VOLUME 46 LITTLE ROCK. ARKANSAS, FEBRUARY 6. 1947 NUMBER 6 ======~======1946 Reco.. d by Associations ..., ., ,e. r:l ., "' ~ .!:: -a llbb "' ~ bbj ...!! .,"' ~ .2 ::l ... "" ~.s ~ ~ ~ "nla Associations .. 5a ~ ;; OS :i"' ~ -=~c.> .. j c.>t: ~ i)e.s -;;~ "'O ~ "'0= tJ!)~ tJ!):S f.,)~~~ =~ ... ~ -s= ...... ~ i~ .. ~ ,g~o ..==~ "'::::100 ~:s e~ ~= ... = :S= tJ!I:Z :~"'==~ :~ &:~8~
Arkansas Valley ------4,382 21 262 358 12.2 2 $25.49 $6.49 $4.10 Bartholomew ------7;735 42 401 373 20.2 8 14.47 8.20 1.37 Benton County ------3,694 18 240 194 19 3 22.90 1.76 1.57 Big Creek ------733 12 32 29 25.3 5 10.67 2.11 .13 Black River ------2,564 20 107 103 24.9 6 25.98 2.31 .60 Boone-Carroll ------2,790 20 124 140 20 6 14.14 2.83 1.03 Buckner ------2,413 27 114 97 24.8 12 14.02 2.58 1.11 Buckville ------649 7 26 26 24.8 3 2.10 .90 .15 Caddo River ------1,747 19 51 127 14.5 5 17.16 3.61 1.36 Carey ------2,636 13 96 86 30.6 2 29.00 4.28 2.04 Caroline ------4,400 24 217 163 22.2 3 16.37 2.72 1.39 Central ------~ ------8,087 21 449 370 21.8 1 28.83 4.78 2.28 Centennial ------2,007 8 143 173 11.5 0 31.54 6.50 2.34 Clear Creek ------3,404 27 130 179 19.1 10 19.42 2.82 .75 Concord ------14,807 28 623 544 27.3 6 17.71 3.47 1.80 Current River ------2,262 16 77 135 16.7 5 17.21 2.89 .55 Dardanelle-Russellville ------3,465 23 118 139 24.9 10 17.45 3.24 1.53 Delta ------4,823 33 289 265 18.2 12 19.15 4.36 1.10 Faulkner County ------3,183 22 129 167 19.1 4 12.19 1.96 1.38 Gainesville ------2,097 15 109 116 18 3 13.83 3.00 .69 Greene County ------·- 5,538 36 241 247 22.4 12 11.72 2.70 1.12 Harmony ------10,837 29 588 569 19 4 20.49 4.27 2.03 Hope ------·------·------7,365 35 287 395 18.6 2 25.60 4.66 2.14 Inqependence ·------2,418 15 138 96 25.2 3 17.42 4.51 1.45 Liberty ------12,783 40 534 478 26.7 7 30.07 7.57 3.50 Little River ------4,201 26 265 219 15 7 17.27 3.58 1.66 Little Red River------1,996 14 56 83 24 3 8.88 .99 .40 Mississippi County ------8,498 33 712 507 16.7 4 22.02 2.95 1.46 Mt. Zion ------·------6,473 26 333 422 15.3 1 22.36 3.70 1.38 Newton County ------97 5 11 8 12.1 3 27.35 15.43 2.48 Ouachita ------2,157 16 57 50 43 4 6.08 1.30 .23 Perry County ------925 8 85 27 34.3 4 8.11 7.52 .41 Pulaski County ------21,084 46 985 1085 19.4 2 30.19 6.31 2.68 Red River ------5,656 29 140 210 26.8 7 15.10 3.32 1.56 Rocky Bayou ------·------865 13 34 43 20 6 8.05 1.93 .23 Stone-Van Buren ------1,718 15 77 202 8.5 1 12.31 1.80 .58 Tri-County ------5,759 24 497 598 9.6 6 22.54 6.03 2.48 Trinity ------. 4,033 23 389 333 12.1 6 13.69 2.10 .77 Washington-Madison ------3,729 15 120 179 20.8 3 27.34 4.23 1.69 White County ------3,046 25 152 204 14.9 4 21.41 2.22 .92 White River------1,484 16 58 77 19.3 7 11.30 2.16 .50 Woodruff County ---- 1,390 8 78 125 11.1 1 14.36 2.23 1.07 TOTAL-AVERAGES ------189,930 913 9,569 9,941 19.1 208 $21.87 $4.33 $1.82 PAGE TWO ARKANSAS BAPTIST LAW AND GRAGE * TR.ENDS AND EVENTS * A Devotion by B. H. Duncan A condensed summary of trends and events taken from publications and original sources each "For what the law could not do." week by Porter Routh, Secretary of the Department of Survey, Statistics and Law and grace are sometimes thought to op Information of the Baptist Sunday School Board. pose each other. The confusion is the result of a misunderstanding of the functions of law and the functions of grace. Facts of Interest The Foreign Missions Conference, meeting Of the 43,281 prisoners committed to state at Buck Hill Falls, Pa., endorsed the con Law demands perfect obedience, prescribes and federal prisons in 1945, 40,852 were men struction of a $15,000,000 Christian university penalties for disobedience and provides au and 2,489 were women. Half of the men were in Japan. Those attending the Conference thority for inflicting those penalties. Grace less than 27 years old. also passed a resolution calling for the re forgives disobediences, provides incentives to peal of the Philippine Trade Act of 1946. obedience and rewards for obedience. Income payments to individuals reach ed a new high in November-at an an General George C. Marshall, the new The one tells you what you will suffer if you nual rate of $174,200,000,000. Secretary of State, is an Episcopalian. disobey, the other tells you the blessedness President Truman told his 15-man COm you will enjoy if you obey. Community Chests have raised $107,535,011 mittee on Civil Rights that he did not want of a $170,000,000 ·goal in 407 communities. The to see any religious bigotry break out in this Law sets up the minimum standard of liv survey shows that communities in the South count-ry. ing. Grace enables one to reach the maxi east and Southwest have the highest average mum standard of living. of reaching or surpassing their goals. Both Protestant and Catholic leaders have denounced the treatment of religious Law can show us our need of salvation, but It is estimated that 100,000,000 housing concepts in the new Hollywood picture, grace alone can save us. Law can show us units are needed immediately in the "Duel In The Sun." the foulness of our hearts, but grace alone world. can cleanse us. Law can reveal the sins of our Fire loss in 1946 was $561,487,000, the larg Baptist Highlights lives, but grace alone can forgive our sins. est in the nation's history, 23 per cent greater Dr. R. C. Campbell, Columbia, S. C., has Law cannot convert our souls, that is the than 1945. accepted the call of the First Baptist Church, work of grace. Law cannot give us peace, Several large distillers have joined in Little Rock, Ark., effective February 16. that is the gift of grace. Law cannot invite making it possible for the Cornell Uni A new pocket-size record book for pastors, us to the mercy seat, it is grace that issues versity Medical School to start a five-year educational directors, church clerks, and other the invitation: "Come unto me, all ye that study of the causes of chronic alcoholism. church officers, The Broadman Pocket Record, labor, and are heavy ladened; and I will give According to a recent survey by the Nation- has been published by the Sunday School you rest." al Association of Retail Grocers, the average Board. "For what the law could not do, in that it American menu in 1947 will contain' 150 was weak through the flesh, God sending His pounds of meat, 35 pounds of sugar, 10 pounds Unless shipping lines can. give definite assurance of shipping space by February own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for of butter, 22 pounds of chicken, 4 pounds sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the right nf turkey, 4 cases of canned goods, and all 15, there is a possibility that the meeting of the Baptist World Alliace will be post eousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, the mild, green vegatables, fruit, and cereals who walk not after the flesh, but after the he can eat. poned or shifted to the United States, ac cording to Dr. Louie D. Newton. spirit" Romans 8 :3, 4. And in case you have been bothered, the national wildlife agency comes up with ------000------000---- the estimate that the present rat pop • ulation in the United States is 130,000,000. James Pleitze, student in Ouachita Col Pastors Must Face lege and pastor of Doddridge Church, Hope In the World of Religion Association, was ordained to the ministry Premier Alcide de Gasperi of Italy attend Problems of People January 19 by the Doddridge Church. Those ed mass in St. Patrick's Catholic Cathredal, taking part on the pror:ram were Pastor War had tea with Myron D. Taylor, President Tru Baptist ministers must exert leadership in ren Nutt, Trinity Church; Pastor Melvin man's personal representative to the Vatican, three vital problems which will face Southern Rice, Ida, La.; Mi-sionary Ottis Denney; Otis in the afternoon, and had dinner with Cardi states in the future, the Rev. Dr. William W. Haltom, Howard Levy; Verra Lummus; Billy nal Spellman on his last Sunday in the United Barnes, re:earch professor of Baptist history Slay; and Jesse Bryant. The Doddridge States. The former Vatican librarian re at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, said in Church has a strong Sunday School and a ceived a Protestant delegation on Monday Founders' Day exercises of Southern Baptist growing Training Union. The tithing mem night. The seven Protestant leaders told Dr. Seminary. · bership gives to all causes cf Southern Bap de Ga<;peri: "Provisions for religious freedom The three problems he outlined were the tists. in the new Constitution will be a major factor Southern labor movement, race relations, and in determining the attitude of our people to mental and nervous illnesses. ward Italy. Because of our interest in the Suggesting a revamped theological curricu ARKANSAS BAPTIST development of international order and in the 213 RADIO CENTER, LITTLE ROCK lum "with new intellectual emphasis," Dr. Official Publ!cat!on of the Arkansas Baptist State promotion of respect for the rights of our Barne, said: "As the intellectual level of Convention. Protestant brethren in Italy, we shall diligent Southern Baptist constituents has risen, ly follow events in your country." training of ministers has received new im C. E. BRYANT.... ·--·--·-...... EDITOR Methodist membership at the end of petus. Our seminary curriculum does not lONE GRAY ...... EDITORIAL ASSISTANT 1946 totaled 8,430,146, a gain of 346,369 necessarily need new courses of study. It Publication Committee: B. H. Duncan, Hot Springs, over the 1945 figure. Methodists gave needs new interpretation on the courses we Chairman; Charles F . W!lklns, Newport; C. E. Law more than $150,000,000 for all church rence. Little Rock; 0. L. Gibson. Fayettev1lle; Bruce new teach." H. Price, Texarkana; Reece Howard, Brinkley; J. P. purposes last year. The total church debt ------0001------Emory, Story. was reduced $6,000,000 to reach $18,209,- Entered Post Office, Little Rock, Arkansas, as sec 805. ond class ma11 matter. Acceptance for mall!ng at spe 0klahoma Baptists cial rate of postage provided !n Section 1198, Octo The Jehovah's Witnesses are planning a ber 1, 1913. ten-story addition to the national headquar · Set Evangelistic Drive Individual subscription $2 .00 per year. Church Bud ters in New York City, because of its "tremen gets 11 cents per month or $1.32 per year per church dous expansion, particularly in the foreign fam1ly; Fam!ly Groups (10 or more paid annually !n Oklahoma Baptist churches have scheduled advance). $1.50 per year. Subscription to foreign ad field." All of the 300 clerical and mechanical 34 evangelistic and missionary conferences in dress, $2.50 p~r year. Advertising Rates on Request. workers in the publishing business live in dor as many Oklahoma cities during January and The cost of cuts cannot be borne by the paper mitories in the headquarters, and take their February, with 111 speakers. It is hoped the except those It has made for Its !nd!v!dual use. meals at the same place. They receive $10 campaign will result in the consecration of Resolutions and obituaries publ!shed at five cents monthly allowance. 