THE TAIL AND THE DOG

Irven Lee We have all heard of the tail wagging the dog

That, of course, refers to the little thing that has as

sumed a place of too great importance. Many times

man loses his proper sense of values and emphasizes

the tr ivial to the neglect of the important. It is

much more decent and orderly if everything can bkept in its proper place. ,

Surely we should all be glad to have the inspired apostle to the Gentiles give us a word on comparative values. "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (1 Timothy 4:8.) This verse does not say that it iswrong to play or enter into some form of physical exercise as a means of recreation. Neither does it say that it is a sin to forget the stress and strain of life's problems for a few minutes by becoming ab

sorbed in observing an interesting game or in inter

esting reading. Solomon's remark that there is a time

to laugh still makes sense. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.) Man

needs to relax. Doctors may advise fishing, golfing

walking, or even running. It need not bother their

consciences to offer such advice because there is no

evil in this. Many modern occupations do not give

one the proper exer cise for physical health, bu

many modern occupations do threaten mental health.

Please do not suppose that the following remarks are

intended to discourage the proper effort to maintain

physical or mental health.

We may be careful not to forget bodily exercise for the good of the physical man, but the apostle would also advise that a man exercise himself unto godliness. (1 Timothy 4:7.) The latter is the more important exercise because it can mean more in this life, and it is toward the life to come. Our senses need to be exercised to discern between good and evil.(Hebrews 5:14.) Much has been said about America's need of physical fitne . Much should be said aboutAmerica's need for spiritual fitne . The proper chastening yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:11.) In our permi ive generation many younpeople reach the age of maturity as spiritual weaklings because they lack this very valuable exercise.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great

riches. (Proverbs 22:1.) A good name is of greater value in this life than the strong body is to the

physical giant who is immoral and vulgar. America

has many athletic heroes and lavishes its honors

upon them, but America is sick spiritually, and does

not seem to notice, its spiritual giants. It is great to

be physically strong. It is greater to be spiritually strong.

This article is not written to influence those who act like pagans. Those who loot, rob, and burn through lack of respect for law and property rights will not read this. T his article is wr itten with the hope that it may be worth something to members of the Lord's church. All of us need to be reminded to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33.) We may still garden, fish, or watcha game. We must not let the tail wag the dog. Weneed common sense and self-control.

During gospel meetings great crowds miss Fridaynight to see the ball game. T hey say they will bthere the other six nights of the week. They do notdare miss the game with the remark that they will see the other ten or eleven games. My hat is off tothose who enjoy the games but who gladly and cheerfully put the worship first. It is easy for some to let a TV program take precedence over mid-week Biblestudy. Hollywood may influence many church members far more than the apostles influence them, andHollywood's influence is far from holy

There is a difference in reasonable interest in rec

reation and in going insane over a game or a hobby.

Some spend an unreasonable amount of money for

the sport of greatest interest, and an excessive

amount of time to the same. The children, needs of

the home, and the place of the Lord's church are

pushed aside to let the tail wag the dog. Examine

yourself if you see any reason to think you might

be putting bodily exercise ahead of godliness which

has the promise of the life that now is and of that

which is to come.

One aspect of the fruit of the Spir it is joy. T he search for happiness among the pleasures of this world is a vain search. The peace that passeth allunderstanding is not obtained in bodily exercise or in some suggested form of modern recreation. (Philippians 4:7.) Read the context of this great verse. If one finds no joy in his religion, there is a great possibility that there is little religion. What does the Lord see when He looks on our hearts ? Does He see too much emphasis on the fleeting and the trivial,and too little on the eternal and the precious things ?

One form of worldliness may be too much emphasis on things that pertain to this life that are legitimate

in their proper place.Some have gone so far in their interest in what

they call recreation that righteousness is discarded

in favor of the social drink, unholy revelling, an

lasciviousness. They are asserting their liberty, they

seem to think, when, in reality, they are becoming

slaves to their own bad habits. It is indeed sad for

those who have "clean escaped" to be "brought int

bondage." (See 2 Peter 2:18-22.) In the parable of

the sower one patch of thorns was the "pleasures of

this life." (Luke 8:14.)

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SOME ERRORS CORRECTED

I am sorry that some typographical errors ap

peared in the last two i ues of Searching The Scrip

tures. We have tried hard to keep this paper as free

of such errors as po ible, but they will slip by occa

sionally. Due to a very heavy load during the past

two months I was not able to check the proof copy

myself, as I usually do, and several important errors

got by. These should be corrected, especially i

brother Hiram Hutto's article in the October, 196

i ue. We apologize to all those whose articles were

not correctly published.

In brother Hutto's article, please note these cor

rections in your October i ue:

1. On page 6, left-hand column, line 11, it should

read: "was created 'for the man' and a man ought

not to cover ..." (the word "not" was omitted.

2. On page 7, left-hand column, next to the last

paragraph, it should read: "Many other scholars

agree with these facts ..." ("Agrue" should have

been "agree").

3. On page 7 in the chart on the left-hand column,

under the -heading CUSTOM, the second line should

read: "women-covered", (it appeared "uncovered")

4. On page 9, right-hand column, line 5, it should

have read: "show that she must not be bare-headed

in the assembly." (The word "not" was omitted.)

5. On page 10, left-hand column the typesetters omitted a part of the copy. I here that which was left out in the context in which it should have appeared. Beginning in the 24th line from the bottom, left-hand column, page 10 it should have been: In Ezekiel 38:9, a cloud is said to "cover the lane". Do clouds "hang down from" the land when they cover it? It ought to be noticed in pa ing that in Ezekiel 38:16 again, a cloud is said to "cover" the land, but in thispassage, the word is simply "kalupto" without the "kata" prefix; in other words, the word "kalupto" is here (vs. 16) used interchangeably with the word "katakalupto" (vs. 9)

Any other errors affecting the sense of any man's

article will be corrected as soon as it is called to our

attention.

TIME TO RENEW AGAIN

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Thousands of you who read this editorial need to

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time to do it before you forget. Nearly every paper,

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However, it will take a large number of renewals and

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To those men who willingly give of their time and talent to write the many good articles that appear

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clamation of the pure and powerful word of God.

These men have largely made this paper what it is.

If God wills, they will continue to provide the kind

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We wish for you a very healthy and prosperous

new year for 1969.

QUEST FOR A CHRISTIAN AMERICA

by DAVID EDWIN HARRELL, JR.

A thorough and scholarly work on the history of Disciples of Christ from 1 800 to 1 865.

PRICE— -$5.95

QUESTION— Isthe "law of sin and death" in Rom.

