Miscellaneous
When one has not written for a while, he can best bring himself and his readers up to date by engaging in a little miscellany, which Webster defines as "a collection of writings on various subjects."
A Blessed Event
Yes, a blessed event took place at our house a few months ago. We have three children, and this event affected them favorably. It has also brought certain blessings to my wife and me. We never realized how much this event could transform our lives. We have more time for one another, have been reading good literature more, and are even able to enjoy the relaxing qualities of good music. We even have more company, and enjoy visiting our friends more than previously. This event has even helped us financially.
No, we didn't have another baby, but we still consider the event a blessed one. Our television set quit performing. Even when it was working, we tried faithfully to select programs that would not affect our children adversely. We tried not to let it rob us of time. Many times we have turned it off in the middle of a program to visit, eat, pray, or read the Bible. But with all our efforts, we now realize it was more influential than we gave it credit for being.
I'm not saying that we will never own another TV. But I will say that we are enjoying the peace and quiet produced by its absence. We know that we can get along without it, and plan to do so for some time. But if and when we do purchase another set, I believe that we will be in better position to know its merits and demerits. Why not disconnect yours for a few days, and try it? Or, if it quits playing, don't run right out and have it repaired, or buy a new one. Prove to yourself that you can do without it for awhile. Try it, and as they used to say on that TV commercial, "You'll be glad you did!"
The "Anti's" Are Organizing
You've heard of people that call others "Anti's." This means that you are opposed to what the other fellow would like you to approve. I have always thought that all of us are "anti" something, or should be. If you know of someone who isn't, don't even introduce me. I don't want to meet the jellyfish!
You have heard too that the "Anti's" are opposed to organization. I generally find that those who are designated such are opposed to human organizations do the work God told the church to do, but are for the divinely organized body of Christ. I suppose you could also call them "Pro's" too, if you just have to call them something.
But, I know of a bunch of "Anti's" who have started a human organization, and are engaged in "charitable" work. They have been sending me literature, and pestering me for donations. They admit they are "Anti's," for the name of the organization is "ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS LEAGUE OF SUMMIT COUNTY." Come to think of it, I'm agin it too! Enough said.
Those Negative Propositions
J. B. Briney Would Not Debate The Music And Society Questions Until Brother Otey Had Agreed To Affirm A Negative Proposition. In Other Words, Briney Would Not Affirm His Own Practice. But, No Sooner Had The Debate Begun, Than Briney Began To Take Advantage Of The Unfair Position In Which He Had Placed Brother Otey. (Otey - Briney Debate, P. 26, 30). But, We Are Glad That Brother Otey Was Equal To The Occasion, And Was Able To Vindicate Truth And Pinpoint Error.
We have seen brethren pursue the same course that Briney did, by refusing to affirm their practice, and trying to place their opponent in the uncomfortable position of having to affirm a negative proposition. They then take the position that because they are in the negative, they don't have to do anything or prove anything. I think it is high time we began making people affirm what they believe and practice. If one believes in instrumental music in worship and missionary societies, he should affirm their scripturalness. On the other hand, if one believes that singing is the only authorized music in worship, and that the church is sufficient to do its own missionary work, he should be willing to affirm that.
Yet, even some brethren refuse to affirm their own practices, and thereby become guilty of the very thing for which they have condemned the "Christian Church." Why should brethren feel that they are immune to the same logic and fairness that they demand of others? Many issues could be clarified, and brethren would be informed, if we would follow this logical course, and begin insisting that each affirm his own practice. Or, as brother Inman, present editor of Bible Herald so ably stated it when he was editor of For Your Soul, "Now it is very evident that no one can logically affirm a negative." (May 1, 1946, p.2)