3'00,000 persons. A specific program has been per word. One do1lar minimum. Dr. Henry Knox Sherrill has been in designed for each month, including evangel Articles carrying the author's by-l!ne do not neces stalled as the twentieth presiding bishop istic conferences with laymen during January sar1ly reflect th6 editorial pol!cy of the paper. of the Protestant Episcopal Church. and brotherhood meetings in February. FEBRUARY 6, 1947 PAGE THREE
traduced, it Is urged that all the state's Christian citizens let their convictions be known. This can be done through letters from individuals, or through signed petitions, or through resolutions from organizations. Send copies to Senator Butler as author of the bill, to your Senator, to your Represen today as it ·ever was. On every hand we heard tative, and to Governor Laney. Our Mentally Ill from those who were in attendance, "This is It is sincerely hoped that the current leg the greatest preaching we have ever heard islative investigation of conditions at the in our lives." State Hospital for Nervous Diseases will re 3. The emphasis on preaching among South fll*et~e!* P11J tel*~ be ·we sult in much improved care for the treat em Baptists is shifting from its aim of purely ment of those of our citizens who are men "consolement" to a definite point toward con CtJ!*e (e!* 0«1* 11/it/eltlJ? tally ill. We trust that the investigation is viction for sin. The Spirit of God is revealing not an attempt to smear mud at members of the need of declaring fundamentals and great By VIcroR H. CoFFMAN the Board of Control, but an honest effort to doctrines like repentance, hell, the judgment, Fort Smith bring impcovements in a very bad situation. and the proper recognition of the place of Brethren, I am writing this article in the One of the eight members o.f that inves the Holy Spirit in preaching and living. most sincere spirit, for an earnest consid tigating group is Rev. John R. Hampton of 4. More attention will be given to organi eration of the present Widows Plan offered Izard County who divides his time as a zation and methods in evangelism - a thing to the Arkansas pastors through our State Baptist preacher and an automobile sales that has been woefully lacking in our work Convention for the care of our widows, if man. He told newsmen he is going into the in the past. and when our companion sho1:1ld become investigation with an "open mind" and that 5 There is no question but that evangelism such before our reaching the age of 65. his main purpose is to find relief for patients is returning to its proper popularity and Plainly speaking, this is term insurance, in the hospital. "I have only sympathy for value in the Southland. Representatives from which is the cheapest form of insurance any the unfortunate people out there," he said. practically every state in the Southern Bap man can buy, and this term insurance offered Representative Bob Riley of Pulaski County tist Convention were present. In every case by the Relief and Annuity Board and our is an author of a proposal for the investi these leaders and pastors were saying: "This State Convention is cheaper still, due to gating committee to study the possibility of is what we need in our state and this is the fact that the Relief and Annuity Board transferring the aged, who are not ill, from what we must have everywhere." and our State Convention ar~ paying a large the State Hospital to the Confederate Home All of the 114 associations in Texas have portion of the premium for us, provided we or other state-supported old people's homes. set dates for simultaneous revivals in 1947. will pay our proportion of the premium, which is one-half the amount we are now A primary observation needs to be made. Emphasis in the conference was on preach paying as dues to the Ministers Retirement Patients at the State Hospital are mentally ing, praying, and methods for these revivals, ill. There is nothing disgraceful about their and prayers were offered continually that a Policy. illness. The illness can be cured in most all Southwide program on evangelism would be No doubt each of us have seen many cases if properly treated. But proper treat adopted at the meeting of the Southern Bap preachers' widows left in a pitiable condi ment is necessary, and we should be as tist Convention in May. tion, numbers of them in actual poverty, and anxious to give this necessary treatment to others having to work when they were not the mentally ill as we do to the tubercular Time to Speak able to work, and likewise many suffering or any other patient physically ill. Let us undue embarrassment. This should not be. The much heralded bill by Senator E. J. not allow ourselves to think of the Hospital If we would co-operate together and each be Butler of Forrest City to put the State of for Nervous Diseases as a type of prison, considerate of the other, and enough of us Arkansas in the wholesale liquor business has but let us make of it a real hospital, properly go together to make sure this Widows Sup been introduced in the State Senate. Mr. staffed and properly financed. plemental Plan, we could thereby be a bless Butler's delay until the third week o! the ing to our widows and to each other. General Assembly for introduction of this It involves such a small financial con controversial piece of legislation had aroused Emphasis on Evangelism sideration that it looks like we could not some hope that the proposal may never afford to let it pass by. Mr. A. B. Hill, one They do things big in Texas. And when Dr. come to light. of our outstanding laymen of the state, stood c. E. Matthews called a statewide Confer Senator Butler told newsmen he expects up in the Board meeting at Texarkana and ence on Evangelism, an estimated 5,500 peo that the bill will have tough sledding. Then told us frankly it was the best thing he ple attended. The tremendous auditorium of in what might have been an effort to divide knew of or had heard of for the preachers First Church, Dallas, was filled to capacity his opponents, he declared that both church and their widows. Why, then, will we not get with hundreds standing two to three hours people and liquor interests are opposed to together at once and put this plan over? in the auditorium, others in the basement it. But he has failed if he thinks his group where a loud speaker system was arranged, ing of church people with the liquor crowd I am sincere in writing this article, with and still other hundreds reportedly were will quiet Christian animosity against his no selfish viewpoint, other than looking to turned away. bill. We believe that Arkansas churchmen the good of the preachers' widows down the After it was all over, Dr. Matthews, who cannot be made to be quiet on this subject. line. All of us will be old some day, and now leaves Texas to become head of the Many many congregations over the State many of us will pass away before 65, leav evangelistic staff of the Home Mission Board, have adopted resolutions and petitions asking ing our widows on the mercies of God and summarized his impressions of the confer for the defeat of any bill which would put the people. Let us get together and put this ence as follows: Arkansas and Arkansas' citizens as a po plan over. 1. The pendulum of Baptist work has def litical unit in the liquor business. The "From Brethren, we have all been supplied with initely swung in the direction of evangelism. the People" column of the Arkansas Gazette information on this plan and with applica This will be healthy for all of our work. has been forced to give most of its space tion blanks. Let's write Dr. B. L. Bridges 2. The attractiveness and the effectiveness to acknowledgment of these letters. (200 Radio Center, Little Rock) immediately of plain sunple Gospel preaching is as great Now that the bill has actually been in- that we want to be included in this plan. PAGE FOUR ARKANSAS BAPTIST Church Adopts NOTES OF ADVANCE Youth Program ~our weekly meetings designed to appeal to vanous age groups with programs of recre ation and fellowship are main planks of a Lawrence Ferrie! has gone to the pastorate check. I knew the Arkansas Baptist meant youth program presented by Pastor Clyde of Bigelow Church from the Manning Church a lot to me, but I did not know just how Hart and unanimously adopted by the Cen instead of Piney Grove Church as was er much until these last few weeks when I tral Church of Hot Springs. roneously stated in a recent issue of the have been without it. Our church has now paper. This program was