During the Florida College lectures in February, Connie called me to his motel room to tell me about the offer that the Guardian of Truth Foundation had made to buy Searching the Scriptures and put it to rest. I was surprised at first, but saw rather quickly that this would remove part of Connie’s pressing work load. Though he had not decided whether to accept their offer or not, I knew that’s what he would do.
Since that day I have thought many times about the paper, its beginning, its reputation, its editors, its writers, its policy, it accomplishments and those who have worked behind the scenes. In this final issue of STS I want to share with you some of those things that come to mind when I think about Searching the Scriptures.
Launching a major journal is no easy task. Anyone can start a paper, but its another thing to get one off the ground and keep it going for many years. It takes a lot of work, a lot of time, a lot of wisdom and a lot of money.
H. E. Phillips gave all of that and more to starting and publishing Searching the Scriptures from 1960 until 1973.
He and James P. Miller worked as co-editors in the early years of the paper. Someone rightfully gave Miller the title of “Mr. Outside” and Phillips the name “Mr.Inside. ” Brother Miller worked among the brethren across the country to help build and circulate the paper while brother Phillips did the desk work of writing,editing, proofing and putting the paper together.
H. E. Phillips sacrificed much for this paper. He spent many hours behind the typewriter or at the desk – all in addition to his local work. He worked until late in the night after spending a full day doing his local work. He has told me that there were many nights he would work all night long and then get a shower, eat breakfast and go at it again. Many readers may not realize that he started a bookstore, a tape business and produced the Living Voice Bible tapes (he directed the recording of the entire New Testament by a Shakespearean actor)all in an effort to have money to keep Searching The Scriptures going. He borrowed money (at times against his life insurance policy) to keep STS in the hands of his readers. Many of the readers in the early years of the paper received the paper because brother Phillips was paying for it himself. Not only that, but he sacrificed his health. After two heart attacks(1967 & 1971) his doctors and family urged that he reduce his workload.
Under the editorship of H. E. Phillips this paper enjoyed a large circulation, a good reputation and was respected as a paper that was set for the defense of the gospel.
Since the day he turned this work over to Connie W.Adams, he has faithfully contributed articles for practically every issue.
H. E. Phillips has been a friend and encouragement to many preachers, particularly young preachers, including this writer.
Thanks, brother Phillips. Without you thousands of readers would not have enjoyed Searching the Scriptures every month.
Connie W. Adams became editor and owner of Searching the Scriptures in May 1973. He had carried the paper on the same steady path on which James P. Miller and H. E. Phillips placed it.
On numerous occasions Connie has expressed to me his view of what the paper was to him. He viewed it as a mere extension of his influence. He stated this in the May 1973 issue. “Then why do it? Every preacher wants to influence as many souls for good as he possibly can in his lifetime. Writing through such a medium as this affords such opportunity not only to teach truth now,but to put it in permanent form so that it may chance to have effect on generations to come…. This work is viewed as an opportunity to advance truth, as a challenge and as a fearful responsibility. ” Connie has never thought of this work as being a spokesman for the brotherhood. He never has viewed his editor’s chair as a lofty throne. In fact, having worked closely with him for a while, I know the editor’s chair is anything but that. At times it is a real hot seat.
Connie has sacrificed much as well. Other than his family, I have seen as much as any one what Connie has given to this paper. He has edited the paper longer than brother Phillips did. For nearly 20 years he has met two deadlines a month. First he had his editorial and news column to write and proof all the articles for the next month’s issue by the first of the previous month. Then on the fifteenth of the month he received the typeset galleys from the printing plant and had a “paste-up” to do and then proofread the paste-up. All of that is just getting the paper in the mail. Daily there are incoming renewals that have to be posted in the books. Though he hired someone to do his office work on the paper he had the responsibility of overseeing that the bills were mailed by the 20th and the mailing list updated by the25th of each month. Besides all of that, an editor receives a ton of mail. (I know -1 have picked his mail up when he was out of town. )
In addition to all of the time he has put into the paper,he has worked hard keeping the paper operating on abusiness basis. He, like brother Phillips, has sacrificed his health in the process. When he first got the paper he had it printed in Berne, Indiana which is about a four to five hour drive from Louisville. He would drive there every month to pick the papers up and brought them home to address and mail them. Hauling and lifting boxes upon boxes of paper wore out his station wagon,but worse, it wore out his back. In recent years he has had back surgery twice. He believes his problems go back to lifting all those papers.