8:2 the law of Moses ? Is it the same as the "ministra

tion of death" in 2 Cor. 3:7?— E .P.

ANSWER— Truth demands a negative answer to

both of the above questions. That the "ministration

of death" definitely refers to the law of Moses is ob

vious from the context. Here it is said to be the letter

that killeth, which was written and engraven in

stones. Also, it stands in contrast to the New Testa

ment of which the apostles were able ministers (vs.

6,7). In the light of these statements we must con

fess that there is a sense in which the law of Moses

may be called the law of sin and death. However, a

more careful examination of Rom. 8:2 shows that in this verse it refers to something else.

In the context of Rom. 8:2 three laws are under consideration. This is evident from what is said of each. (1) There is the "law of the Spirit..." whichmade Paul free. (2) There is the "law of sin anddeath" from which he was made free — the one that had him bound — hence, a law of bondage. (3) Thereis what Paul simply calls "the law" which could notmake him free. Hence, one could and one could nomake him free from the "law of sin and death." This

makes three laws in any man's language. If not, the

only alternative is to conclude that Paul is saying

that the law of Moses could not make him free from

the law of Moses, and this would reduce the state

ment to absurdity and involve a form of euphony

Paul would not use.

The expression "the law" in the Roman letter, un

less something in the context demands it otherwise,

refers to the law of Moses. This law, of its self, could

not make one free — it was not possible that th

blood of bulls and goats should take away sins" (Heb.

10:4). Hence, Paul said, "For what the law could

not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, Go

sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh,

and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh" (Rom. 8:3).

Christ is the liberator (Lk. 4:16-21).

T he "law of the Spir it" is that through whicChrist liberates, hence, it is a law of liberty. This "law of liberty" is the word (Jas. 1: 22-25), and

this word is the gospel (I Pet. 1:25). The "law of sin and death," which involves the

question of our querist, is identified for us in the

preceding verses — Rom. 7:14-25. The personal pro

noun "I" identifies Paul (or any man) without Christ.

The "me" of Rom. 8:2 is Paul (or any man) in Christ.

Without Christ he is "carnal, sold under sin" (Rom.

7:14), which means he is a slave to or in bondage to

sin. In Christ he is free and there is now no condem

nation (Rom. 8:1,2). The design of Rom. 7:14-24 is to show how futile the efforts of himself (or any man) are in attaining righteousness without Christ. Try as he may, to attain righteousness, he still fails. Try as he may, to refrain from evil, he still sins. He can only cry, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death ? (Rom. 7:24). The reason why he cannot attain unto righteousness by himself is stated in verse twenty three: "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity tothe law of sin which is in my members." Since this law of sin is that which keeps him from attaining unto righteousness, it is the law that had him bound or from which he sought deliverance — hence, the"law of sin and death" in Rom. 8:2. Paul says this law of sin is in "my members." This is the force orpower of carnal, fleshly appetites within man thataccounts for his inability to attain unto righteousness on his own. But for Christ all could but echo the cry of verse twenty four — "O wretched man that I am!" However, in Christ, all can say, "I thank

God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (v. 25).

While the man in Christ still has his carnal appetites, they do not keep him from attaining untorighteousness in God's sight, because the atoning blood of Christ covers his sins. Therefore, the man in Christ who strives for righteousness as the man in Rom. 7:14-24 is counted righteous in God's sight. This is the meaning of Paul's statement: "T hat the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Rom. 8:4).

JEHOVAH

The most distinctive name of God is the personal, covenant name of Jehovah. This name is a combination of the four consonants JHWH with the vowels of the Hebrew word Adonai meaning Lord. The practice of vocalizing this transliterated compound form has resulted in JeHoWaH or Jehovah.

The original and proper pronunciation is YA

HWEH. The oldest evidence for the original spelling

of the tetragrammation is found in the 9th century

B.C. stele of the Moabite stone which relates the

battle between the King of Moab and the Israelites

referred to in II Kings 3:4 (of. Pritchard ANET,

p. 320).From legend, tradition and history, the name has

been handed down with such reverence and awe that

the word is forbidden to be pronounced in the Jewish

community. The origin of this tradition no doubt lies with the third commandment and the penal consequences (Ex. 20:7; Deut. 5:11). In Lev. 24:10-16, the son of an Israelish woman whose father was an Egyptian "blasphemed the name and cursed" Jehovah and was put to death by stoning. According totradition, the pronunciation was gradually limitedto the High Priest and then only once a year in theHoly of Holies. By the time of the destruction ofthe temple in 70 A.D., the name Adonai was substituted by the Jewish readers and the true pronuncia

tion dropped in disuse.

Earlier, as a consequence of this attitude, the LXX

used the word Lord (kurios) for JHWH. Later, dur

ing the period of the Masoretes, when a new manu

script was being copied, the scribes left the

consonants JHWH in the text and in the margin

wrote the consonants of Lord with the word qere

indicating this word was to be read instead of the

word in the text. They also inserted the vowels of

'AeDoNaI under the consonants of JHWH.

Later European scholars misunderstood the use

of qere and transliterated the word, both the con

sonants and vowels, from the text into the new ver

sions. Thus it resulted in the form JeHoWah which has come down to the present.The KJV and RSV both follow the Septuagint's

practice of substituting the word Lord for the letters

of JaHWeH. The ASV has translated the word as

Jehovah.

THEOPHILUS BOOKS

T he pr esses ar e inked and r olling. T he book isalmost ready. And for a short time— until January— you can get your copies at a special prepublication rate.

The book is "Theophilus." It is a collection of the illustrated encounters between a "friend of God" and the exponents of sin and error, with a foreword by Connie W. Adams. Evolution, Authority, Religious Division, Salvation, Worship, and Excuses are among the subjects discussed in the book.

All who have read and enjoyed the cartoon strip will want several copies. They will make excellent gifts— during the holiday season or any other time— to friends who know the truth and to friends who don't. Editors will want an extra one to cut up and paste down as sharp r epr oduction quality copy.

If you order is postmarked on or before December 31, 1968, you pay only $1 per copy(postage free if payment is enclosed with order). Beginning January 1, the price will be$1.25.

Order now from: Robert A. West, 6121 Hudson Street, Orlando, Florida 32808.

BRITNELL-MORGAN DEBATE

Eugene Britnell and Boyd Morgan Pocahontas, Arkansas September 9-13, 1968

FIRST TWO NIGHTS: Discussion of church support of benevolent organizations. LAST TWO NIGHTS-Discussion of cooperation such as Herald of Truth Program.