planned by the pastor's around $80,000 in our building fund, and we cabinet, composed of Jeff Newkirk, chairman hope to launch a building campaign some • • • of t~e Board of Deacons; Mrs. Leon Wilson, The quarterly officers' and ladies' meeting time during 1947. We gave more than $1 900 pres1dent of the Woman's Missionary So of Concord Associational Training Union will to the Lottie Moon offering and are ope;at ciety; Jimmy Thigpen, Training Union di be held at First Church, Paris, Thursday eve ing on a budget of $710 per week. We are rector; Turl Muse, Sunday School superin ning, February 27, at 7.3'0. Department con broadcasting our Sunday morning services tendent, and Jack Rowe, music director and each week." ferences will be conducted by associational • • • pastor's assistant. leaders. The plan includes: • • • Eddie Blackmon, DeWitt, was inspirational 1. A junior fellowship and recreational Rev. C. M. Myrick, who died at his home speaker at a Brotherhood banquet of Second meeting every Friday, 4 p. m., for boys and Church, El Dorado, which was attended by in Siloam Springs January 20 at the age of girls, nine to 12. In the first period boys and 52 R. 88, was ordained at Arkadelphia 56 years ago. men. Mrs. L. Boswell and Mrs. w. c. girls will meet separately, and during the sec He served as pastor of First Church, Siloam Simmons brought special music. ond period will hold a joint session for a Springs, twice and as supply pastor once. He • • • planned recreational program, including sing also served churches in Dalark, New Edin Rev. F. E. Bray, former pastor at First · ing, games, motion pictures, and refresh burg, Kingsland, Clarendon, and Maynard. Church, Leachville, died at his home in Vi ments. dalia, La., January 17. While at Maynard he was president of May 2. An intermediate fellowship and recrea nard Academy for seven years. His survivors • • • tional meeting is held Sunday at 4:45 p. m., include three sons, Rev. C. E. Myrick, Mem Pastor Russell Duffer, Peach Orchard has featured by singing, motion pictures, games enrolled in Southwestern Seminary. re phis, Tenn.; Lieutenant Col. Charles Myrick H~ and refreshment
used exclusively for carrying members to and from church meetings and other church func tions. Application must be made to the reve LEGISLATIVE NEWS Of Religious Interest nue commissioner by the pastor, priest, rabbi or other chief official, accompanied by appli The Christian people of Arkansas, courageous and united, can make one of cation fee of $1 and an affidavit stating that the most effective lobbies ever known in legislative history. the bus will be used for church activities ex clusively. If the bus is used for other purposes, the misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of $25. The act, if adopted by the Senate and Governor Laney's revenue and taxation result many weddings have been illegal. At signed by the governor in its present form, measures occupied most of the week in the least, Representative Roy Dunn said so in in would be effective January 1, 1947, and Arkansas legislature, but several matters of troduction of HB 130. The old law required churches which have already paid their 1947 religious interest also crept into the discus that credentials be filed with the Office of license fees can file claim for refund. sions. Clerk and Recorder, which seems to have Senator Butler's promised bill for a state meant the circuit clerk, but Mr. Dunn noted * • • owned wholesale liquor industry was intro that most preachers have done the filing with MISCELLANEOUS: Other bills of interest duced at week's end. See Editorial Page. the county clerk. So to make it legal, Dunn's introduced during the week just passed in Two other bills mentioned in this column HB 130 now provides that such credentials cluded: are to be filed with the County Clerk, as has last week have met defeat. Representative Sam An election measure, HB 161 by Representa Sullivan's proposal for a syphilis test of mar been the practice. The House immediately passed the bill 85-2. Marriages already per tive Lynn Wilson, would repeal laws for as riage applicants was defeated 42-45 in a sessment of poll tax but not repealing the House vote, and Representative H. H. May formed are not invalidated. tax itself. withdrew his bill calling for medical certifi And the Buchanan marriage law of 1945, cation that both parties were free of venereal requiring a three-day waiting period before is A war veterans bill, SB 94 by Senators Jones, disease, idiocy, feeble-mindedness, imbecility, suance of a marriage license, is under fire Baker, Blackwell, Freeman and B. Smith, and insanity. by Representative Laud Payne. His HB 149 would provide payment of tuition, matricula And Senator Trussell's SB 1 repealing the would repeal the 1945 act. tion- fees, board, room rent, books and sup "white primary law" passed in 1945 has been plies for student of a state-supported college signed by the governor. • • • or university, who is not over 22 and has • • * CHURCH BUSES: Representatives Bob Ri lived in Arkansas two years, and whose par MARRIAGE: It appears that many Arkan ley and Chester F. Ross have pushed through ent was killed or died while in active military sas ministers have violated the law in the the House, 81-6, a bill which would grant free service between September, 1940, and Decem recording of their ordination papers, and as a license plates to churches for use on buses ber, 1946. PAGE SIX ARKANSAS BAPTIST
to govern Himself by them. There is no al ~ct/. • • ternative. He must govern His conduct in A JOB TO DO this way; and this does not detract an iota The enlistment of a million tithers for from His sovereignty or the dignity of His Christ is the aim of Stewardship Day to be reign. To be governed by a law that does not A Sovereign observed by Southern Baptists next Sunday, grow out of His holy personality is equivalent February 9. to being a traitor; and it is unthinkable to By F. E. CALVERT lodge such a charge against Jehovah. Dr. J. E. Dillard, secretary of promotion Fort Smith for the Southern Baptist Executive Commit A sovereign is defined as one who exercises Not A Despot tee, in asking churches throughout the South supreme authority and absolute control. He Someone may assert that if God is a sov to participate in the observance, said the date may be governed in his activities by laws ereign He is also a despot. The charge is so should be: that are the outg;rowth of the needs of his foolish as to merit only passing notice. An 1. A d::cy for special emphasis on Christian subjects, and were set in motion by himself or earthly sovereign may be a despot; in fact Stewardship. by the legislative branch of his government. there has been a number of such characters 2. A day to challenge Southern Baptists Not so with the Supreme Sovereign. He is in the world's history. But the purpose of guided by His own laws. He is subject to no these arguments is not to defend an earthly to take God at His word and resolve to con other power or potentate. His government is sovereign, but a heavenly. God's ways are tribute the spiritual portion of their net in coexistent with Himself. In the contempla not like man's ways. Despotism has no place come to the Lord's work. tion of the sovereignty of God, great and good in the kingdom of God. It is an exotic and 3. A day to call for, count, and record men have differed widely in their thinking. can not exist where God it. those who will be among the million South One school of these thinkers asserts that, in Those who set forth to discount Jehovah ern Baptist Tithers for Christ. order to be a sovereign in the strictest sense, and bring His kingdom into open shame and Dr. Dillard urges that churches strive for God can have no restrictions placed on His contempt will find themselves in hard lines maximum church attendance on the day, that activities or conduct. He must be free to do and mighty embarrassed when God begins to stewardship sermons and short tithing talks anything. Acting, under this interpretation exercise His sovereignty towards them. It is feature all services, and that a book be pro of sovereign power, He may elect some to a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the vided for the recording of names of would eternal life and some to eternal death. He living God. be tithers. may will to do one thing one moment and, if it suits Him, do the opposite thing the next moment-that His sovereignty is not abridged by any act He may do and immediately undo as He wills. God's Self-Made Limitations tAe There is another school of wise men- and there are many of them- who assert that God is limited in His sovereignty to those acts By RUTH NININGER that come within the limits of wise and bene ficent laws with which He has hedged Him to contemplate the transforming and keeping self about. In the Cross of Christ I Glory power of the cross. Through all the mingled The first school says, "You can not limit Sm JOHN BoWRING lTHAMAR CoNKEY experiences of life- whether it's woes, it's God." Absolutely, not. It is not intended sun of bliss, or it's pain or pleasure, the cross so to do. If we try He will continue to func- In the Cmss of Christ I glOTy, of Christ sustained and guided him. It will tion. · T owe1·ing o'er the wrecks of time; do the same for each one who has the mind All the light of sacred story to "glory" therein. Paul, in writing to the But there is a limit; And He has set and Gathers round its head sublime. defined it by metes and bounds, along lines Galatians (6:14) says: "God forbid that I of justice, mercy and truth. There are many should glory save in the cross of our Lord When the woes of life o' ertake me, and Saviour, Jesus Christ." Such a philoso things Jehovah can not do because of these Hopes deceive, and fears annoy; self-constituted