I first met Connie in 1980 shortly after I moved to Louisville to work with the Manslick Road congregation. We soon developed a warm friendship. We have much in common. Our views on many questions and issues of the day are much alike. How we approached things are very similar. Besides our common love for the Lord and his word, we have a common interest in journalism and particularly Searching The Scriptures. Yet, there are many things that we don’t have in common: He likes basketball (a diehard Kentucky fan); I don’t care for sports at all. He can play a guitar or mandolin; I can’t play anything. Children make him nervous; they don’t bother me. I can do a few handy-man things; he can’t drive a nail. But, we still have a lot in common.
When Bobbie (Connie’s first wife) got sick, Joan (my wife) and I offered to help with the paper if needed. Within a week or two of that offer, Connie had put Joan to work. This began what has continued to be a close working relationship on the paper.
In December 1985 Connie came back to work with us at Manslick Road. While I did the local work, he taught special classes during December, January, and February. From March to November he was in full-time meeting work. We had an excellent working relationship. We never had a cross word one time. Some preachers may have trouble working together, but we never did. Having him in the audience was never an occasion for criticism. He always encouraged. He has an ability to deal with younger men as equals -at least he did with me. I learned much and still do from our association and friendship. When I left Manslick Road, I summed up our relationship by saying, “He is my Paul, and I am his Timothy. ”
I love Connie dearly and rejoice to know that his workload will be lighter. Connie is a “work-horse” who needs to slow down a little. If he did not, his usefulness in the kingdom would be shortened. May God bless you Connie with many more years of effectiveness in his service.
The policy of the paper is one reason it has been well respected. Though there has been no written policy, it has been to be fair and teach the truth found in the Bible. Three things come to mind about the paper’s policy. (1) Balance. There has been a good balance of milk and meat, positive and negative, controversial and non controversial and reproof and exhortation. The paper has never been top-heavy with one subject. It has never run any subject or issue in the ground. (2) Fair. While no topic has been ridden until it was wore out, the editors have given every topic and issue a fair hearing. There has been no closed-door policy that would not allow a response. (3) Exchanges had a limit. Exchanges and debates have been allowed in these pages. However,there was always a limit to how many articles there would be. The exchanges did not continue until the readers became weary.
Some papers develop an ugly name and carry a bad smell about them. But, not Searching the Scriptures. It has not been a one-issue paper. Personal axes have not been ground. It has been held as a paper of respect and dignity. I believe it was Jeff Kingry who told Connie afew years ago that if he had to draw a caricature of Searching the Scriptures he would put a coat and tie on it. That suggests dignity and honor. That kind of reputation makes me proud to be a part of the paper.
Literally thousands have been taught and edified. Many have been led out of institutionalism. One such example is Mike Baggett of Water Valley, MS. He was working with a liberal congregation. One of the members was receiving STS and passing the copies on to Mike. It was here that Mike was challenged to think about the doctrines and practices of liberal churches. He then studied his way out and took his stand. The good reaches far beyond the United States. Brethren in Italy and in the Philippines have been helped more than most readers realize. Every major issue to arise among brethren since 1960 has been addressed in these pages.
The readers of any paper do not see what all it takes to get a paper in the mail and keep it going. Connie has not been able to do all this himself. Several have worked hard keeping the mailing list updated, keeping bills paid and mailing the monthly statements. There is a lot more to it than might appear. Bobbie Adams did all of this before STS had a computer, before the printing plant did the mailing and when every bill had to be typed individually. Then Joan Rader worked for a while after Bobbie’s death doing the same work the same way. Then Bobby Adams helped get all the bills and mailing list on computer and has done a lot of work on the paper in addition to those Connie has hired. When Joan had to quit, Jane Ashbrook (wife of Lee Ashbrook, an elder at Manslick Rd. and daughter of the late A. C. Grider)worked a few years. After Jane quit to help see to her mother, Karen Arbuckle has carried the load until now.