FOUR REELS — $16.00

ARE LUKE AND ACTS HISTORICALLYRELIABLE?

From a purely historical viewpoint, it is obvious that the reliability of the narratives of Luke and of Acts depends upon the reliability of Luke as anhistorian. This same observation could be made,of course, regarding other Bible books and their authors. Luke and Acts have been particularly chosen for this study, inasmuch as these books come from the same author, and especially lendthemselves to historical criticism.

It is the aim of the present study to illustrate the fact that Luke uses technical historical terms in technically correct ways. This fact is extremely weighty in discussions with people who do notaccept the inspiration and authority of the Bible.

COLONIA

In Acts 16:12, Luke correctly calls Philippi by its Latin term colonia. The Greek word Luke uses is the equivalent of the Latin word.

PRAETORES

In Acts 16:20, Luke correctly refers to the mainmagistrates of Philippi as praetores or douviri. Luke uses the Greek equivalent strategoi.

LICTORES

In Acts 16:38, Luke refers to the attendants of the praetores as the lictores. Again, L uke uses the Greek word for the Latin lictores. T he lictores were also called fasces-bearers. This Roman emblem is found on the back of the older type dime used inAmerican coinage.

POLITARCHS

At Thessalonica Luke calls the officers "politarchs," a term used nowhere else in ancient literature. But the correctness of his terminology is completely vindicated by the Macedonian inscriptions in the centuries before and after the Christian era. Some 14 instances of the noun or verb are found in them (5 cases fr om T hessalonica alone!).

TOWN CLERK

In Acts 19:35, Luke refers to the principal municipal officer of Ephesus as the "town clerk" (grammateus). The excavations at Ephesus by the British and Austrian expeditions, though still partly unpublished and also incomplete, give us a flood of light onthe local color of this scene. They employ this very Greek term for the democratic city's executive officer.

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A TRIP TO CINCINNATI

In 1849 a tall Tennessean by the name of Tolbert Fanning took a trip to Cincinnati, Ohio. His purpose was to attend the great meeting of the American Christian Missionary Society. This human monstrosity was destined in later years to bleed the very life out of the body of Christ. Fanning was a good,honest, and har d wor king man. He did not have the"know all" attitude; therefore he desired to "hastenslowly" in making up his mind on the issues of the day. L ike many in this gener ation, he knew ther e was a possibility of his being wrong; therefore he wanted to take enough time to be sure of his stand. He also knew that many of the more prominent preachers favored the society. Out of conviction andrespect, he felt that it was his duty to study diligently to see what the Bible taught on this important question.

After attending the big meeting in Cincinnati, hecame home more convinced than ever that the society was unscriptural. He did not hear one scripture to vindicate the church doing its work through a human or ganization.

In the year 1856, a man by the name of George

W. Elley, a popular preacher from Kentucky, challenged Fanning on the Missionary Society question. He asked Fanning for scriptural authority for two or more churches uniting their efforts to send the gospel .to destitute places. Fanning replied by citing such passages as Phil. 4:15, 16 which says, "Nowye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, nochurch communicated with me as concerning givingand r eceiving, but ye only. For even in T hessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity." He alsonamed E phapr oditus as the messenger who br ought his wages. Fanning gave this scripture to show direct contact between the giving chur ch and the evangelist. He was emphasizing that no society stood inbetween! Another scripture was II Corinthians 11:8 which says, "I robbed other chur ches taking wagesof them to do you service". Thus he proved that more than one church could send the gospel to a destitute church without a society.

It is refreshing to look back several decades ago and see the same scripture used which we must use in the present controversy. The American Christian Missionary Society was instrumental in dividing bothhomes and churches in 1849. Today we see the same problem making its inroads into the body of Christ. Many churches and homes have been divided over benevolent organizations, sponsoring churches andother man made organizations. Isn't it refreshing to know that God has given His church the simple plan for supporting preachers and doing its benevolent wor k ? T he plan is sending dir ect to the pr eacher in evangelism and direct to the church in benevolence. See II Corinthians 11:8, I Cor. 16:1,2 and Acts 6:1-6.

ROMAN CATHOLICISM— THE FOE OF FREEDOM

The following quotations are taken from Roman Catholic Publications and are, therefore, accurate statements demonstrating the thinking of their respective Roman Catholic authors, be he Pope or Priest. Such public expressions constitute only a few of the reasons why the inhabitants of the UnitedStates cannot afford the risk of a Roman Catholic President.

QUOTATION NUMBER ONE — CIVILITA CATOLICA, APRIL, 1948

"T he Roman Catholic Chur ch, convinced thr ough its divine prerogatives of being the only true church, must demand the right of freedom for herself alone, because such a right can only be possessed by truth, never by error. As to other religions, the church will never draw the sword but she will require that bylegitimate means they shall not be allowed to pr opagate false doctrines. Consequently, in a state where the majority of the people are Catholic the church will require that legal existence, shall be denied to error and if religious minorities actually exist theyshall only have a de facto existence without opportunity to spread their beliefs. In some countries Catholics will be obliged to ask full religious freedom for all, resigned at being forced to cohabitwhere they alone should rightfully be allowed to live. But in doing this the church does not renounce her thesis, which remains the most imperative of her laws, but merely adapts herself to de facto conditions which must be taken into account as a practical matter."

Points To Consider From The Above Quotation

1. Claims a "divine prerogative" for the RomanChurch.
2. Demands "the right of FREEDOM FOR HERSELF ALONE."
3. Catholicism '"will never draw the sword" against other religions ... as she has in the past.
4. She WILL use "legitimate means" to prevent the propagation of what she deems to be "false doctrine"
5. WHERE THE MAJORITY OF THE CITIZENS

ARE ROMAN CATHOLIC . . . "the church will require that LEGAL EXISTENCE shall be denied" to other r eligions.

1. WHERE THE MAJORITY OF THE CITIZENS ARE ROMAN CATHOLICS . . . religious minorities will exist ILLEGALLY and UNLAWFULLY, THUSOUTSIDE-THE-LAW, or sans de jure.
2. "IN SOME COUNTRIES," (such as the U.S.A.) CATHOLICS WILL BE OBLIGED TO ASK FULL RELI GIOUS FREEDOM FOR ALL."
3. "IN SOME COUNTRIES," (such as the U.S.A.) CATHOLICS . . . (must become) . . . RESIGNED AT BEING FORCED TO COHABIT (live with those ofother religious beliefs), WHERE THEY ALONE (Catholics) SHOULD RIGHTFULLY BE ALLOWED TO LIVE."
4. As long as it is the PRACTICAL thing, Catholics should co-exist with their religious neighbors . . . according to this JESUIT Publication.
5. The THESIS or proposition . . . "Remains the MOST IMPERATIVE of her (the Roman Catholic Chur ch) laws."