limitations. He has hedged phy if spread among the nations of the earth Never shall the cross forsake me, today would create the basis for permanent Himself about with the law of love; there Lo! it glows with peace and ioy. fore He cannot hate. He is limited by these peace. laws. He can no-t surrender HiS love, mercy When the sun of bliss is beaming The circumstances under which the tune or truth, His justice or righteousness or holi Light and love upon my way, (Rathbun) for this great hymn was com ness, and continue to be God. When He sur From the cross of radiance streaming posed are unique. Ithamar Conkey 0815- renders any of these, or lets down, so to speak, Adds new luster to the day. 1867) composed it while he was organist and on any of His attributes, He automaticallY choir director at Central Baptist Church, Nor abdicates His high place as sovereign. He Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure wich, Conn. would become a hiss and byword among the By the cross are sanctified; inteiligences of heaven and earth. Peace is there that knows no measure, Dr. Hiscox, the pastor, was preaching a Joys that through all time abide. series of sermons on the "Words on the Cross." Why These Limitations? On a particularly rainy Sunday, very few It is not argued that Jehovah needs thus Hymns are apt to be judged from one of choir members showed up for the service. to hedge Himself about. Strictly speaking He the three following characteristics: peculiar Sick at heart Conkey closed the organ after has not done this. These laws are the na circumstances under which it was written, the the prelude and went home. He sat down to deep meaning of the message, and the char tural outgrowth of the several attributes pos practice with the sermon in mind and the acter and importance of the author in the words of the one particular hymn "In the sessed by the Lord God. They are self-as world of affairs. serting and self-adjusting. It could not be Cross of Christ" in mind. Then and there otherwise. It is as natural as that results It is quite probable that the Hymn of the he composed tliis beautiful tune, naming it should follow causes. It is natural that these Month for February, "In the Cross of Christ Rathbun after the leading and faithful so laws should grow up around God and hedge I Glory," would rank among the w or 1 d's prano of his choir, Mrs. Beriah S. Rathbun. Him about and limit His conduct, as the fact greatest and best-beloved even if nothing were The following year Mr. Conkey came to New that, being righteous, He executeth righteous known of its author. But when it is known York where he had an active ministry as a ness, or being just, He executeth justice. These that its author was a statesman of rare abil church musician. ~ laws are as immutable as any others. ity and charm, moving with recognized lead It will interest many of the readers of this ership in the political and humanitarian af column to know that this great hymn is one And it may be said without doing violence fairs of the England of his day, the words of those included in the list for the 1947 to what has been stated, that Jehovah is not of this hymn assume treasured significance. Hymn-Playing Contest. A fine gesture would guided by these laws that are the natural How fortunate the nation whose leaders ack be to clip the sketch you have just read and and legitimate outgrowth of His several at nowledge God and His revelation through pass it on to some Junior or Intermediate in tributes; but that He guides Himself by them. Christ. your church who is studying piano and who They are His rule of faith and practice, and Sir John Bowring, found time amidst the might be interested in preparinng to enter this because He has elected to be governed or pressing business of international relations the contest. FEBRUARY 6. 1947 PAGE SEVEN
This is the first of a series of four messages on • • • "Christ- Our All," being hem·d this month on elev en Arkansas radio stations through programs by FOUNDATION OF LIFE the Radio Commission of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.
By B. A. WHITLOW, Pastor way of stating one of the cardinal principles First Church, Hope of Christianity- that life's foundatwn is moral and spiritual. Paul put it thus: "For other and eternal quality, becomes relative and finds America belongs to the world even more foundation can no man lay than that which is its value only in what one thinks concern than it belongs to itself. It has indeed be laid, which is Jesus Christ." ing a thing, then every man becomes a law un come the melting pot for the whole world. to himself. Th1s kind ot anarchy 1eacts event Every race, creed and kind have come to Religion was one of the dominant motives ually to moral and spiri~ual castastrophe. gether to make America what it is. Here the in the founding of this nation of ours, and freedom of opportunity provided the individ it has continued to be .:me of the strong im Two world wars within one generation, and ual finds no parallel in history. In this coun pulses sustaining it. Our democrat-Ic ideal is fears, not Without reason, of a third present try intelligence plus industry and honest toil anchored in the worth and dignity of human. mounting evidence of moral collapse. Other come nearer being rewarded with a just re personality. This spiritual appraisal of the illustrations of our spiritual decay may be compense than anywhere else under the sun. worth of man is in turn grounded in the teach seen in the decline of Sabbath observance, ing of God's Word. For therein we are told and the lightness with which the marriage tie America stands in a unique position among is treated. the nations of the world. Today the Axis na that he was made in the image and likeness tions lay prostrate. China has been bled of God. Man is animal. But the Bible as Christ Our Hope white by war from without and conflict from serts that man is more than animal. He within. France does not yet indicate that she bears the stamp of the Divine that sets him There is one hope-only one, a strong faith has strength to walk. Imperialism has suf apart from all other forms of animal life. The in Jesus Chnst. "Belief is the intellecmal as fered a death blow, and thus Great Britain is mere talk of the rights of man is pure non sent to a dogma, but faith is the total com locked in a struggle for mere survival. Russia sense apart from this theological concept of mitment of the life to that which one be is rich, both in natural resources and man man. lieves." The object of faith is of vast import ance. A strong faith, if misplaced, will prove power, but she lacks the moral fibre to 'act The conviction of our founding fathers · of as a bulwark of a lasting civilization. Only disastrous. Only a faith in Jesus Christ will the infinite worth of man gave birth to a be sufficient to build lastingly. America has the moral and spiritual idealism government to the people, by the people, and that offer the hope of permanency. There for the people. Other fruits of this faith are Thus, today we find ourselves faced with is a reason for America's greatness. a free church in a free state, and in the field the unhappy situation of trying to maintain The Secret of America's Greatness of economics- the right to bargain. It produc our ideals without keeping the faith that pro duced them. This will result in certain fail A Frenchman, Alexis de Tocqueville, came ed a social conscience that broke the bonds of slavery. ure, "for other foundation can no man lay to our shores early in the 19th century to than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." study the American prison system. After long observation of many aspects of our culture, Christianity on the Wane? We must keep on insisting that an endur he wrote of America as follows: ing peace can be won only as the individual We have suffered, however, a great falling makes peace with God, for the soul of redemp "I sought for the greatness and genius away from the faith. It is obvious that vital of America in her fertile fields and bound tion is the redemption of the soul. But having Christianity is on the wane. This is true not said this, we must hasten on to say that the less forests: it was not there. I sought for because the average American is pagan, nor it in her matchless Constitution and dem principles of Christianity must be embodied anti-Christian, but because he simply ignores in society if we are to live. Too many are ocratic Congress: it was not there. I God. Trueblood has well said of the average sought for it 1n her free schools and her saying, "I have my own religion. If it satis modern, "He claims to be a shareholder in fies me down here (a pat on the heart) it's institutions of learning: ~t was not there. the Christian corporation, but the stock has Not until I went into the churches of all right." Not so! We have the tools to destroy been watered almost to the vanishing point civilization ... we must have a faith to prop America and found the pulpits aflame for and is held, moreover, by absentee owners." righteousness, did I understand the great erly direct these tools or civilization will de This subtle form of practical atheism will, if stroy itself. ness and genius of America. America is left unchecked, lead to diseaster. great because America is good. When How can this faith be produced? Through America ceases to be good, America will Indifference, in the ranks called Christian, the churches. The schools can't do it! The cease to be great." is due in a large measure to the widespread universities can't do it! The church alone is "When America ceases to be good, Ameri ignorance of the Bible, and the rejection of its dedicated to the task of reconciling men to ca will cease to be great." This is another authority. When truth ceases to have a fixed God. Nothing short of this will suffice. Soviet Baplisls Plan lo.. Expansion