Without the work of these godly ladies, you would not have received your copy of STS every month.
I am saddened to see STS come to an end. But, that eventually happens to papers. As the years go on others will start and cease as well. For the time, we give our honor to this paper it’s editors for a job well done.
]]>I had been a reader of Searching the Scriptures many years before Connie and I were married and had always loved and appreciated its’ stand for truth. However,after I came to work in the office seven years ago, my interest increased considerably. As I worked with subscriptions, I came to think of each of you readers as friends. It was delightful to be able to meet some of you in our gospel meetings or at lectures. The subs then had faces. I will miss each of you. I have enjoyed working with Joan Rader, Jane Ashbrook and Karen Arbuckle these past seven years. A grateful “thanks” to each.
So it is with mixed emotions that I view the closing of the paper. The very thought brings me to tears because I know the deep love Connie has for it. I have seen him agonize over various issues, always desiring, first and foremost, that God be pleased with his decisions. I have seen him fearful that he was not giving his very best to both his readers and to his preaching. So it will be somewhat a relief to have the deadlines removed so he can devote all of his time to his first love, preaching the Word, (and perhaps seeing our children and grandchildren a little more often).
]]>Dear Dad:
I just want you to know that the assignment you have given me is one of the toughest I have ever undertaken(although I imagine that everyone else writing in this final issue shares those same sentiments). It’s hard to be objective when you’re so emotionally involved. I’ll do my best.
Before I say anything else I want to express my deepest appreciation for your confidence in me with regard to the Paper; a confidence that was expressed early on. While other kids were getting their first jobs flipping burgers or bagging groceries, I was a part-time employee of a religious journal. It was back in the dark ages (before computers) that Mom and I would address,bag and mail the paper out of that little hole-in-the-wall office complex you rented next to the Beauty Shop in what was (and still is) the largest strip mall in Brooks,Kentucky (which isn’t saying a whole lot!) And then there were all the trips we made together to Northern Indiana to pick up the Paper. Hey, remember the time my tennis shoes got too close to the heat vent on that old VW and we kept smelling smoke? That was on one of those trips…. We had a lot of laughs, good talks and great times. In its own way, Searching The Scriptures provided us with some quality and quantity family time. Thanks for the memories.
In April 19801 took on the job of compiling and editing the news column. It was then I learned the fine art of condensation (which is another way of saying I took a red pen to a lot of excess verbiage). That lasted until January of 1984 when, because of time restraints, I asked to be relieved.
Most of all I’ve appreciated the opportunity to write and express my thoughts to a larger audience than otherwise would have been possible. It’s been an honor,Dad, and I want you to know that. I’m very sorry that I haven’t been able to write anything for the last couple of years but, as you know, I made the decision to focus all my energies on my family and my local work. It was a decision I do not regret. And it made me feel good to know that you understood. However, I will tell you this,with the encouragement of a wonderful wife and three great kids, I will begin to write again whenever opportunities are present. (Some things just stay in your blood!)
Searching the Scriptures has long enjoyed a good reputation among a lot of brethren. Its soundness has never been questioned. Its fairness has been one of its trademarks. Words like “balance, ” “even-handed, ” and”reasonable” have often been used when others describe the Paper. I have never heard STS spoken of in the same derogatory spirit as some of the other papers. I think that says something. I think that says a lot.
In my opinion your editorials have been some of the best material available the last twenty years. Your ability to take a difficult subject or controversy and simplify it for the common man has helped make Searching the Scriptures what it is. Frankly, there are times I read after some writers and wonder if I’m the only fellow who can’t understand what they are talking about. I doubt it.