QUOTATION NUMBER TWO —

FROM ENCYCLICAL ON "HUMAN LIBERTY"

Pope LEO XIII

"From what has been said, it follows that it is quite unlawful to demand, to defend, or to grant unconditional freedom of thought, of speech, of writing, or of worship, as if these were so many rights given by nature to man. For if nature had really granted them, it would be lawful to refuse obedience to God,and ther e would be no r estraint on human liberty. Itlikewise follows that freedom in these things may betolerated wherever there is just cause; but only withsuch moderation as will prevent its degenerating into license and excess. And where such liberties are in use, men should employ them in going good, andshould estimate them as the Church does; for liberty is to be regarded as legitimate in so far only as it affords greater facility for doing good, but no farther."

Points To Consider From The Above Quotation

1. This Pope decrees that it is "UNLAWFUL TO DEMAND, DEFEND OR GRANT UNCONDITIONAL FREEDOM OF THOUGHT, SPEECH, WRITING OR OF WORSHIP . . . "This was originally written in 1888. T he E nglish Translation copied was published in 1941. And, in 1954, the same statement was included in a publication entitled: "The Church Speaks To The Modern World" ... so apparently the viewpoint is "MODERN".
2. "Freedom in these things may be toler ated wherever there is just cause ..." that is, the Catholic Church will have to "put up" with this muchfr eedom existing in the United States of Amer ica, until she secures greater influence.
3. Please remember that this Papal utterance isdesignated as "The Church Speaking To The Modern World." It is not the medieval and/or obscure mumbling of the Dark Ages. In fact, Leo XIII wrote his Encyclical or Human Liberty some eighteen years after the Vatican Council promoted, promulgated and pronounced the Pope to be INFALLIBLE (incapable of error), when, in his capacity as Pope, he defines

a doctrine of faith or morals to be held by the entire Catholic Church.

CONCLUSION

T he exact cour se that any one Catholic candidatefor political office may take in attempting to be loyal both to his country and to the "infallible" head of the Roman Church cannot be known in advance. One Catholic candidate might deviate from the established foundations and past history of the PapalChurch, while another might follow the Catholic party-line to the subversion of the Nation. Therefore, the safe course for the U.S. voter to follow would be that of nominating and voting for candidates who are not obligated in any way to some foreign temporal and/or spiritual ruler.

GENESIS 1 AND 2 — LITERAL OR FIGURATIVE?

We have been discussing for some months the controversial question CREATION OR EVOLUTION—WHICH ? How did man come into being— by natural descent from, and common ancestry with, the lower animals thr ough evolutionar y pr ocesses or by thecreation of Jehovah by Divine fiat? I know of nosubject or question that has as much bearing on this subject than the one which heads this article. Is Gen. 1 and 2 (and other related Bible passages) figurative or are they literal? Do they describe actual events that took place— HISTORICAL events— or do they set forth figurative things and "spiritualized" symbols? Are all these matters simple allegories, par ables, poems, myths? T hese, and other such terms, are used as descriptive of the narratives in Gen. 1 and 2.

I believe, if it would serve any purpose, I couldmention and document HUNDREDS of Evolutionists who deny and reject the literal and historical nature of these two chapters and say they set forth, invarious ways (such as those mentioned) symbols teaching spiritual lessons. In fact, I am unaware of any evolutionist that accepts these two passages asliteral. Of course accepting them as literal and historical would pr ove no pr oblem to them ( even the"days" mentioned) except for the fact they haveaccepted a prior belief in the dogma of evolution from amoeba to man and they say such a process wouldinvolve hundreds of millions of years. They also accept the historical, geological, time-scale of the geologist, without question, which involves several billions of years although this "paper column", with its strata sequence, doesn't really exist (except on paper) but it has been foisted upon a great manypeople as "scientific" fact. (We will examine this matter thoroughly in the months to come). These evolutionists who reject the literal, historical Gen.1 and 2 involve many r eligious people, manytheo-logians, seminary professors, well knowpreachers like Fosdick, Pike, Peale, Abbott, etc. They are found in about all religious bodies, Roman andGreek Cath-olics as well as "Protestant" denominations, even some who generally are considered more fundamental, such as the Baptists, (see Z immerman's DAR-WIN, EVOLUTION ANDCREATION, pages 42-47). Such "spiritualizing" of these two chapters will be found in the writings of ancient men like Augustine, later Brunner, Barth, Bultmann, Neibuhr; in a num-ber of commentaries on Genesis; in metr opolitan newspaper Religious E ditors writings and their Science Editors accept it also. Many of these same men who refuses a "literal" application of Gen. 1 and1 are the same ones who deny the LITERAL virgin birth, the LITERAL resurrection, the LITERAL miracles and the LITERAL VICARIOUS ATONE MENT.

As Miley says in his SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY, "so ancient and r emar kable a document could not escape a most searching criticism. A chief aim of such criticism has been to discredit its HISTORIC character. Thus it has been treated as a compilation of more ancient documents which contained the traditional notions of creation; as a poetic effusion; as a mythical or allegorical composition; as a philosophicalspeculation of a devout Hebrew upon the origin ofthe world. In such modes IT HAS BEEN ATTEMPTED TO DISCREDIT THE MOSAIC NARRATIVE OF CREATION." (My emphasis-P.F.) For instance, George Barclay says in The Early Chapters of Genesis, "These people about whom we read in the early chapters of Genesis are not people who ever had any real existence. They are not even legendary figures.

— These people in the beginning of our Bible are purely mythical figures.— These early stories in Genesis are myths which have been turned into allegories for the purposes of religion." (p. 50, 54). So,the answer to the question heading our article is important. In Gen. 1 and 2 are we reading about and dealing with real, actual events, involving genuinepeople who were a part of historical events, or are they figurative symbols, spiritual lessons, myths, parables, poems or what, AND HOW CAN THIS BE DETE RMINED?