{Copyright by Religious News Service) for 1,500 persons . Originally a Lutheran The Baptist leader added that in 1940 the church, the building was taken over by the Soviet authorities have given permission Union received large numbers of Russian Baptists in 1923. It claims to have the best for the creation of new Baptist seminaries in language Bibles from missionary societies in organ in Moscow. London, New York, and Chicago, which were Russia and for the reopening of a previously sent via the Baltic republics. established theological school. The Baptist and Evangelical Union, Zhid kov said, comprises 150,000 Baptists and an "At present," Zhidkov declared, "there is Jacob Zhidkov, chairman of the Baptist equal number of Evangelicals, but as many a paper shortage, but we have been given of and Evangelical Union in the U. S. S. R., as four million persons. regularly attend ser ficial authority to print Bibles and hope to do made this announcement during an interview vices in 3,000 churches scattered throughout so soon. At present, we are publishing a mag in Moscow when he was asked whether Rus the country. azine called Brotherly Herald, which appears sian Baptists have any seminaries or Sun About 70 per cent of Baptist and Evangeli six times yearly and is distributed to all our day schools. cal pastors in Russia, Zhidkov declared, also communities as well as to Baptist friends He said Sunday schools do not exist in the work in other occupations, mainly in factor abroad." Soviet Union as the constitution does not ies and offices, and on collective farms. Church baptisms are carried out in Mos- • ' permit religious instruction to children ex Questioned regarding facilities for Bible cow churches where baptismal tanks are avail cept in their homes. printing in Russia, Zhidkov replied: "Since able, but in other parts of the country they Zhidkov, a red-bearded energetic man of 62, the Revolution, there have been two Bible are performed in secluded lakes and rivers disclosed that five services are being held printings- in 1926, when 25 ,000 copies were Zhidkov declared. He said the central Ban ~ weekly in the church adjoining his office. printed; and in 1927, when 10,000 were print tist church in Moscow is also used r~· Seventh The church was recently redecorated and gal ed. In each case the printings were done on day Adventists, an independent g ~o· lp which leries were added to provide accommodation presses owned by the state." does not belong to the Union. PAGE EIGHT ARKANSAS BAPTIS Hot Springs First * RADIO Notes Progress on The second m a series of four messages* o Duncan Anniversary "Christ-our All" by Pastor S. A. Whitlow, First Church, Hope, will be heard Feb~ 9 on the 11 stations carrying the ArkansaS By W. L. HALL, Deacon Baptist radio programs. Pastor Whitlow First Church, Hot Springs spoke last Sunday on "Christ-the Founda First Church, Hot Springs, closed its eighth tion of Life." He will speak next Sunday o · year under the pastorate of B. H. Duncan, De "Christ-the Answer to Sin." Music is fur cember 31, 1946. It has been a notable per nished by the Arkansas Baptist Quartet. iod for this well-known church. The program may be heard every Sunda During the eight years of Pastor Duncan's over the following stations: leadership the church has had an increase in membership of 60 per cent, an increase in KFFA, Helena-7:45 a. m. By 0. C. HARvEY, Pastor KLCN, Blytheville-8:00 a.m. Second Church, Arkadelphia contributions of 263 per cent, and increase in payments to the Cooperative Program of KLCA, Pine Bluff--8:30 a.m. I am a greater believer in Ouachita College 600 per cent. It has advanced from an in KHOZ, Harrison--8:30a.m. KTFS, Texarkana--8 :45 a. m. than ever before. I have by reason of a two debtedness of $9,000 on January 1, 1939, to a surplus represented by government bonds KARK, Little Rock-10 :30 a. m. year pastorate in Arkadelphia been able to see KELt>, El Dorado-12: 15 p, m. the potentialities of this institution. I have and cash of $12,500 as of January 1, 1947. In its organized activities the church has KGHI, Little Rock-1:00 p, m. been rather intimately associated with faculty made corresponding progress. The Sunday KFPW, Fort Smith-1:15 p, m. and student body, and have been able to see School, Training Union, and Woman's Mis KWFC, Hot Springs-! :30 p. m. KUOA, Siloam Springs-4:15 p, m. more clearly than ever before what I believe sion Society are all fully organized and do ----0001------is Arkansas Baptists' greatest missionary pro ing efficient work. Men are participating in the work of the church in larger numbers than ject. at any previous time. Hold Up BWA Plans In my humble judgement Arkansas Baptists Situated near the center of Hot Springs, have no greater opportunity for missionary the church attracts a large number of visitors. At the recent meeting of the Southern activity than Ouachita College affords. If It is not unusual for visitors from more than Baptist Convention Baptist World Alli 20 states to be in attendance at a Sunday ance coDllllittee held in Nashville, it was our State Board had to dispense with our morning service. But it is not only the con voted to ask those interested in making state mission program or with Ouachita Col venient location of the church that attracts the trip to Copenhagen to wait until Feb lege, I would unhestitatingly vote to dispense visitors. The powerful and appealing sermons ruary 15 before making additional plans. with the former. Our denominational schools of the pastor and the warm welcome they Unless more shipping space can be found afford the greatest missionary possibilities. receive have much to do with visitor atten which is unknown at the present time, it dance. is apparent that very few American Bap Leadership is our biggest problem today in Many members of the church feel that their tists can go to the meeting if it is held in every realm: politicaL, economic, domestic, pastor is one of the great preachers of Arkan Europe this summer. Dr. Newton is dis spiritual, etc. We cannot over estimate the sas. They are convinced that the pastor's cussing the matter with Dr. Rushbrooke, importance of training the young men and able leadership is the biggest factor in the and it is hoped that some definite plans women who tomorrow will be in our pulpits, church's progress during the past eight years. can be announced by February 15. in our mission fields, leaders in business and First Baptist is the oldest church in Hot ------0001------professional life. They need now the very best Springs. It was founded in 1836 and has had that we can give them. The institution that is continuous active existence. The other three Dr. Chester E. Swor, nationally known training them needs the very best physical Baptist churches of Hot Springs have grown speaker and youth leader of Jackson, Miss., equipment, but above everything they need out of it. Several other church organizations will speak in revival services at Beech Streell the very best faculty that is Christian to the have used temporarily the First Baptist build Church, Texarkana, February 9-16. Nth degree, unquestionably sound in Baptist ing while they were getting established and • • • principles, and with high scholastic stand- were without a building·of their own. ing. Perry Morgan of Ridgecrest, N. C., writes: The light of Christian ministry never beam "Arkansas is to be congratulated on the Arkansas Baptists need to major in produc ed more brightly from this good church than going of Dr. R. C. Campbell from Colum ing a product that is distinctive, something it does today. bia to Little Rock. He is a great and good different to what other educational institu ------000~------ man, a fine preacher and pastor, an inval tions are producing. If we cannot, then let's uable leader in state and Southwide work." get out of this expensive business. It costs Census Started us something to maintain these institutions and if we are not going to get something in re The Census of Religious Bodies taken every turn for our money that excels what our ten years by the Government is now under tax-supported schools are giving us, then let's way. Schedules are being sent to pastors or throw off this excess baggage. church clerks. It is very important that these Ouachita College has given us something be filled out and returned as soon as possible. different today. I have never known a mor.e For one thing, the number of chaplains allo ,/!1 Time cannot cated to each denomination is decided by this consecrated group of young men and women fi dim the beauty than we have in the Second Baptist Church official census. The figures are also used who are students in this institution. by writers of textbooks, historians, and news of the Bible ... paper men. Each church ought to report as • . . · nor the joy Improvements ought to be made, can be soon as.possible. made, and will be made. We need to work of reading it ... or for these improvements, for it is our institu giving it to others. tion. We need to pray for Ouachita. We WHEN IN DALLAS need to give it our very best thought. We Worship with Ross Avenue Baptist Church need to offer suggestions to Ouachita's board Ross and Moser of directors, to the faculty, to any who are in BOMER B. REYNOLDS, Pastor executive position. It is ours. It is our great est opportunity for cooperative work in the cause of Christ. We get all excited about the REBINDING-BmLES, SONG BOOKS, Foreign Mission field and forget that here is MAGAZINES the very heart of the whole matter. Let's not let the goose that lays the golden egg die. 25 Years' Experience. Write for Prices. Free Information on the Care of Your Bible. Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of Ouachita. Ouachita needs a BIBLE HOSPITAL million. How much will you give? 1715~ Wood Street Dalla4l 1, Teua PAGE NINE imARY 6. 1947
