 J. W. McGARVEY; A LESSON FOR US
Of the millions who have lived upon the earth only a few have so impressed their fellow citizens that they still command a hearing eighty-five years after their death. John William McGarvey is one of that minority whose teaching and influence have survived his passing. Today, most of his many books are yet in circulation and eagerly sought for. His original Commentary on Acts has proven the most enduring volume produced by a member of the
Restoration Movement. His book on The Eldership has had a lasting effect on the brotherhood's understanding of church government. His writings defending the Christian faith against the assaults of skeptical modernists have inoculated large numbers of our preachers against their destructive error. His work in this field is preserved in four excellent volumes: Biblical Criticism, Evidences of Christianity, The Authorship of Deuteronomy and Jesus and Jonah. His book of Sermons occupies a prominent place in the library of many of our gospel preachers. Through his work in the College of the Bible at Lexington, Kentucky, Bro. McGarvey established a pattern for ministerial training and a standard of excellence that still is recognized in some of our Christian colleges and most of our schools of preaching. Great as he was, J. W. McGarvey was not perfect in every decision and action in his long career. When the brotherhood was wracked and torn over the innovations of instrumental music in worship and missionary societies to do the Lord's work, he tried to stand between the two opposing sides. He strongly opposed instrumental music in worship but worked with enthusiasm for the missionary societies of his day. This position, held by several of his co-laborers at the College of the Bible, placed them in an awkward position.
They were too conservative for the dominant liberal element in the church led by Isaac Errett, editor of the Christian Standard and J. H. Garrison, editor of the Christian Evangelist, and too liberal for the conservative brethren associated with David Lipscomb and the Gospel Advocate. For some 30 years McGarvey was associated with the Broadway Church in
Lexington, Kentucky. Eleven years he served as her minister, the rest as one of her elders. When the other elders and Mark Collis, the minister, announced their intent to poll the congregation regarding the introduction of an organ, he immediately resigned. He and his wife placed their membership with the Chestnut Street congregation where they could worship in good conscience. After many years of outspoken opposition to instrumental music in worship, he grew silent on the matter. When asked why, he acknowledged that he had concluded it was a losing battle and had elected to pursue other matters. His last years of literary work were spent with the Christian Standard, associated with the very men he had earlier opposed. I share this bit of information about Bro. McGarvey because we have many men in our ranks today who like him are weary of the struggle against encroaching liberalism and have allowed their tongues and pens to become silent. Brethren if you want the crown of life, you must be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10). Don't let this brother's biography be yours. JHW | 
