Vol.III No.VI Pg.8
July 1966

Stuff About Things

Robert F. Turner

The gristly old Texas Ranger sat Patiently, tolerantly; chewing his tobacco and waiting while the doctor bound a gunshot wound.

"Three against one!" someone said, "and yet you walked right into their guns and took them all. How could you do such a thing?"

The reply was one part philosophy and many parts faith. "Ain't nobody in the wrong can stand again a man in the right, that keeps on a-comin'!"

PLAIN TALK hasn't "gone western" -- we just like the slant of this thing. The first step is to be "right." Many fears and frustrations are but proofs that we lack conviction -- perhaps suspect that we are wrong. Not all who ignore our invitation to discuss Bible differences are cowards; some are without ammunition.

Bro. Foy E. Wallace, Jr. used to say certain brethren did not debate for the same reason a muley refuses to "hook horns." (For the sake of our city folk, that reason is "no horns.") People who are "right" -- or have conscientious convictions that they have Bible authority for their practices -- are usually happy to discuss issues.

Being right in religion means to conform to the truth of God -- to have divine authority for our faith and practice. It presupposes an attitude all too rare, even among brethren; a desire to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good." This attitude welcomes investigation and assures a fair, objective consideration of all pertinent information.

In brief, it puts into practice, among brethren, the thing we frequently criticize the denominations for not doing. Physician, heal thyself!!

"That keeps on a-comin'!" After all, God is a majority. If God be for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31) The confidence of the faithful is not dependent upon numbers, fine buildings, or other status symbols. opposition is taken in stride - and they "keep on a-comin"' because they place their trust in God, not in man. "The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal: The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (2 Tim. 2:19)

Those faithful to God will triumph; often in this life, always in eternity. All others must "go that-a-way!"