The interpretation of Gen. 1 and 2 must and will be determined by the HERMENUETICAL approachwhich scholars employ in setting forth the meaning the writer intended to convey. There are certain rules by which the meaning of words shall be ascertained

— the laws governing language, both literal and figurative. All writings must be either literal or figurative or a mixture of both. The Bible like most are of the latter kind. But the reader will admit that in human compositions there are fixed and necessary laws; that they are written in obedience to these laws and consequently that they must be interpreted bythem. T he Bible is wr itten in human language— byhuman beings— for the instruction and benefit of human beings; therefore it must observe the laws of human language. So this is not only the nature of language in general; it follows also, and with evengreater force, from the nature of the Bible in par

ticular. It purports to be a REVELATION in human language; to have been written for the purpose of making known those things which are necessary toour enjoyment here and salvation hereafter. Now,unless it means what it says, WHEN CONSTRUED AS HUMAN LANGUAGE REQUIRES TO BE CONSTRUED, it is NOT A REVELATION! ALL IDEA OF REVELATION IN WORDS IS GIVEN UP AS IMPOSSIBLE, WHEN WE EXCLUDE SUCH REVALATION FROM DEPENDANCE UPON THE LAWS OF WORDS, (see ORGANON OF SCRIPTURE by Lamar, pages 85-90). So if Gen. 1 and 2cannot be interpreted LITERALLY there must befound a method of HERMENEUTICS circumventing

the LITERAL approach.

Most any good book dealing with Guides or Rulesfor Bible Study will, in some degree, cover these rules and laws. We especially commend Dungan's HERMENEUTICS and Lamar's ORGANON OF SCRIPTURE and will later make some reference to these. The first quotes the great jurist Blackstone(pg. 87 fn), "To interpret law we must inquire after the will of the maker which may be collected either from the words, the context, the subject-matter, the effects and consequences, or spirit and reason of the law. (1) Words are generally to be understood intheir usual and most known significance; not so much regarding the propriety of grammar, as their general and popular use ... (2) if words happen still to bedubious we may establish their meaning from thecontext, etc.; of the same nature and use is the comparison of a law with laws that are made by the same legislator, that have some affinity with the subject, or that expressly relate to the same point."

Lamar says (p. 102) "Perhaps the best general rule that could be given in answer to this question (HOW CAN WE KNOW LANGUAGE IS "FIGURATIVE?" P.F.) is THAT IT IS TO BE DETERMINED JUST AS WE DETERMINE THE SAME THING IN ANY OTHER BOOK. (His emphasis-P.F.) Whatever rules and guides we have in ascertaining this matter in Homer or Plato, in Cicero or Virgil — or Paradise Lost, — the same will direct us in the Bible. In reading these works we have in our mind the definition of the various figures of speech employed in humanlanguage — (all of which are in the Bible) — and we observe the context, the subject matter, the scope or design, and all the circumstances of a given passage, in the light of these definitions, and SELDOM FIND THE LEAST DIFFICULTY IN DETERMINING WHEN A PASSAGE IS FIGURATIVE, OR WHATPARTICULAR FIGURE IS EMPLOYED. THIS RULE, WE SHOULD THINK WOULD BE ALTOGETHER SUFFICIENT IN THE BIBLE. (To be

continued)

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THE NEWS LETTER REPORTS

"... They rehearsed all that God had done with them..." — Acts 14:27

URGENT HELP NEEDED BELFAST,NORTHERN IRELAND Carl McCullough We have been in Belfast, Northern Ireland for a

period of four and a half years. A small group o

Christians, well grounded and rooted in the faith,

now meet in Belfast. These brethren are fully in

formed concerning the i ues and differences in the

church. It was necessary they be instructed in our

differences because of the three liberal congregations

meeting in Belfast as well as others meeting in near by towns.

Recently it became necessary for medical reasons and on doctors' advice for my wife to return to theStates. This means that I also must return sooner than anticipated. At present I plan to be here through March of next year. It is agonizing to beaway from your loved one and helpmate, but I spent two years over here during the war away from wife and chil-dren and now feel it is not asking tomuch of me to spend six months away from them

in the Lord's army

Our urgent appeal to you is this: there is an immediate need for one or more families to come to Belfast to work with these brethren. Perhaps yohave been considering a work such as this for some time but have delayed putting your thoughts into action. Now is the time to act. Make plans now tocome to Belfast.

We will also need funds for return to the States. Air travel for two is about six hundred dollars. Crating and shipping household effects and booksplus a few miscellaneous items will add another four hundred dollars. A fair estimate of funds for return is one thousand dollars (1,000.00). Will congregations and individuals please take note of our need and send funds now? If you would like to inquire about me, write the elders of the church in SouthHouston, Texas, P. O. Box 346 or the elders of the

Capshaw church of Christ c/o E. L. Laxson, Route

3, Box 188, Athens, Alabama

Send funds and inquiries about Northern Ireland

and the church to Carl McCullough, 99 Onslow

Parade, Belfast 6, Northern Ireland.

REPORT FROM ST. JOSEPH

William C. Sexton

2804 Lafayette, St. Joseph, Mo. 64507

First, I would like to call attention to my neaddress, it is now: 2804 Lafayette, rather than 2718 Renick, and everything else is the same.

We at the Tenth and Lincoln Street congregationhad a gospel meeting Sept. 15-22, with eight different speakers in addition to myself. We had 3 responses in the meeting— 1 was baptized and 2 placedmembership with the congregation. Attendance wasgood, and interest shown by many visitors to the services. The work here, I believe is gaining, and I

have committed myself to stay here. We hope t

build a self-supporting congregation before we move on.

While here in St. Joseph, I am available to assist any congregation in the four-state area: MissouriKansas, Nebraska, or Iowa, in short meetings or Bible Studies. I would be glad to hear from any group

that needs my help

I am partially supported by other congregations.

I lost the support of one, but gained it back. I am

grateful to all that have contributed or are now contributing to my support

I have just completed a meeting with the 4tand Arkansas congregation in Mulvane, Kansas, Oct.21-27. We had good attendance, the members worked and brought their fr iends and neighbor s to hear the gospel preached, interest was good. Brother Ross Spears is working with the congregation, and it was my pleasure to be in his home this week. I enjoyedhis company very much, and valued his advice andcounsel highly. The congregation has some goodedicated .men serving as elders, all seem to be atpeace, and I am hopeful that they shall experience some growth in the near future. The two conservative congregations in Wichita, and the one in El Dorado supported the meeting well.

----------------o-------------

Frank L. Smith, 517 Roebuck Dr., BirminghamAla.— Bro. Jack Frost, Sr. died in the Lord Fridayevening October 18 at Cullman, Ala. after several years of illness during which time he continuedfaithfully to preach the gospel as long as hepo ibly could. His last work, for the past two years, was at Skyline Drive church between Cullman and Birmingham. He was a great servant of the Lord both in gospel preaching and insinging the praises of God and Christ.

Funeral services were conducted at Cullman

Ala. on Sunday afternoon with Bro. Frank L.

