Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME B, NUMBER 1 — VOLUME 5, NUMBER 23
January 1936 — November 6, 1962

Gospel Guardian

Introduction

The Gospel Guardian was originally started by Foy E. Wallace, Jr. in 1935. Due to various difficulties, publishing ceased for some period of time. However, interest and energies were eventually renewed and publishing resumed under an updated format and name, The Bible Banner. The motivations, history, and desire for the papers are best described in their own words, The Bible Banner - Past Present And Future, when the Bible Banner temporarily converted from a monthly paper to a quarterly.

Despite the hardships that the 1940's saw, The Bible Banner flourished. Eventually, interest peaked such that the monthly journal became a weekly paper. Not only did the format change, but so did the name. The paper resumed its previous name, The Gospel Guardian. The new paper saw editorial responsibilities shift to Fanning Yater Tant, son of J. D. Tant. Roy Cogdil's role as publisher and contributor both solidified and increased respectively. Other well known names faded while more recent names came into focus. In later years, the Gospel Guardian merged with Truth magazine. The combined circulation presented a newly named paper, The Guardian of Truth for several years, which was later renamed back to just Truth Magazine.

Just a brief perusal of the following article titles will alert the astute reader to the fiery and direct approach assumed by these writers. They were unapologetically militant in fighting off false doctrine, because they saw themselves in a spiritual war. They also saw themselves as news journalists, exposing the secret heresies taught privately by well known brethren. Both of these directives flavored their writings such that they are all but unpalatable to today's civilized, modern man. The squeamish reader need not proceed. However, the sincere lover of truth will find rich, meaty morsels that exist nowhere else, save the original Source.

Times were different back then. People were not only open to debate, but they expected it. Experienced preachers participated in hundreds of debates over their lifetimes. Furthermore, blatant and stubborn dishonesty was all too common. Consequently, dealings with false teachers often required a firm hand and a sharp tongue, which placed immense responsibility on the backs of the preachers and the students to maintain Christ and His Word as their central concerns. These times forged spiritual giants. The analysis and arguments presented have withstood countless assaults. However, these times also cut deep lines of division and set up traps for future generations. Discretion is strongly encouraged upon the reader who is consumed by the greatness exemplified here and seeks to emulate these men without reflection. J. D. Tant, Texas Preacher is recommend reading for any amateur historian, who would like to better understand the times that fashioned these men and their preaching styles.

Although some readers may question the methods or motives of these writers, few can effectively dispute their accuracy, and no one can deny their boldness. Their example of courage is a lesson to us all.

"Test all things; hold fast what is good." (I Thessalonians 5:21)

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