imputed Righteousness, Grace, and Forgiveness—No. 3...............................................................125

Rader, Donnie V.

Four Laws Related to Unity............................................................469Glory is Departed from Israel........................................................553Let's Be a Little More Optimistic..................................................325A Recipe for aGood Day..................................................................505Take Heed Unto Thy Doctrine........................................................ 62

Rader, Dorris V. and Donnie V.

New International Version (or Pseudo-Version), The ...........174A Reply to D. R. Spears....................................................................246A Short Reply to Brother Spears...................................................273

Ramsey, Steve

Men's Business Meetings .................................................................539

Shewmaker, Fred A.

Maine Men ............................................................................................276

Spears, Dudley Ross

David Lipscomb (The Man) Versus David Lipscomb

(The College).................................................................................. 38A Brief Statement in Reply .............................................................272A Response to Criticism of the NIV ..............................................245

Thomas, Craig V.

A Case for Jesus..................................................................................158

Thomas, Kenneth E.

Ingredients for Growth.....................................................................492

Terry, Richard W.

Saving the World but Losing Our Families................................493Things Higher, Warmer and Purer..............................................540

Tibayan, Victorio R.

This "Church of Christ"isnot the Lord's!.................................302

Ward, DeneCalling Our Husbands, "Lord"......................................................275Crown of Her Husband, The ...........................................................558Whoso Findeth a Wife—I..................................................................320Whoso Findeth a Wife— II ................................................................344

Ward, Keith Is the Weatherman Your God? .......................................................562 "Nuff Said".........................................................................................273

Warnock, Weldon E. Given to Hospitality...........................................................................418

Weaver, H. Osby

Seeing the Invisible............................................................................278

Weaver, H. Osby and J. T. Smith

A Report We Would Rather not have to Make...........................227

A GIFT FOR ALL SEASONS

NEW—DIRECTORY OF

CHURCHES—1986

SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES makes a fine gift at any —Completely Revised

season of the year. If you have been personally helped by—Hundreds of Changes

reading it, then think of your children who have left home—Phone Numbers Added Where Available

for college, military service, or marriage and jobs away from home. You would do them a favor to start them on —117 Pages wholesome reading material from faithful servants of God.

PRICE: $3. 25 How about it? Would that be worth $9 a year to you? WriteTake it with you when you travel ORDER FROM: Religious Us: P. O. Box 69 Supply Center 4001 Preston Louisville,KY 40213 Brooks, KY 40109

Send all News Items to: Connie W. Adams, P. O. Box 69, Brooks, KY 40109

A. C. GRIDER, Rt. 4, 1671 Bill St., Shepherdsville, KY 40165—I havebeen preaching for the Preston Highway congregation the past eighteen months where Ipreviously preached formore thansix years in the early 60's. The congregation has decided to disband. The last services will be conducted in the building November 24. 1 will be available for preachingappointments on Sundays after that time, though 1 am not looking for "regular full time" work. I might also take on a couple of meetings inaddition to about eight I am now conducting yearly. Wife and I are living inourown home and our health is as good as it has ever been.

LOUIS J. SHARP, 7115 W. 65th St., Little Rock, Arkansas—After a little over nine years with the Downtown church in Rogers, Arkansas, I have moved to Little Rock to work with the 65th Street church. In essence, we are moving back home. I was with this church near its beginning and have continued to be associated with it through the years.We are looking forward to a long and successful work with the brethrenhere. We have had three baptisms and three restorations since July. When in thecity, we welcome youto our services.

FRANK CHUMLEY, Kemper Dr. at Tuckahoe Dr., Madison, TN 37115—The Kemper Heights church has just completed an addition to its present building. Besides several new class rooms, other remodeling and improvements were done throughout the building. Bob Bunting was recently with us in a good meeting. Two more elders were appointed onOctober 13 and also five new deacons, giving us now five elders and ten deacons. The present elders are: Charles Crabtree, Bill Jones, Roger Smith,Vernon Allen and Frank Chumley.

JOHN W. PITMAN, Rt. 1, Box 73, Springville, TN 38256—Dick Blackford was with the Kentucky Lake Road church recently in a meeting. We are located on Hwy. 79 about 10 miles east of Paris, TN. One was restored in the meeting. We are near the Kentucky Lake on the Tennessee River and many visitors come to this area each year. We welcome all to our services. Put us in touch with people in the area we might contact.Iam in needofadditional support.

LONNIE FRITZ, 7th and Crocker, Templeton, CA—The church that had been meeting in the Parks and Recreation building in Paso Robles, CA hasmoved to 7th and Crocker in Templeton, 7 miles south of Paso

Robles. A preschool, the "Thinklet Tank", has agreed to let us use theirbuilding free of charge on both Sundays and Wednesdays. We moved here in August from Portales, NM and I am the first full time preacherthey have had. We have several contacts for home Bible studies and arediscussing differences with two liberal preachers in the area. Since I lack$500 a month of needed support, I have taken a part time job in an afterschool parks program. I would like to be able to devote full time to the work. The following preachers know me and my work: Bobby Witherington(714-64-0249); Max Bradford (213-866-5615); Roland Fritz (409-3742256). Please send names and addresses of friends in the area whom wemight contact.