I read again Solomon’s words in Ecc. 12: 9 where he noted that he carefully “pondered, ” “searched out, ” and”arranged” the words he wanted to use. I know you can identify with that task. Every writer can. And the reason it is so important to find just the right words when writing is given in the next verse – “The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly. ” I believe Solomon is saying that a preacher’s job (whether communicating orally or in written form) is to use words that are easy to grasp and readily applied. Words that cannot be understood are not “delightful” words. Thanks for speaking clearly,Dad. Thanks for your diligence in presenting the truth correctly. Thanks for writing to say something rather than just finding something to say. And thanks for the warmth and humor you have added and allowed others to add in this paper. It’s one thing to present the truth. It’s another to present the truth with a human touch. There are several men who seemingly don’t know how to do that.
What I’m trying to say is that I believe you have done an excellent job with a very difficult assignment. Anyone who thinks editing a paper is an easy job has obviously never done it. It takes a lot of patience, it takes a lot of wisdom, and it eventually takes its toll. Solomon was right when he warned, “the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. ” The same can be said for editing a paper.
I’ve noticed that what had been your labor of love for so long had become a labor of hardship. The time restraints, deadlines and work that went into STS became mentally and physically draining. The enthusiasm was gone. Maybe I’m off base with this observation but I felt you lost some of the spark for the Paper when Mom died. Sometimes I felt like Searching the Scriptures was as much a part of her as it was a part of you. And although the Paper has continued on since her death it has never been quite the same.
I have hoped for some time that you would let STS die rather than passing it on to another. Obviously, I made it clear that I didn’t want the pressures that accompanied the job. (I think a lot of people assumed you would eventually hand it down to me. They were wrong. Searching the Scriptures is not a family heirloom. You never offered it and I never wanted it). I have also made my feelings clear that it should not be given to anyone else. For one reason, you would always feel the weight of responsibility for everything that would happen in the future. I know you. I know, because in many ways,I’m just like you. (Now there is a scary thought!)
I’m glad you have decided to let it die. Searching the Scriptures comes to an end at a time when it has a good name and has meant so much to so many. The timing is right.
And… it wouldn’t hurt you to cut back a little. (I’m treading softly here… ) I know that you will always be on the go as long as you live. Your preaching is much needed in meeting work where bland mediocrity has often taken the place of emotional exhortation. Your writing will continue to have an impact through your relation with Guardian of Truth. (I look for you to bring to that paper the same balance, simplicity and warmth that has been a trademark of STS). Your contribution will only enhance and help G. O. T. But it will be good for you to climb out from under some of the energy draining pressures and time-consuming demands that go with the editor’s chair. And you know, Dad, there are five precious grand-kids that think you’re the best thing to come along since micro-wave popcorn. Maybe now you’ll have the time to stay an extra day or spend an extra moment with them. That’s certainly no criticism of the past. It’s just a fact that you had to meet the deadlines of the Paper. We all knew that and appreciated the way that you faithfully honored your commitments. But sometimes its good to experience a change of scenery and gain a fresh direction. Enjoy.
I hope I haven’t rambled too much. I love you, Dad,and want only what is best for you. You have asked for my opinion and I’ve given it the best I know how. I think you have made a wise decision. Others may not agree but, then again, its not their decision. Thanks for allowing me to have a part for all these years. Thanks for your constant love and encouragement. And a special thanks for always being there when I needed you. May God bless you and Bobby in the days ahead with good health, warm memories and many years of productivity in His service.
In appreciation for a job well done, Wilson
]]>In May, 1973 Ed Byers and I brought the physical properties of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES to Louisville in a U-Haul trailer. As we pulled out of the driveway of the residence of H. E. Phillips, both he and his dear wife, Polly, stood in the doorway weeping. We were both too choked with emotion to say anything for a longtime. I wondered then how I would feel if I were bidding farewell to what had become such a vital part of his life. And now I know! As I write this last editorial for this paper, which ends thirty-three years of service to our readers, my mind is filled with memories and my heart is full to overflowing.
H. E. Phillips has given a history of this paper from its inception. My own involvement with it began with a gentlemen’s agreement sometime in the mid-1960′s when H. E. Phillips promised me that should it become necessary for him to give up his work on the paper, I would be given the opportunity to continue that work. The time came sooner than either of us expected. After major health problems brought pressure upon him from his doctors and family, he called me during the Florida College lectures in January, 1973. I went to his house where I found him struggling with the flu. He told me he could not go on with the paper and asked if I would take it and publish it. Over the years he had borrowed from his insurance to pay printing bills and that had accumulated to just under $10, 000. We made arrangements to retire that amount over the first three years of our ownership of the paper. That freed his insurance. That was just one sample of the many sacrifices the Phillips’s made in publishing this paper.