new 16mm. sound motion pictures. They are: "The Woman of Samaria,'' "The Parable of TWENTIETH CENTURY MINISTRY the Sower,'' and "The Nativity." A unique feature of these films is the fact that the sound track contains no spoken word "Keeping up with the times" is as much clergymen, religious organizations and listen except from the text of the King James ver nesessary to Christians in presentation of the ers has testified to its achievement. sion. Where the Scripture is largely narra gospel to the unchurched as to the com Films Also Are Useful tive as in "The Nativity,'' the film is a com mercial manufacturer who must introduce his plet~ visual unit. Where the narrative con product to potential patrons. Less than one year old is the Protestant tent of the Scripture is secondary to its teach Film Commission which embraces 17 denomi ing, as in the "Parable of the Sower," the The ministry of the pulpit must never be nations and 13 inter-denominational agencies most effective use of the film is in connection minimized, but an effort also must be made and boards. Its purpose is to produce its own with an instructional or discussion period. to reach those who do not make their way, of films for distribution to churches, clubs, and Each picture runs approximately 20 min their own accord, to the house of the Lord. schools. It also seeks to stimulate Hollywood Commercial interests long ago grasped the op utes. A small rental fee is charged to enable to take responsibility for the effect its pictures the Bible Society to cover the cost of prints, portunity of all publicity media, but only re have on people's lives. cently has the church' sensed the real oppor promotion and distribution, thus allowing "Movies were once used to teach men to contributed funds to be used for Scripture tunity of radio and motion pictures as effec kill . . Now they will teach them to live,'' said tive avenues of preaching the gospel. distribution. Inquiries should be addressed to Paul F. Heard, executive secretary of the Com the Baptist Book Store. Several announcements of progress in this mlSSion. "The only difference between our films and Hollywood's is that ours will pay ------oo,na------regard have been made the past few weeks, Rev. Orville D. Behm, of Southwestern and they are condensed here: more attention to ethical values. A film with a message is more exciting than a flim with Seminary, Fort worth, Tex., has become asso Bible Story on the Air out one--if it's done with skill and audience ciate pastor and choir director of First Church, appeal. Mena. He is a native of Kansas, a graduate Enthusiastic endorsement by religious lead of Moody Bible Institute, and has studied one ers of many faiths has resulted from the pre Simultaneously with film production, Mr. and one-half years in Southwestern Seminary viewing of a new public service radio program, Heard is writing a column of motion picture working toward his Bachelor of Religious Edu "The Greatest Story Ever Told," which is now criticism. The column is syndicated through cation Degree. He has had experience as pas being heard at 5:30p.m. The story of Abraham, the dramatic record On one occasion, Jesus called attention to the fact that ·~the children of this of a man's unwavering faith in God, is now world are in their generation wiser than the children of light" Luke 15:8. And being heard on NBC's "Light of the World," do we not daily see this illustrated in the fact that the world is employing the radio daytime serial based on the Bible Bring Joy, Relief and Renewed Faith By B. 0. HERRING, President cover on the closed doors a sign Golden Gate Baptist Seminary pointing them to the West where Edwin B. Dozier, Southern Bap the Golden Gate still swings open tist missionary, writing from Appropriately and logically our great seminaries have sought the toward a field of unprecedented Tokyo December 30, acknowledges oppo::-tunity. the food packages being received ti//Jtt( ears of our people as to why many by Japanese Christians in response I merr should have to be turned away At the•opening of the second se to the appeal he made in October. from their doors because of heavY mester on January 6 some twelve "Tell the people that packages Auxiliary to Arkansas Baptist enrollment that more than taxes or fifteen students cast their lot are coming through, although the State Convention prel:'ent equipment. How thankful with us. Six of them are pursuing recipients may not have acknowl we an should be that our facilities their· training under the GI Bill edged them, and foods especially 209 Radio Center are being so completely employed. of Rights. They are: Felix H. are appreciated," Missionary Do Everyone will agree that provision Blackman, Beaumont, Tex.; An zier said. "The packages bring a Little Rock, Arkansa.! shonid be made for the training drew Lewis Davis, Bayard, N. M.; great deal of joy and relief." of every man called to the min Roy L. Howlett, Palm City, Calif.; Starvation is rare now, Dr. Do istry. Joseph H. Provance, Joplin, Mo.; zier reports, but death from mal I come to you now to plead that Rex E. Tutt, Santa Rosa, Calif.; nutrition is very common among lets, ·awards, etc., will be made as you ai Stale Suaday School Cliaic First Baptist Church March 9-16 March 9-16 FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS Sponsored l;>y Religious Education Department and Sunday School Board AN OPPORTUNITY: To master the technique of prepanng for and con DR. T. L. HOLCOMB ducting a Sunday School enlargement campaign. To obtain first hand information about latest methods used to set up and operate every depart ment of Sunday School work. To receive inspiration to do more and bet ter work and to enjoy real Christian fellowship with the South's best workers. THE PLACE: 1. An enlargement campaign will be conducted in First Baptist Church, Fort Smith, beginning Sunday, March 9. Department conferences will be held each night. 2. Classes and conferences for clinid workers will be held every morning, March 10-14, under the leadership of state and Southwide workers. Every phase of modern Sunday School work will be considered. WHO MAY ATTEND: Pastors, educational directors, and secretaries; associational missionaries and Sunday School officers; and all Sunday School officers and teachers. H. E. INGRAHAM WHAT IT WILL COST: Bed, meals and all necessary books will be provided free of charge to enrolled clinic workers. An enrollment fee of $1 will be required of each one accepted for the clinic. HOW TO ENROLL: Send name, address, office held in Sunday School with $1 enrollment fee to Dr. Edgar Williamson, 203 Radio Center, Little Rock, Arkansas. 71lke 1/t/vlllfttlge c( t~iJ Oppc!*tunit~- ~lfl'cll 11cu! J.N.BARNETTE PAGE TWELVE! ARKANSAS BAPTIST "intinction," a method of admin Dr. Walter R. Alexander New Secretary of Relief and Annuity istering both elements of Com munion at once, by dipping the Board Following · Retirement of Dr. Watts, Leader Since 1927 bread in the wine. This procedure is already used by some commtt By R. S. JoNES nicants in Episcopal churches and Associate Secretary has been approved by Episcopal The executive committee of the bishops. Relief and Annuity Board of the "The evidence is that we are Southern Baptist Convention in facing a real risk in keeping the regular session in Dallas on Janu common Communion cup," Dr. ary 28 accepted the resignation of Ruhland said. District health au Dr. Thomas J . Watts and elected thorities have campaigned for Dr. Walter R. Alexander, associate years against saliva-borne infec executive secretary, as the new ex tions, he said, and cited septic ecutive secretary. sore throat and trench mouth as Dr. Watts was elected to this transmissible by saliva. important position in June of 1927. Some Episcopal clergymen de Prior to that he had served two clared that many of their parish years as associate secretary. The ioners prefer to drink from a com Board, under his direction, en mon cup "for reasons of faith." joyed phenomenal growth , and on ---0001--- his retirement different members of the committee expressed their appreciation of the fine service he Jig-ureJ lo JnJpire had rendered, and a committee was appointed to draw up suitable January 26, 1947 resolutions of appreciation for the Dr. W atts Dr. Alexander Church Addns. s.s. T.U. retiring secretary. Arkadelphia, First _ 11 449 191 Camden, First ____ _ 530 118 of the Board as of January 1, 1947, Conway, First 8 447 122 Dr. Alexander came to Dallas him to take the place which has Cullendale, First ____ _ November 1, 1942, ar.1 has served been so ably filled by Dr. Watts. to be $10,909,740.27, an increase of 327 102 $1 ,460,484.18 over the preceding Dyess, Central ---- 5 147 78 the Board more than four years The reports presented to the ex Elaine ------1 141 45 as associate executive. When elect ecutive committee showed contin year. El Dorado Churches: To date, the Widows Supple First ------···------4 841 189 ed an official of the Relief and An ued growth of the Relief and An Immanuel ------8 279 92 nuity Board, he was pastor of the nuity Board. In 1946, 2,541 new mental Annuity Plan has been in Including Mission _ _ ---- 312 First Baptist Church of Florence, certificates were issued under the augurated in twelve states. The Second ------ 494 117 Fordyce, First ------ 353 120 S. C., where he was pastor for 14 several plans fostered by the hope is expressed that by July 1 Fort Smith, First______4 1063 348 years. Dr. Alexander is thorough Board, the greatest number issued of this year this plan will have Hamburg, First ______288 150 ly familiar with the work of the been inaugurated in all the states Hot Springs Churches: any year in the history of the Central ------2 450 114 Board, and the committee felt that Board. of the Southern Baptist Conven Second ------2 482 105 tion. Including Mission_ __ 552 it was indeed fortunate to have Reports also showed total assets Walnut Valley ------101 83 Little Rock Churches: Baptist Tabernacle 1 475 91 you'll be handicapp~d without Gaines Street ------379 240 President Truman Will Accept Baylor Immanuel ------9 1094 314 health." Including Mission ___ 15 1511 588 Plainview ------.... 