THE CHURCH IN TRANSITION TO WHAT?

Shortly before his death, Bro. James D. Bales reviewed Jim Woodroof's book, "The Church in Transition." Bales called his book "The Church in Transition to What?" Bro. Bales was a longtime professor at Harding University and the author of some 85 books and hundreds of articles.  With the skill of a surgeon he analyzes and refutes Woodroof's criticisms of the Lord's Church and exposes the errors of  the changes he proposes.  Several of Woodroof's pillars Bales utterly demolishes: 1). That the Gospels are of greater  value and importance than the rest of the New Testament; 2). That unity is more important than doctrinal correctness; 3). That our brethren have not known, preached or appreciated the grace of God. Several valuable quotes are found in this little book:

• Of the change agents of last century, G. C. Brewer observed, "Instrumental music was, in the beginning of the controversy, a symptom, and not itself the disease...They had lost their passion for restoration..."

• J. W. McGarvey said, "don't ever let anybody persuade you that you can successfully combat error by fellowshipping it and going along with it."

• Ruel Lemmons said, "Unity is fine, but unity at the expense of truth is despicable."

• George Benson,  late president of Harding University, said after reading Woodroof's book, "The author is wrong on so many things that one wonders what else he is wrong on."

This book is a valuable weapon for our battle against the agents of change. Every preacher and elder should read it. Order from the Gospel Advocate, P. O. Box 150, Nashville, TN 37202.