Smith, a isted by Bro. Edwin Hayes, Bro. Irvin

Lee and Bro. James Shear. Congregational

singing was lead by Bro. Cecil Romine. Burial was

at Memphis, Tenn. on Monday afternoon.

He is survived by his Christian companion andthree sons, all who are faithful gospel preachers,Jack Frost, Jr., Gene Frost, and Jere Frost, anddaughter, whose husband is also a faithful preacher, Mrs. Morris Ruby. There are several grandchildren, his step-mother, three brothers and

three sisters.

His family is a tribute to the good life andwork he did and these works shall follow after him, not that he has ceased from his labors andgone to re-ceive the crown of life. All who knewhim will miss his sincere service and the delightful

wit that characterized his conversation.

Earl Fly, P. O. Box 3295, Jackson Tenn. 38301am continuing to gradually improve from the heart attack in September, but the doctor has not allowed me to return to work. However, I can now drive andbe out some, and I did get permission to tape my 1minute radio program at home. I am scheduled to receive further examinations and instructions from my doctor on November 18th. It is difficult to be so restricted but by following the doctor's orders, hope that more can be accomplished in the long run. I have received many cards, calls, visits and letters from many places during my illne , and I appreciate so very much the concern, interest, and prayers in

my behalf.

M. C. Reynolds, Sr., Rt. 5, Box 353, Greer, S. C.

29651— We want our brethren to know there is a

small group of 18 member s meeting just outside

the city limits of Greenville and Greer on U. S. 29.

The rented building is between Greenville Shrine

Club and the east entrance into Taylors. Those who

travel 1-85 or U. S. 29 we would like to have you visit

with us at anytime. Should you like for us to make

personal contacts in your behalf, let us know. Call 877

0848.

Troy W. Hestand, Sunset, Utah— In the September i ue of Searching The Scriptures there was a bit of wrong information given to you. Brother Calvin Essary did move to Fontana, California, but thearticle states that brother David Settles will carry onthe work here. This is not correct as David is in college full time. Therefore, we are very much ineed of a preacher for this area. If there be one whowould like to work in this area, please contact: Troy

W. Hestand, 459 West 2575 North, Sunset, Utah

84015 or Roy or David Settles, 1991 West, 1000 West,

Clinton, Utah 84015.

Steve Hudgins, 2922 S. E. 7th St., Ocala, Fla. 32670

— A new work started here in Ocala in May with 40

members. At the present time we are meeting in a

store building on N. E. 14th Street next to the corner

of 25th Avenue. This work has been self supporting

from the beginning. We have purchased a nice lot at

3900 S. Pine on highway 441, 301 and 27 and hope to

begin our building in November. We are financing the

building with 7% First mortgage Bonds in de

nominations of $100 and $500 and would be glad t

hear from any one who would like to help themselves

as well as the church by investing in these bonds.

Our new mailing address (mine too) is 2922 S. E. 7th

Street, Ocala, Florida 32670 and we can be reached

by phone at 629-1411.I am planning a Bible Lands tour of 15 days in April that will be to Rome, Jerusalem and throughout

Palestine (6 days), the island of Cyprus, Athens,

Corinth, Thessalonica, Philippi, Smyrna, Ephesus

and Miletus. A tour that will include the places of

greatest interest to Christians. The price is $875

from New York and return. Will be glad to send in

formation to any who are interested. This tour can

be financed over a period of two years.

Dick Blackford, P. O. Box 147, Truman, Ark. 72472

— I began laboring with the Melton Avenue church

in Truman, Arkansas the first of November. The

brethren in Pascagoula, Mississippi will be in nee

of a preacher. They will have their building paid for

next summer and have a lot on which to build in the near future. The church also owns an offset pres

which is a valuable tool in teaching. These brethren

are upholding the truth in this area, opposing all in

novations and worldline . Anyone interested should

contact: J. E. Waggoner, 1411 Chico Road, Pasca

goula, Mi . 39567. A small amount of outside support will be needed.

PREACHER WANTED

The church that meets at Highway 45 in WesPoint, Mi i ippi is in need of a full time preacher.

This is a small congregation, sound in doctrine. There

is a large liberal group in this town and our need is

great. Anyone interested in this work, please con

tact: T. E. Caudill, 135 Brame Avenue, West Point

Mi . 39773.

B. G. Hope, 1253 Chestnut St., Bowling Green, Ky.

— I began preaching at Beaver Dam, Ky. the first of

October after having spent nineteen years with the

12th Street congregation in Bowling Green. It has

been a pleasant and profitable work. I consider 12th

Street among the strongest of churches today. The

future could be a "golden period" in her history. We

are grateful for every kindness shown us and wish

for all the best.

Presently my address is the same. The brethren

at Beaver Dam are building a new "preacher's home"

and it will not be completed for a few weeks. We will

be commuting. We anticipate a very profitable work

there and will be happy because we will be engage

in saving souls with some of the finest people on

earth. We also treasure the fact that we will be

within forty-five miles of Bowling Green where we

have some of the most loyal, grateful and apprecia

tive friends people could have.

Charles A. Limburg, 1179 N. Calle Rolph, Palm Springs, Calif. 92262— After 5 1/2 years with the

church in Oroville, California I have moved to work

with the church in Palm Springs, Calif. Brother Walt

Hudson has done a good work here and the future

looks very good. I am grateful to the followin

churches that supported me while in Oroville: On

tario, Brea, Studebaker Road, Long Beach, 'San

Bernardino, all in California. The good brethren in

Ontario are helping with our support in Pal

Springs. To those who are vacationing, traveling, or

planning conventions, be sure to note our address

here in the land of the sun. The church meets at 68

192 Ramon Road, Palm Springs, Calif. 92262.

W. M. Wiles, Box 106, Fairview, Montana 59221—

am a member of the church of Christ, am 77 years old

and have been preaching 50 years. I am looking for a

congregation of disciples of the Lord who be-lieve

and teach exactly what is in the New Testa-ment. I

would like to locate and worship with a congregation

like we read about in the New Testa-ment. I would

appreciate very much if any one knows of such a place

they would let me know. Ralph Joiner, Rt. 1, Box 1128, Punta Gorda, Fla.

33950 — After two years with the Punta Gorda

church I wish to locate elsewhere with a sound con

gregation that will stand behind sound preaching.

Anyone interested in locating a preacher who is not afraid to preach the truth may contact me athe above address or call 639-3644.