It was not the best time for us to begin this work. We had agreed to go with a new work which was a peaceful "swarm" from the Manslick Road church in Louisville and we had to borrow money to build a house. At first it seemed impossible to do all that and take on the work of the paper. But my wife encouraged me to do it and offered to help in every way she could. She gave up her teaching job and took on the business operation of the paper.
With her faithful help and the continued work of the brethren who were writing, plus the support of readers we were able to keep it going.
In the May, 1973 issue, I wrote the following:
Those of us who write shall attempt to be clear, concise, candid and always scriptural. When differences arise, as surely they will, we will do our best to practice the Golden Rule. The editor does not expect to agree with every sentiment expressed by every writer on every subject. Each one bears responsibility for what he says. Divergent views will be given a hearing when offered in proper form and in good taste. We shall reserve the right to decide when enough has been said on a subject and to choose what is thought to be the most representative material on a topic on which several have offered articles. We are aware that our writings constitute a part of our preaching and that we shall be called to account for what we teach. Our highest ambition is to please God. We do not expect everybody to like everything we have to say and sincerely hope that the Devil and all his angels will be sorely displeased.
At the close of that article we quoted the following from Ben Franklin as he began editing THE CHRISTIAN REVIEW: " This work is fully under our own control, and if it does not proceed with regularity, firmness and stability, the responsibility is OURS.
We owe a debt of gratitude to so many people. First, the writers who have contributed so generously of their time and knowledge to benefit our readers deserve a special word of thanks. Over the years, several writers have left to publish papers of their own. Special notices given to the 25 years of service from Marshall E. Patton who during that span of time wrote our question column, Answers For Our Hope. The first twenty years of that column are now in a hardback book by that same title. It is a storehouse of rich help for Bible students and will remain a valuable tool as the years go by.
This work could not have been done without the patience and loving help of my family. The business work of the paper was ably handled by my wife, Bobbie, until about two weeks before her death in March, 1985.Our Wilson and Martin deserve a special word of appreciation. They helped in many ways to collate bound volumes, sort for mailing and other mundane chores. Wilson handled the news column for awhile and contributed many articles. Beyond that they endured the many demands on my time which often kept me from doing things with them. I do not recall ever hearing them complain, but I am sure there were times when they were tempted to view the paper as a rival for their father’s time and attention.
We have been blessed with good office personnel. Fay King and Nola Snell helped in the early days. Joan Rader (and Donnie) came to our rescue when it became evident that Bobbie’s time was growing short. Without them, we could not have kept the paper on schedule. When I married Bobby Hughes in March, 1986, she handled the business office until Jane Ashbrook came to work for us. This freed Bobby’s time so she could travel with me in gospel meetings. Jane worked faithfully withus until after her father, A. C. Grider, died and then resigned to help take care of her mother. Karen Arbuckle then came to work for us and continues through this final issue. Her work has been diligent and efficient.
From the beginning of our ownership of the paper, RELIGIOUS SUPPLY CENTER of Louisville has advertised in the paper. Our relationship with David Key and all those who work at the bookstore has been most pleasant. Their advertising with us enlarged their business and provided us with needed funds to keep the paper going. They are a major supply house for books, tracts, and general church supplies.
Through the years, H. E. Phillips has been a loyal friend and trusted adviser. He has never tried to second-guess me but has always been ready to listen and offer counsel when I have called upon him, and that has been often. It has been an honor to have his material on the front page of the paper. I am thankful that the relief he gained from turning over the paper to me has lengthened his days of faithful service to the Lord. Among my fondest memories are moments HE. Phillips and I have prayed together. There was the time when we met in Atlanta to finalize the business transactions of the paper. Then in a private corner at Kennedy Airport in New York before boarding a plane to Italy in 1976 to preach among brethren there, we besought the Lord for his protection over us and our families left behind. His prayer at the funeral home the day Bobbie was laid to rest helped give me strength for that day. Again, we prayed together when I met with him to seek his advice about laying this paper to rest and accepting the offer to write and work with the GUARDIAN OF TRUTH. Our association has been long and pleasant, but those moments were the most poignant of all.