126 75 Degree in March on Trip to Southwest Bishop Lowe warned against South Highland ______6 274 81 "letting college modernism hit you McGehee, First 2 444 135 The honorary degree that Bay democratic statesman like Mr.-Neff in the wrong spot." Advising stu Including Mlssion.. _ ___ _ 474 Magnolia, Central 378 103 lor University offered to President would be so undemocratic as to re dents to select courses "just a lit Malvern, First ------··--- 6 336 68 Truman in the fall of 1945 will be fuse to hear the majority of the Mena, First ------1 321 . 93 tle harder than you can do," he Monticello, First 4 255 44 claimed by him in March. Mr. great Baptist body of which he is pointed out the church needs that Mount Ida, First______111 66 Truman plans to stop over at Wa a member. characteristic of "reaching out to Norphlet, First ------4 252 125 co, to receive the degree, on a trip do a bit more," in its ministers. Paragould, First ------1 571 241 ---000--- Paris, First ------5 371 157 into Mexico. In· speaking of congregations, Pine Bluff Churches: First ------1 753 188 President Pat M. Neff's invita "Yen for Folks" Bishop Lowe said the young pastor Including Mission.___ _ 828 212 tion to Mr. Truman is 1945 is not always popular with youth Matthew's Memorial __- ____ 126 84 prompted the Texas Baptist Con of the church. He counseled, too, · Oak Grove ------92 62 Candidates for the ministry who Second ------___ _ 248 71 vention to ask Baylor, a Baptist against "falling in love with the South Side ------3 487 146 school, to withhold the degree be lack a "yen for folks" had better young people so that you neglect Including Mission... . ---- 529 not be preachers. This was the ad Rogers, First ------7 336 90 cause of Mr. Truman's "reported the old folks." Springdale, First ------356 162 attitude toward "gambling and vice Bishop Titus Lowe, resident ---10001--- Including Mission ___ --- 437 drinking." bishop of the Indianapolis area of Stuttgart, First ---- _ 297 139 The Methodist Church gave to the Warren Churches: The Rev. W. L. Shuttleworth of Common Cup First ------ 419 76 Oxford Fellowship at DePauw Uni Immanuel ------77 54 Houston, chairman of the conven versity, an organization of stu Episcopalians in Washington, tion's Civic Righteousness Com ---'000'--- dents interested in ministerial ca D. C. have been urged to "aban mittee, protested in 1945 that no reers. don" the practice of drinking from The Alabama Baptist Executive Baptist school should confer a de Board designated Sunday, Febru gree on any man who liked poker "You need a gleam of kindliness a common Communion cup by Dr. and drank bourbon. He said not in your eyes and a genuine love of George c. Ruhland, district health ary 2, as Temperance Day, and even the president "could be a people," he said. officer and nationally-known pub called on every Baptist congrega lic health physician. good Baptist and drink his liquor. tion in the state for a · ~ liberal Intimating that good pastors also Dr. Ruhland said he made his -In Houston last week, Mr. Shut must be "good fellows," Bishop contribution" to the Alabama tleworth said: "The granting of recommendation on the basis of Lowe urged the group to develop sanitary studies concerning saliva Temperance Alliance to be used this degree will not end the con sound bodies and physical vigor. troversy. The principle involved borne infections and declared that for work in connection with the "Some religious men think build the Roman Catholic Church had will not die with the granting of ing a big body is 'all in a pig's eye,' new Legislature, organization of a degree. I am not interested in given up the common cup in the county units, and a "real temper they think the Lord will take care 14th Century because of plagues to whom a degree shall be granted, of that. ance" educational program. Ala but I am interested in whether or and other outbreaks of disease "But the Lord won't," he con which might be traceable to the bama Methodists observed Janu not a great Baptist institution ary 12 as Temperance Sunday should sanction by any action it tinued. "This is the time to develop common cup. a disease-resisting body. No matter He suggested that Episcopal when contributions were made for may take liqqor drinking and pok the proposed ATA program. er playing. I am amazed that a how brilliant a mind you have, clergymen use a procedure called FEBRUARY 6, 1947 PAGe THIRTEEN Crime-Free Record Pastor F. E. Bray A SERIES OF GREAT MEETINGS No juvenile delinquency cases, no divorces, no murders or as Dies in Louisiana The Brotherhood-Royal Ambas saults, and no thefts. ador tour of the eight regions of B That is the four-year record of Rev. F. Ernest Bray, who left kansas was a marked success. R Kenedy County, Texas, it was dis the pastorate of First Church, ttendance was very good, al closed when the 28th Texas Dis Leachville, in 1945 to go to Vi ost overwhelming at some of the 0 trict Court met for its annual ses dalia, La., died suddenly of a heart eetings. Interest was high at ev- T sion. attack January 17. Funeral serv ry place. The Brotherhood De H The only business transacted was ices were held at First Church, artment desires to thank the pas destroying an envelope containing Natchez, La. ors of the host churches for their E grand jurors' names By GLENN H. ASQUITH In Watch11Uln-Examiner "It refuses to budge," com By DAVID HARDY DEEN plained Elder Smith, shaking the In Pastor's Journal door of old First Church. A Page for Youth I am your Family Pew: It was a beautiful Sabbath By I came across the ocean with your forefathers. morning, and the impatient knot Catherine Jordan I have followed the march of peoples wherever they have gone. of worshipers gathered about the I was hewed out of the trees of the forest. front entrance had grown to what not afford a church. I was warmed by the presence of those who would worship the passed for a crowd in that con living God. gregation. "2. I do not intend to go on in I am more than a board- ! am an institution. "But of course it will open," said a lopsided mannex:. Either you come out regularly and fill all the Mr. Jones, strutting forward. "I I have extended my comfort to saint and sinner; I have felt the don't come to church often, but pews, or I refuse to open. You have heart-throbs of those who sought the presence of God. time for everything else you want when I do, I intend to get in." I have had a place in rude hut or log church; I have been made to do. "Really?" drawled a voice which beautiful in the majesty of the sanctuary. "~. I insist on better services. If I have seen the bloodstains of those who fought for liberty. seemed to come from the steeple. I am to give myself, I expect to "Well, you are not going to get in see you give yourselves. Sing in I have made my contribution to the welfare of those who stood today or ever again. I resign." the choir, you who have the tal for truth and righteousness. ;rn amazement, the crowd craned ent. Serve on the committees, you I have been taken to the depths of the cave and into the bomb their necks upward. who have executive ability. Bring cellar. "Who-who said that?" stuttered in new members to keep me happy, I cannot be destroyed as long as men worship...-! am eternal. a frightened voice. you who can't do anything else. I am a connecting link between the home and the world "I did-Old First Church. I re There, those are mild terms. What around; I am the first line of defense. peat, I resign." do you say?" I bring comfort to the lonely. "My Sunday morning nap," "But what do you mean, you re wailed Mr. Jones. Often I have been deserted by men who sought softer seats; sign," questioned the president of "My new fur coat which I have men turn from me at their own peril; if they forget me the Ladies Aid. been saving for when I should have they may lose their own souls. "What did you mean when you kept up my pledge!" moaned Sally I bear my mute testimony when the pastor exhorts. resigned in a huff last year? What Troy. I am your Family Pew- I can be useful only as I am occupied. did Silas Clapham mean when he "And the time, oh, the time this resigned from the Board because is all going to take!" complained he had not the time to give to the the others. work? What did Eliza Till mean Fun and Nonsense ker of Virginia, Minn., believes when she resigned after the every "Well," answered the others, that when he reminds motorists member canvass? They meant they "what choice have we? We just A small boy told his mother that speeding may get them off the were quitting. That's what I mean have to have a church. But we that he was going to be a preach earth sooner ·than over it, he - I quit. One hundred years is shall never be able to call our er when he grew up. She asked should do it politely and har enough." souls our own again." why. moniously. "But why do you want to quit? "Quite right," replied Old First. "I'll have to go to church any When it becomes necessary for Who would take care of you in "You should never have said they how," he said, "and it's lots hard Tony to speak of safety to a driver, your old age?" asked the sexton. were your own in any event. Have er to sit still and listen than it is he doesn't yell, "Hey, you! Pull I not been teaching these hundred to stand up and yell." "Oh, I'll just molder away in over to the curb!" Policeman Tony years that all life is a stewardship? * * peace like my brother, Ebenezer, * motions to them with a smile, and Here goes the door, line up there!" Guide: Why didn't you shoot the hands a card to the offender. It down the road. I've done my part; tiger?" 