Richard A. Pentecost, Sr., 23101 Rein St., East Detroit, Mich. 48021— Churches needing a gospel preacher for meeting work in 1969 may contact me at the address above. I am interested in churches that are unable to have meetings because of a finan-cial situation. All that will be expectefor support will be my expenses. Please contact me as soon aspossible. I will travel to any part of the

U. S. or Canada to preach the gospel of Christ.

For refer-ences you may contact the elders of the

Expressway church of Christ, 4436 South Sixt

St., Louisville, Ky. 40214 or James P. Needham at

the same address.

A LIGHTED DOLLAR SIGN The following article appeared in Words of Truth, August 16, 1968, page 4, STATEMENT OF CHANGE

For some years I have been preaching and

working with "Anti" orphan home, and "Anti"

cooperation brethren, who have slowly but

continuously gone from one extreme unto a

greater extreme in negativism until I could not see

my way clear to follow them any further. I

reached the point where I saw the need of a re

examination of the whole of the teaching of these

brethren. This prayerful and serious study led m

to the decision that much of the teaching of these

brethren is speculative, and divisive, in that the

often make matters of faith out of things which

are only matters of opinion, or lib-ertyI still believe that all of God's people should be

governed by divine authority in all matters of

faith. I believe that when God tells us to do

something, we should obey and do the very thing

commanded. But I now believe that under generic authority

there is a realm of liberty where we are to choose

some method, or way to do what God

commanded us to do, without his having told us

how to do the thing commanded: I believe it is

wrong and a sin for any man to regulate what God

left as a matter of liberty

I believe that the place for the church to relieve

the poor and destitute is a matter of human judg

ment, and not specified in the word of God. T he

church is to relieve the needy, but the scriptures do

not say whether this relief is to be given in th

home of the needy ones, or in some other home, nor

who is to rule over the place.

I also believe that congregations of the saints may

cooperate with each other, aid and a ist each other,

and that without losing any of the autonomy r e

quired in the scriptures. (Acts 20:28; I Pet. 5:1-3)

I believe the church is all-sufficient for its work,but I do not believe it is the work of the church to be a home. I just as strongly believe that the homeis also all-sufficient for its work. The church should not be over the home. The church may, now, as it did in New Testament times, help the needy where ever they are, and send relief to a family, if need be,and even send a bag of groceries to a home, and letthe home be a receiving institution to apply what was given.

I believe the churches may aid each other in evan

gelism the same as in benevolence, and that there

is no fixed and exclusive method of cooperation, bu

that any expedient method which respects the anto

nomy of the churches may be used, as in supporting

radio programs, etc

I am now without local work, having given up my

work with the negative brethren. It was not eas

to leave them, for I love and appreciate them as

brethren, but I found myself out of harmony wit

their teaching, as well as their general attitude.

Any church wishing to use me in the Lord's service may write me at 609 North Spring Street, McMinville, Tennessee. I would like to work with any good congregation, even though it be a small group, provided that I and my good wife may receive a proper support for the necessities of life. We are just poopeople, and right now without support

A further word, by Gus Nichols, minister of the

Sixth Avenue church of Christ, Jasper, Alabama

I have known Brother Hershel Davis for ten or

twelve years, and believe him to be worthy of our

full and complete confidence and fellowship, as well

as our financial support. He is a good man and cap

able of doing good. He preached for us here at Sixth

Avenue church in Jasper, Alabama, recently and w

commend him unto you.

Gus Nichols

The above tells of another who has departed thefaith. For several years I have known somethingof the labors of brother Davis. I first met him at a debate in which I was engaged in North Alabamawith one of the liberal brethren. He attended and learned the truth and renounced the positions of liberalism and expressed his appreciation to me forwhat I had done in teaching him the truth. I havelived close to him in some of the work he has done and know first hand about some of this. I believe the Lord's work deserves the following facts to be revealed:

(1) Brother Davis has been the kind of a preacher that draws problems wherever he goes. I do not know

of a single work with which I have knowledge that he

has not had his problems. Be it said to his credit, all

of these have not been of his making, but he and his

wife have created a good many of them. He had

made about six moves in about as many years.

(2) Every church will have her problems from

time to time. Brother Davis does not know how to

work with and solve even the smallest of these. When

problems have arisen where he would be preaching

he would call upon me and other of the preachers in

the area to advise him. I remember well one place

when he would not even meet with the brethren to

work out their problems and the brethren after they

met at their place of worship sent some of the

brethren to his house to get him to come to the

meeting. He knew the meeting was to be conducted

but at first refused to come. When the smallest

problem would arise he would become "unglued" and

not know what to do. Some of these small problems

were of such nature that even a 16 year old who had

studied the Bible would know what to do.

Because of this when I have been asked to recom

mend brother Davis, I refused to do so several

months ago.

On August 20th, I went to see brother Davis and

took with me brother John T. Alexander, of Wood-

bury, Tenn. Having known brother Davis and being

associated with him as I have, I felt I had an obliga

tion to talk to him. So I drove about 100 miles to see

him. Our visit revealed:

(1) Brother Davis said that he had seen the light,that his eyes were opened to conditions within the

church. Yes, brother Davis has seen a light, the

same light some other preachers have seen — a

lighted dollar sign. He complained to brother Alex

ander because when he left liberalism he did not

receive as much support from churches and Wood-

bury in particular that he thought he should have

received. After talking to him for a good while, it

is my opinion that the reason he changed was be

cause of having problems ever ywher e he went

churches were beginning to find out about him and

were not supporting him. I know of one church that

has supported him almost all of the time he claimed

he was standing for the truth, even after others had

stopped.

(2) Brother Davis is like Demas. Demas left the

world to follow Jesus. Then he forsook Paul and re

turned to the world (2 Tim. 4:10). Brother Davis

left error to stand for truth and then after awhile

he returned to the error out of which he came (2

Peter 2:20-22)

(3) Brother Davis did NOT write the article to which his name was signed. He admitted that brother Nichols did a good bit of the wording and writingof it. T his did not come as a jolt to me as I have read enough of Nichols to recognize his professional pen. A more nearly correct way of wording the titleof the article would be "Statement of Change b

Hershel Davis as written by Gus Nichols."

(4,) Our visit further revealed that I had an oppor

tunity to tell brother Davis of his error face to face.

He said he appreciated my interest in him and that

I said what I had to say to him to his face. I pointed

out to brother Davis that in the article that Nichols

had written for him that neither of them quoted a

single verse of Scripture to show his former position

to be error. I pointed out that he had an obligation

to point out by the Scriptures where he had learned

the truth. If he has been in error in his understand

ing of Acts 11:27-30, let him say so, let him point

out wherein he was in error and then show what the

passage does teach. I have read every one of these

kind of confessions that have appeared in such

papers and all of them fail to take up Bible verses

and show wherein the author has been in error.

