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 Response
to the announcement of the Arlington meeting has shown the
variety of natures in humanity. Many have been "so happy
" something was done; a few have expected immediate
results; a few have felt the meeting "unwise" or
"feared it would compromise truth." All these
show an erroneous conception -- as
though chosen "representatives" met to settle
something for the brotherhood. And nowhere did sectarian concept
show more clearly than in those who took some individual's
report (Spears, Highers, or any other) as though this or that
"party" is now committed to some supposed
"position".
Some
praised the meeting, who have for years refused to sit down and
make a like study with others. And a few, who have considered
the unwillingness of "promoters" to discuss our
differences a thing to be scorned, now scorn those who did meet
to study together. It is a little confusing, and makes one
wonder if they would have liked it better if they had been asked
to speak.
The
fact that the discussion was to some extent private -- although
the proposed publication of material will open the doors to the
public -- seemed to "bug" one or two . I wonder if
they have never gone to a home for quiet Bible study, in an
atmosphere conducive to candor? For those who cite
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Acts 26:26 I cite Gal. 2:2 -- as if
either passage had any bearing on the matter. What fools we
mortals be!
I
went to Arlington because brethren with whom I differed agreed
to discuss those differences openly, freely, frankly. That's
reason enough. I made special preparation, writing a 45-minute
paper on one subject, because I was told this material would be
published -- making the study available to the public. Arlington
had no likeness to the Plains of Ono; for I did not cease my
labors to talk - I continued and enlarged
my labors for the Lord there. I came away with a better
impression of some of my brethren than I had before; and with a
worse impression of some than I had before. Nothing unusual
about that.
If
any of my brethren who differ with me on Bible matters would
like to study with me, privately, publicly, orally, in
correspondence, or in any other way that may help us reach a
better and more scriptural understanding of the issues between
us, I welcome the opportunity. How else can we claim to be
acting as Christians in these matters. Gal. 6:1; Acts 17:11
20:20; 2 Tim. 4:2. I advise all brethren to seriously consider,
"Come, let us reason together!"
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