Where do I begin to express my love and gratitude to Donnie V. Rader? Over the last few years he has come to my aid countless times. He had edited the paper through the summer for the last three years, including the special issues which enjoyed a wide circulation and brought forth so many words of appreciation from those into whose hands they have fallen. Then when back surgery hampered me again, Donnie extended his editorial work until the first of this year. He has continued through this year to do all the paste-up work. We have consulted many times about many things. He is an excellent preacher of the gospel, deeply committed tithe truth and possessed of a considerate spirit which makes him all the more helpful to his hearers. The kingdom needs many more like him. He is like a son tome. The readers of this paper need to understand that without the faithful help of this good brother, we could not have met our schedule and would have found it necessary to close the paper much sooner. Donnie, keep you pen sharp, and continue to use your talent in both preaching and writing.
I am indebted to Bobby for her quiet support of all my work, including this paper. She is a devout Christian and a wise counselor whose input has been invaluable in all my work, including the editorship of SEARCHINGTHE SCRIPTURES. She has had a keen sense of the importance of this work.
Thanks are in order to Mike Willis and all those connected with GUARDIAN OF TRUTH for their generosity in satisfying the unfulfilled subscriptions with their excellent magazine and for working so thoughtfully and carefully in making this transition. The opportunity to write again in that magazine is appreciated and it is hoped that our readers will want to follow what we have to offer through that medium.
It is difficult to assess objectively what has been accomplished through this periodical. I am convinced that it played a significant role in the second wave of the conflict over the nature, organization and work of the church. Many are standing for the truth today because of these efforts. Others were encouraged who had endured much suffering in the jarring conflicts surrounding those issues.
But what of the last nineteen and a half years? We have tried to teach truth and oppose error on those questions while addressing a wide range of subject matter which, in our judgment, was needed by our readers. We have striven for balance. Every month when the paste-up was done, we have gone through the paper one more time to see how many different subjects were touched in that one issue. We have had our share of controversy. Some blunders in judgment have been made. But we have honestly tried to do what appeared at the time to be the wisest course of action. It has been impossible to please everyone and no attempt has been made to do that.
Over the years we have heard from many readers who have written, called or spoken to us during our travels to preach who have thanked us for our work and told us of something we printed which was especially helpful to them. We have received many letters from other countries from preachers who told us they have used many articles from SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES for sermon and class material. Our writers have heard from so many readers over the years. In 1975 in the Philippines I met two different men who told me that they had been denominational preachers and that they began learning the truth which led to their conversion from a copy of a special issue we did on "An Unchanging Kingdom in a Changing World. "
If we have helped one soul to learn the truth and obey the gospel, if we have strengthened one Christian, if we have stabilized one soul on the brink of apostasy, if we have lifted up one despondent spirit, if we have illuminated one Bible student on some difficult passage, if we have promoted greater zeal and interest in the work of the gospel around the world, then these 33 years have-not been in vain.
So then, with a heart filled with emotions, and with gentle hands, we commit SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES to the archives of history. "And now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified" (Acts 20: 32). "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, be with you all. Amen(Rev. 22: 21).
original post Dec. 1992
]]>Where shall man find peace, happiness and security in this life? “There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God” (Eccl. 2: 24).
Our years are as a tale told (Psalm 90: 9), as a shadow (Eccl. 6: 12), as a dream (Job 20: 8), as the grass that fades away (Psalm 103: 15, 16; 1 Peter 1:24) and as vapor that vanishes after a little while(James 4: 14). This reality every person must encounter sooner or later.
Brother Adams asked me to write a brief historic review of my work with Searching The Scriptures, the purpose toward which we labored and the policy that governed the editorial work. Many things will have to remain unsaid because of the limitation of space. I am happy to record some of the highlights in the history of this paper as they appear to me.