When I left I put my arm around brother Davis and begged him to come down to see me and teach

me from the Scriptures the light he says he has seen.

He said he would think about it and I told him I did

not believe he would come because I thought he knew

he could not prove his present position by the Bible.

I am sorry but another has made shipwreck of the

faith, I Tim. 1:19-20. He was .not the first nor will

he be the last. We must be faithful to be saved.

CONCLUDING REMARKS RELATIVE TO THE "TEACHING TO TEACH" ARTICLES

There is no mistaking the fact .that Christians today are tremulous with the desire to fulfill personal responsibility to those who are hopele ly lost in sin. Yet, many do not see their desire fulfilled for thesimple reason that they have failed to understand that though principles of personal work worthy ofconsideration are offered and helpful hints stressed,there is only one solution to the problem: experience! Christians have a product which the world needs. That product is the gospel. It alone is God's power to save (Rom. 1:16). Men are purified only in obedienceto that truth (I Pet. 1:22). Yet, how many of us have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel opeace ? Brethren, we must not allow coldness to gripour hearts, nor the dead rot of apostasy to gnawaway at the vitals of personal responsibility

This article is the conclusion of the series, "Teaching to Teach." The material which has appeared under this caption has dealt with only one side ofthe many facets of personal work. We have stressed that the average Christian can conduct home studies if they overcome the confrontation of inexperience,and the fear of being a ociated with those who have abused this function. The author hopes that you will re-read and study the helpful suggestions that have been presented in these nine articles.

PROSPECT FOLLOW-UP

Former writings have dealt with the fundamentals of teaching and baptizing through the function commonly called "The Cottage Meeting." In this writing stress is laid upon the fact that there are two sides of the great commission (Mark 16:15-16). We are to teach and baptize, but our Lord also said, teac"them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20). The task of buildingthe new convert up in the most holy faith is a most serious responsibility. As babes in Christ, the convert needs a great deal of attention if he or she is to be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10). Faithfulness is

no accident! Someone has estimated that 50% of those baptized eventually fall away. We who havfailed to consider the needs of those who whom we are accountable, have their blood on our hands. It is relatively easy to convert the sinner, but tostrengthen him is often tedious. There are three ways to follow-up the prospect whom you have converted to Christ: (1) Teach him a series of le ons concerning his duties and responsibilities as a Christian. (2) Encourage him to eventually become a personal worker (I Tim. 4:15; II Tim. 2:2). (3) Whilethe new convert's enthusiasm is aflame, use him.The adage, "use them, or lose them," is true.

It is a sad commentary on any church when the new convert has to ask such questions as "what classes are available for me," "who are your elders," "what would you suggest as good reading material," etc. Make sure that the babe in Christ knows when the various classes that are the functional arrangements of the church are conducted. Introduce him to the tract rack, conduct a new convert's class andencourage home study.

KEEPING THE PROGRAM WORKING

Haphazard and unbusine like methods of personal work accomplish very little. When a systematic arrangement is worked put, the result is a united and harmonious function. Planned personal evangelism requires much effort, a great deal of which must be centered upon keeping a program of work moving.Brethren often begin efforts only to have them dibefore they get off the ground. There is no short-cut to this type of work. It requires work, constant vigilance, revamping and encouragement. The following suggestions will help keep your personal work ar

rangement from dying:

(1) Constantly stress the benefits of personal work. (2) Keep yourself conscious of the value of souls. (3) Stress the need for unity of effort (4) Keep each person personally involved (5) Continued training is essential.

There is always room for improvement, so the suggestions of those taking part in the work should begiven due consideration. Presenting occasions for brethren to get together for the purpose of exchanging ideas, offering constructive criticism, and making suggestions will help eliminate the hit-and-miss method. This will also cause the people involved tofeel that they are a part of the work being done.

SELF-EVALUATE YOURSELF

Each person who considers himself a "fisher ofmen" should stop occasionally and take a long look at himself. How are you getting along? What progress are you making? Self-evaluation is a must. Check your attitude, your preparation and your performance. Have a close friend, or your wife observe you as you teach. Accept their criticism and advice.There is always room for personal improvement.

CONCLUSION

Christians are "co-laborers with God" (I Cor. 3:9).The Kingdom of God is likened to a vineyard. In that vineyard, we are to labor, to work, and further the cause of God. When we engage in saving souls, wengage in the greatest business in the world. The whole world lies in darkne . Its only hope is in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Unto us has been committed the task of enlightening the world (Rom. 10:13-17).When Jesus, gave the great commi ion, He gave the marching orders for His army as they march against the hosts of evil and ignorance. Ours is the enviable task of telling people in despair the story of theirsalvation provided by God's grace in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:8; II Cor. 5:17-19). "He that winneth souls is wise" (Prov. 11:30).

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CONGREGATIONAL COOPERATIONof theCHURCHES OF CHRIST

by

H. E. WINKLER

A well arranged and documented book of 158 pages dealing with church sponsorships, centralized power and control, orphan homes and Herald of Truth. Diagrams and charts help emphasize the truth.

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WILLIS-INMAN DEBATE

September 19 -23, 1966

Parkersburg, W. Va.

Cecil Willis and Clifton Inman discussed two propositions: "Resolved that it is in harmony with New Testament teaching for one or more congregations to send money from their treasuries to another congregation (Highland Avenue in Abilene or any other), for the purpose of supporting a nationwide radio broadcast or telecast (Herald of Truth or other), which broadcast or telecast is supervised by the congregation receiving the funds." "Resolved1 that it is in harmony with New Testament teaching for a congregation, or congregations, to take money from their treas-uries and send it to a corporate home (such as Mid-western, Potter, Schults-Lewis, Maude Carpenter, Lubbock, etc.), which is organized for the purpose of providing a home for orphaned or forsaken children."

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OUTLINES OF FLORIDA COLLEGE LECTURES 1968

Detailed outlines of each speech delivered at the 1968 Florida College Lectures.

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WOMAN

Her Blessings and Responsibilities

byIRENE SOWELL FOY

This new booklet of over 60 pages by sister Foy is an excellent book for Bible classes. A thirteen lesson study for women. The design of this book is to encourage women to a greater activity in their God-ordained area and to be a greater influence for good.

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THE SIX VOLUME ADAM CLARKE'S COMMENTARY NOW IN A NEW ONE VOLUME EDITION

Ralph Earle, Th.D carefully abridged this scholarly six volum e commentary by Adam Clarke int o a single volume of 1350 pages This has been a standard work for over a centur y

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