URGENT NEED IN NIGERIA JIM SASSER, 1003 E. Washington St., Athens, AL 35611—During mythirty-five years of preaching, twenty-two of these have been in differentcountries. One of these countries is Nigeria, located on the west centralcoast of Africa. Nigeria first became acquainted with the gospel in the early1940's. Since that time over one thousand congregations have been plantedand over one hundred thousand souls have been converted to Christ. I have had the privilege to be a part of this work over the past twenty-two years.Over the years, since Nigeria gained independence from England in 1960,political struggles and instability have prevailed. Such has added to thehardships of the common people. But, in spite of these hardships, the gospel has been preached and thousands upon thousands have been converted to Christ.

One of the major difficulties has been obtaining and keeping importlicenses to bring fruit of the vine into the country for observing the Lord's Supper. No grapes are grown in or near Nigeria, being a very hot climateyear round. So, all fruit of the vine has to be imported. For the most part,brethren themselves have had to try to obtain such licenses and importsuch fruit of the vine because there is not enough profit in such to warrantregular importers to do so. I, along with other American brethren, havetried to help in this matter over the years and have been successful upuntil now. The present military government has withdrawn all such licenses and has ignored pleadings from our Nigerian brethren and ourselvesfor such to be reinstated. So, all of the fruit of the vine has been used up atthis time.

The Nigerian government has agreed to allow fruit of the vine to be shipped into the country and received by the brethren as long as no Nigerian currency is sent out of the country to purchase it and as long as it comes as a relief gift from us to them. So, we that are so abundantlyblessed, now havethe opportunityandresponsibility to help our brethren indistress. If you desire to help in this urgent need you can contact the writer atthe above address or phone (205-233-2726) or contact Wayne L. Payne, P. O.Box 194,Phil Campbell, AL 35581 (205-993-4837).

Since the need isso critical in Nigeriaat thistime, I have decided to givemyfull time to the matter until it is resolved. I will work to raise the necessaryfunds for purchasing and shipping to Nigeria and then travel to Nigeria towork among the brethren in the task of distributing it among the hundreds ofcongregations involved in the need. I will need support and travel fund to attend to thismatter. Please help if you can.

(Editor's note: I had opportunity recently to visit with a highly respectedpreacher from Nigeria who was in this country to work with brethren and government officials to find a resolution to this problem. He told me that some congregations had not been able to have the Lord's Supper for severalweeks at the time he came here. He also said some of the liberal brethren were using soft drinks or water as a substitute. The need is genuine and bothJim Sasser and Wayne Payne are experienced and honorable men who haveworked hard not only in Nigeria but elsewhere. I join their appeal for helpin this urgent matter. CWA).

JAMES C. JONES, P. O. Box 348, Standish, Maine 04084—August 15,1985 marked the beginning of our 15th year in the work here. Our numbersare somewhat diminished due to several having moved. Having sold ourbuilding, we now are meeting at Howard Johnson's, Exit 8, Maine Turnpike.The brethren are interested in finding someone to work with me in the workhere. If interested, please contact us. When you are in New England, stop and worship with us.

PREACHERS NEEDED DULUTH, MINNESOTA—The church here has purchased a building aftermeeting for many years at the YWCA. We began meeting in October at318 N. 18th Ave., E. We are interested in a preacher to work with us.Outside support will be necessary but we will supply a modern four-roomapartment. Someone with a trade, profession or retiree would "fit" well. Call or write:Melvin A. Krumrei,612 West Tischer Rd., Duluth, MN 55803. Phone (218)728-3233.

FRANKLIN, NORTH CAROLINA—the church here is looking for a mature man to work with us. We are a small congregation and can supplyhalf the support. If you are interested, call Horace Gentry (704-369-8216); orLowell Alexander (704-524-8299).

MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA—We are in need of asoundpreacher.We are a small congregation located in the beautiful foothills of the Blue RidgeMountains. Attendance runs 40-50 per service. We are not fully self-supporting at this time, but that might depend on the needs of the preacherand his family. Write to: Church of Christ, Route 7, Box 435, Martinsville,VA 24112.

POMEROY, OHIO—The church here desires a full time evangelist who ismature, sound in thefaith and willingto do personalwork.Partial supportis available. Write to: Westside Church of Christ, 33226 Children's Home Rd., Pomeroy,OH 45769, or call (614) 992-3847.

PREACHERS AVAILABLE MIKE SCOTT, P. O. Box 53, Middletown, Indiana 47356—I know of a preacher with 25 years of experience who might be interested in making a move in the future. He is 51 years old, married, and a seasoned, experienced preacher. Those interested may inquire of me at the above address. Lettersonly please.

RUSSELL L. ALEXANDER, 5804 Paul Blvd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039—I am 22 years old and have been preaching for five years. I workedin a training program with Frank Chumley and the Kemper Heights churchin Madison, Tennessee for the past two summers. This training was of greathelp to me. I have wanted to preach the gospel since I was very young and am anxiousforanopportunity.While I am young, I am eager toservewhile Ilearn and gain more experience.

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH BAPTISMS 308 RESTORATIONS 81 (Takenfrom bulletins and papers received bythe editor)