10'0 years of service to God in this recommends "Sing While You Timid Hunter: "He didn't have Drive," using these tunes: community. You taught me that; Under the Seat? the right expression on his face you know. 'I've done my part,' for a rug." At 45 miles per hour, sing "High said Albert Perkins. 'Five years One of the members of a certain * • • ways Are Happy Ways." I've b e e n superintendent of the church instilled into his family the Four-year-old Jean was looking At 55 miles, sing "I'm But a school'." belief that the collection is a vi curiously at some gooseberries. Stranger Here, Heaven is My "But you are dedicated to God. tally important part of the serv "Auntie," said she, "what funny Home." You have to serve; that's what you ice. Consequently, his little boy, little eggs geese lay!" At 65 miles, sing "Nearer, My are made for!" Thomas, never come to church * .. .. God, to Thee." "Look who's talking! Amos Car without his contribution. Little Emily, aged five, kept At 75 miles, sing "When the penter. Weren't you dedicated to One Sunday, as the elders began watching very intently a man eat Roll Is Called Up Yonder I'll Be God when you were a baby, Amos? to take up the 'collection at the ing corn on the cob at the next There." morning service, Thomas looked Weren't you made to serve God? table in the restaurant. Finally * * * What do you ever do?" along the pew to see if the various she looked up with wondering eyes. Barbara the waiting throngs; likewise also down the drains of waste just as Jesus Feeds Five Thousand the fishes "as much as they it did before the war! woulEl." The Bread of Life And Teaches Spiritual Truth Luke tells us that "they did eat, The closing verse of our lesson and were all filled." So do Mark (John 6.35) interprets for us the By R. PAUL CAUDILL and Matthew. Moreover, there was real character of Jesus: "I am the The feeding of the five thou Sunday School Lesson left of that which remained over bread of life: he that cometh to sand took place during the period For February 9 twelve baskets of broken pieces not me shall not hunger, and he that that marked the special training .John 6:3-14, 35 withstanding that they who ate believeth on me shall never thirst." of the twelve in districts around were "five thousand men besides women and children" (Matthew The mission of Jesus in the I Galilee. There are four separate world was not merely to relieve the withdrawals from Galilee by Jesus and villages round about "and buy 14 :21). physical hunger of mortal bodies. and the incident of today's lesson themselves somewhat to eat." A Lesson in Economy His primary purpose was to seek deals with the first. Luke tells us that the twelve and to save the lost souls of men. Dr. A. T. Robertson lists a num likewise came to Jesus with a sim Jesus did not permit the dis Feed and clothe the body all ye ber of reasons for the withdrawals ilar suggestion: "Send the multi ciples to allow the broken pieces, will, but the body will yet perish from Galilee: the jealousy of Her tude away, that they may go into the left-overs, to go to waste. After at the end of its day. For a man's od Antipas .. . the hostility of the the villages and country round they had eaten He said 1mto His years are three score and ten and Jewish rulers, the hot shores of about, and lodge, and get victuals: disciples, "Gather up the broken we pass that mark of age only by the Lake of Galilee which caused for we are here in a desert place" pieces which remain over, that the grace of God. them to seek the mountain dis (Luke 9:12). nothing be lost. So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets When the soul of man is fed tricts round about for the purpose The reply of Jesus must have of rest . . . and finally the need with broken pieces from the five with the eternal bread of life man been startling to His disciples for barley loaves, which remained un feeds upon that which both satis of an opportunity to instruct the He said unto them, "They have no twelve. If they are to carry on ef to them that had eaten" (John fies the soul and sustains it for- need to go away; give ye them to ever. fectively after he is gone they eat" Thank You, Brethren, for Increased Gifts 11l11Htet/: Many churches are increasing their con tributions for the Cooperative Missionary 15,000 MEMBERS FOR Program. At this writing we have not had ·Ten Great Churches opportunity to check up on the contributions At the end of the year we review in our BAPTIST HONOR CLUB for January and we do not know what thinking and praying the great lovers of The Baptist Honor Club is a large group of , churches and how many churches are in world missions. Naturally we look over the people, clubbed together, each to contribute creasing their contributions, but we know that records to see what our churches have done there are quite a few increases. All of us are through the Cooperative Program. Of course $LOO per month over and above their regular grateful for these forward steps. we publish quarterly the contributions from contributions, to the Baptist State Convention Why not? The opportunities for world mis all the churches, but we usually publish also to help pay the old debts of the Convention sions are the greatest in history. The demands the annual Cooperative Program contribu and its institutions. likewise are greatest. There is more money in tions from 10 of the largest givers in the circulation. More churches are free from lo state. So here are the 10 churches giving the In these three years we have paid approx cal indebtedness and more churches have largest amounts through the Co-operative imately $235,000. The balance needed over a balances in the treasury, and the Cooper ·Program for 1946: period of two years would be approximately ative Program, we believe, is the greatest El Dorado, First ····------$16,301.56 $320,000. channel through which we can promote and Little . Rock, First ------15,0"00.00 accomplish the will of God in Christ Jesus. Of course, anyone can pay more than the Marianna, First------10,257.27 Our State Convention increased its budget dollar per month if he desires. Pay it to your for 1947, and it will be necessary for our Pine Bluff, First ------9,738.33 church treasurer, designated to the Baptist churches to increase their contributions con Little Rock, Second ------9,375.85 Honor Club. Some pay $25, some $50, some siderably if we reach the goal this year; and, Fort Smith, Immanuel ------ 8,846.70 $100, and some pay even more than that. Of beloved, we must reach it. There is too much Fort Smith, First ------ 7,884.65 course, if you have no church relationship, you at stake. Our work must be financed, and Little Rock, Immanuel ------7,800.00 can send the money directly to us. When $100 the Cooperatve Program and Unified Budget Little Rock, Pulaski Heights ____ _ 6,126.30 is given in memory of some departed person, constitute the golden voice that calls us on we print his or her name on a beautiful, ap for the glory of Christ. Benton, First ------6,000.00 propriate certificate which we call the Memor ial Certificate. The giver's name is also in scribed on the certificate which is turned Fine Cooperation Rev. Ralph Glover over to him. Rev. Ralph Glover is available for the pas Let us keep our heads up, repay these obli Among the Churches torate. He resides in Pine Bluff. Brother Glov gations which built up our institutions, and er is a great Gospel preacher. His pastorates save our honor. There are enough Baptists to Eight hundred seventy-seven churches made have been in Malvern, Arkansas; Dodge City, contributions to some phase of our work dur do this, over and above our regular contri Kansas; NeWPort and DeWitt, Arkansas. butions. Write for literature. ing 1946. The churches contributing through Those who have heard him can testify to his the Cooperative Program numbered more than ability to handle the Bible and to present it Send your funds to B. L. Bridges, secretary, ever before. Seven hundred eighty of our in a clear-cut manner, and to preach with 200 Radio Center Bldg., Little Rock. Use the churches made contributions last year through power. handy coupon below: the Cooperative Program. These contributions were absolutely undesignated and were distri butable and were distributed among the causes BAPTIST HONOR CLUB embraced in the Cooperative Program. This . is fine cooperation. CONSCIENCE-FREE-COUNT ON ME We ·still have a goodly number of churches I Want to Help Pay Our Moral Obligations. that have not yet come into the Cooperative Program. Why not make it 100 per cent in Enroll me as checked below: 1947? 0 Member Honor Club, $1.00 a month until debt is paid. 0 Multiple Membership in Honor Club, $·------a month. Mr. and Mrs. Pugh D Memorial Membership, $100 for______Mr. and Mrs. Pugh are leaving the Bottom's Baptist Orphanage.· The Orphanage Board D Cash contribution $------elected another man to be superintendent of the Home. The Convention authorized and My Name______Address.______appealed to the churches for contributions to be used in the erection of a home for Broth Name of ChurcrL.______AssociatiOIL.------er and Mrs. Pugh. Send your love offering to B. L. Bridges at ~ Sign, and hand card to pastor or treasurer who will report to 20"0 Radio Center, Little Rock. All of us who 111-:!lS" B. L. Bridges, ZOO Radio Center, Little Rock, Ark. know the heart power that Brother and Mrs. Pugh have put into the Orphanage will want LETS PAY ALL WE BORROWED to have a part in this love offering. •