With sadness and nostalgic reflection I begin to write what is to be my final article for Searching The Scriptures. Recollections of the early history of this journal and those associated with it stir my emotions to gratitude and to some measure of melancholy as I appraise the opportunities the grace of God has granted to us.
When the first issue of Searching The Scriptures was published on January, 1960, 1 did not think about how long it would live. That never entered my mind. I was concerned about how effective it would be in accomplishing the goal James P. Miller and I had for this effort.
Those who knew James P. Miller and heard him preach will remember the above phrase. It was his usual beginning of his sermon. The history of Searching The Scriptures cannot be told without including James P. Miller. His work, advice and encouragement were invaluable from the beginning. A more detailed account of our relationship is found in Searching The Scriptures, March 1978, Page 41. Jim Miller gave his appraisal of our relationship in his editorial of May,1967, pages 257, 258.
The Florida Newsletter in 1958, which became the Southeastern Newsletter in 1959, was the beginning of Searching The Scriptures. (More details about this in STS, May, 1973, pages 259, 260). I was grateful to God for this medium through which His word could be taught. My interest in and love for the paper have continued throughout its existence. The experience as editor has taught me lessons that I shall remember all of my life.
When a man puts his mind in print and sends it out into the world, it lives for many generations; it cannot be retrieved. It is like throwing a basket of feathers into a wind storm; you will never gather all the feathers together again. A man should make sure his heart is right with God, his motives are pure and his words are carefully chosen to speak only the truth of God’s word.
In the editorial of April, 1960 issue we said: “When one takes his pen in hand, as we usually express it, to write something for the present and future generations, he should fully realize that he is about to declare what kind of man he is and what his ambitions and goals are. This fact alone should make one approach the task with a clear mind and a careful expression. So many writers, as well as speakers, express themselves without first taking into account the results of their statements: the good or evil that will follow. ” I have always been more concerned about what God reads of my heart and attitude than what men will say.
We received much opposition, some even antagonistic and baleful, but there were also many good menand women: preachers, elders and deacons, their wives and faithful brethren who gave encouragement and help in many ways during those early days. Some of those good people have since laid aside the armor and answered the final call to close the earthly sojourn here and enter into their rest (Rev. 14: 13). Among them is the beloved James P. Miller who stood with me from the beginning.
I am so grateful to so many for so much. We owe an inexpressible debt of gratitude to those staff writers who came aboard in the following years, and to all who contributed articles from time to time. Thank you for your important contribution.
The pressures of editing a religious paper affect the editor’s family. Members of my family have been supportive from the beginning. To Polly, my faithful wife of more than 57 years who supported me in my work with the paper from the beginning; to my three daughters and their husbands; to my mother and four brothers; to my grandchildren and their husbands/wives, I owe a debt of gratitude. To many faithful brethren across the country, I express to you my sincere thanks for your personal interest, support, and encouragement. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Phil. 1: 3).
I had no thought of ever disposing of Searching The Scriptures. Early in 1972 some health problems brought the entreaty of my family, my doctor, friends and concerned brethren to pass this work to another. It finally became obvious to me that I could not continue the load of work I was doing.
In the early spring of 1973 Connie Adams and I completed the agreement for the transfer of Searching The Scriptures to him. With the June, 1973 issue the paper passed from my hand to his. During the transition we spent several hours together in fervent prayers with tears as we contemplated the wonderful opportunity and enormous responsibility we were sharing at the changing of the guard.
In the final editorial before relinquishing the editorial duties to brother Adams, I said: “Somewhere around 1963 to 1965, during the Lecture Week at Florida College late one night, I drove Connie Adams to the place where he was staying after the last lecture that night. We spent almost an hour talking about Searching The Scriptures and its future, and the need for some continuing force to fight the invading evils of institutionalism and liberalism. It was on this night and under these circumstances that Connie W. Adams asked me to give him first opportunity to buy Searching The Scriptures if I ever sold it. At the time I had not thought of ever selling it. However, I gave him my word that I would contact him first under such circumstances, and through the years our verbal agreement has been honored by both of us” (Searching The Scriptures, May, 1973, page 261).
