When I reflect on the time' experiences, and close association I have had with brother H.E. Phillips, I am made to realize that here is a veteran soldier of the cross who is worthy of praise, honor, and tribute above what word or pen of man can pay.

Elwood and "Polly," his beloved wife, have through the years demonstrated their devotion to the Lord, their loyalty to truth, and their love for the church and their fellow man. Truly, here is a devoted husband and wife team. The far reaching good influence wielded by H.E. Phillips through his preaching, far and near, thr6ugh his work in Searching the Scriptures, both as editor and contributor, and through other honorable relationships he has sustained, and through the good life he lives, well justifies the special tribute paid him by this special issue of Guardian of Truth.

Unselfishness

While brother Phillips was preaching for the Forrest Hills church in Tampa Florida, I was privileged to be with it in a gospel meeting and to stay in the home of Elwood and "Polly" - even as I have done on other occasions many times since. During this meeting I was deeply impressed with how much of themselves, involving time, money, and physical strength, was given day after day in behalf of others.

At the breakfast table, it was evident that others were very much in their thoughts: by their prayers and by their conversation, which involved plans for the day. Aside from attention to those sick at home or in the hospital or who otherwise needed attention, their conversation frequently concerned those who should be invited into their home for a brief social visit after services during the meeting. The decision was made so as not to make it just a pleasant social hour for themselves, but rather with a view to helping others. Maybe it was a student at Florida College who was lonely, or homesick, or distressed because of some other problem. Sometimes it was a family in the church who was having a hard time for one reason or another. The point I am making is the Phillipses were unselfish and deeply concerned with the welfare of others.

"The Care of All the Churches"

This same spirit, a deep concern for others, accounts for H.E. Phillips and James P. Miller beginning the Florida Newsletter (1958) and Searching the Scriptures (1960). While the former was begun with a noble purpose in view, it was short lived and in reality failed of its primary objective. The divisive issue of "institutionalism" had already done much of its evil work in churches in some sections of .the country, leaving in its wake ill feelings among brethren, a river of tears flowing from broken hearts, a party spirit, the use of ugly epithets, and divided churches. The issue was somewhat late working its way into Florida. Brethren Phillips and Miller talked with me, as they did with others, about the beginning of Florida Newsletter. Brother Miller, especially, felt that a paper devoted to publishing the news, progress, and activities of churches without favoritism would serve to maintain a brotherly spirit, build up a stronger bond of love among brethren, so that neither "institutionalism" nor anything else could tear apart the churches in Florida. I remember replying, "If you have found a way for truth to hold its own, much less make any progress without teaching, you have made an amazing discovery." Nevertheless, it was agreed that such would delay the evil for awhile and better fortify against the approaching storm. I remember, too, the first thing brother Miller said to me when he and brother Phillips were ready to begin Searching the Scriptures. "'Pat,' we are ready to do that teaching you talked about." Brother Phillips, especially, felt that the need was urgent.

Brother Phillips approached me about writing a question and answer column for the paper. While I was reluctant to accept, he talked me into it. The rest of that story is history; this I did for the next twenty five years under the caption Answers for Our Hope (now available in book form from Guardian of Truth Bookstore).

Brother Phillips and I discussed at length many times things concerning the paper. His wisdom revealed itself in such discussions. His greatest concern, like the Apostle Paul, was "the care of all the churches" (2 Cor. 11:28). He wanted the paper to be in its time what the churches needed. His good judgment in the editorial chair, his selection of staff writers, the style of writing encouraged, and his own stand for truth uncompromisingly yet without being abusive deepened my appreciation of him more and more as time passed.

Principles of Agreement

I was in his office one day when he received through the mail a contribution to be used at his discretion in sending out Searching the Scriptures. He explained to me that in all such cases he replied refusing the contribution as sent, but if the sender were willing, he would apply it to pay subscriptions for people whose names he then submitted. He kept a list of names gathered by himself or submitted by others who in their judgment would profit from reading the paper. A careful record was kept - to whom sent and by whom the subscription was paid. Brother Phillips remembered the lesson learned from the late Don Carlos Janes - his one man missionary society - and the evil consequences that followed in the wake of it. We discussed the issue here involved, and while his position may seem technical and inconsequential, we both agreed that it was significant and fundamental. We both saw a difference between a contribution to help a brother pay his bills and stay in business in order to produce a product to be bought and used by individuals and churches in their effort to "scatter the precious seed" and a contribution to be used at the discretion of the editor in "scattering the precious seed." Whether or not others appreciate this position, we all must look with admiration upon the conscientiousness of Brother Phillips in conducting his business.

Our Differences

While some differences between me and brother Phillips relative to some points of truth, have shown themselves now and then, none has been serious enough to threaten our relationship, except perhaps one. This one difference is well known - through the exchange of articles in Searching the Scriptures (February, March, and April issues, 1987). Too, I think some brethren might profit from seeing that good will and fellowship can be retained in spite of some differences. (I will not set forth the doctrinal basis for retaining him in my good will and fellowship in this article of tribute.)

What is the difference? In brief, it involves a particular phase of the "Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage" issue. Time and space limitations forbid full explanation in this article (see the issues referred to above). I will go so far as to say that both brother Phillips and I agree that there are only two reasons for remarriage according to the Scriptures: (1) Death of one's spouse, and (2) Fornication committed by one's spouse. Brother Phillips goes one step further saying, that the one against whom fornication has been committed must "initiate" the putting away or else the divine prerogative is forfeited. However, both of us are opposed to the "Waiting Game" as here defined, namely, when mutual consent is given for divorce with a view to one out waiting the other in the matter of fornication thinking that the innocent one is then free to remarry.

May God bless brother Phillips with many more years of fruitful service. I cherish the memories I hold of him, appreciate his encouragement in the past, and am grateful for his influence for good over my life.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 17, pp. 519-520
September 3, 1989