My intention was to allow this paper to cease and to bury it with honor and dignity. This decision would have eliminated the possibility of its reputation to be used by any other to propagate error. I found in Connie W. Adams the fidelity to divine truth and the ability and experience to fill the editor’s chair. I believed he would do so with a firm resolve to hold this paper to its original purpose of preaching and defending the gospel. This prompted me to sell the paper to him.
Brother Adams has justified the faith and confidence I had in him by his diligent work as editor of Searching The Scriptures for nearly twenty years. I do not know anyone who could have done a better job as editor than Connie W. Adams.
Brother Adams has honored me upon several occasions. He offered me the front page of the paper to write whatever I thought was necessary, for as long as I wanted to write. That has been gratifying to me and I express to him my sincere appreciation.
I do not remember that Connie Adams and I ever had an angry word or a moment of dissension through the years. We have spent many hours talking together about the paper and various issues that confronted the church. We have exchanged many letters and talked many times by phone. I understand his emotions as he prepares to lay to rest this paper that has claimed so many hours of his valuable time and demanded such a sacrifice of labor and funds. Editorial and publication deadlines are a pressure that only those who have done it understand. I express to Connie my personal appreciation for his work well done. Only eternity will reveal the good he has accomplished by the printed page over these twenty years.
The opening words of the editorial in that first issue were: “Truth and truth alone can make men free. Our Master taught this lesson to the Jews that believed on him in John 8: 32. With this issue of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES you hold in your hand a new paper that is born to do just that. The truth has a right to be heard from the pulpit, over the air lanes, on the television screen, and on the printed page. This is one purpose of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES. ” “… The pages of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES will be open to men of good faith. We will allow anyone who has something worthwhile to say to speak his mind. We will not,however, allow propagandists to sow seeds of discord. This paper will not be devoted to unfair controversy and personal sarcasm… ”
The last paragraph of this editorial says in part: “We have no policy but to be scriptural, fair, sincere, and faithful in our work as editors of this paper. We know nothing more that could be asked of us in presenting this paper for your edification… ”
In the editorial of August, 1972, page 115 we wrote:”From the beginning we have earnestly sought to use the printed page to study the word of God with all who will read and study with us. We belong to no man or group. We strive to serve no special human interest. We are not for sale to any man for any price, because our own salvation and the salvation of others is in the balance. ”
This policy has been followed to the present time. Brother Adams has diligently pursued the principles of truth and fairness in his labors as editor, as we endeavored to do from the beginning. He has admirably steered this publication in the direction we believe it should go.
About a year ago brother Adams asked me to consider with him the destiny of Searching The Scriptures. He felt that he was unable to continue much longer with the paper because of his health and pressing deadlines. In the environment of deep emotions we considered the options that were available. With tears and fervent prayers to God, he decided to lay this labor of love to rest and leave its influence enshrined in the archives of history. Undoubtedly generations yet unborn will read its pages when we sleep with our fathers. As we are borne along by the tide of time toward eternity, we shall live in peace with the knowledge that no man or group can destroy its influence and use the name to propagate error.
I concur with his decision to bring this faithful labor of thirty-three years to a close with the December, 1992 issue. I empathize with him in his judgment and decision to end the paper; and commend his sense of responsibility to the readers of this religious magazine over the course of its history from 1960. It was, not an easy decision to make. A combination of factors merge to make the decision essential.
In my editorial for the final issue of Searching The Scriptures before turning the helm to brother Connie Adams, I described some brief facts that led to the birth of Searching The Scriptures. As I now look back to the beginning, I see in the heart of a young man a yearning for the victory of truth over error and the determination to spread the gospel of Christ to as many as possible. My heart remains dedicated to that same gospel of Christ, but the body cannot do what it once did.
For my closing words in this final article in Searching The Scriptures, to the editor, all writers for this noble journal and to the readers, I adopt the inspired words of the apostle Paul: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace,which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20: 32). Amen.
original post Dec. 1992
]]>