Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Hafley

Did you see that the Pope has informally embraced the theory of evolution? Said John Tagliabue in the New York Times, “Nearly a century and a half after Darwin’s Origin of Species, Pope John Paul II has put the teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church firmly behind the view that the human body may not have been the immediate creation of God, but is the product of a gradual process of evolution. With a formal statement sent to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences . . . the pope said that `fresh knowledge leads to recognition of the theory of evolution as more than just a hypothesis’ (Houston Chronicle, October 25, 1996, Al).

The Pope should be an expert on evolution. After all, his very office is the product of a process of evolution. By exchanging the sacred for the secular, by replacing divine truth with human traditions, by adopting idolatrous pagan myths and superstitions and attempting to weave them into the fabric of faith, the whole Catholic structure has evolved.

All of my life, I have heard the old statement, “Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle.” Now, according to the Pope, I may not be his uncle, but I may be his nephew! That just may be an improvement. It does not take too much to flatter some of us.

If the poor, old Pope can see an inch past his nose, he must see what is coming. If the Genesis record is not a real revelation of creation, what about the virgin birth? Surely, a God who could cause a baby to be born of a virgin could create a man from dirt and a woman from his rib. However, if that is not what happened, as the pope now seems to suggest, how are we to be assured that Jesus’ birth is an actual, factual account?

If Genesis is junked and jettisoned, is the virgin birth the next thing to be aborted? If not, how shall the Pope reassure us? Genesis is written as history, or as an account of events that literally transpired. So is the virgin birth. If the creation of Genesis is a fabrication, is the birth of Jesus a prevarication? When these questions arise, as surely they will, to what will the pope appeal? Or will he smile, doff his beanie, and declare the virgin birth null and void?

If a man could evolve from the apes, why could not a super-human type man like Jesus evolve from man? If man is a product of evolution, is Jesus? I find it hard to believe that the genius that is man came from blind chance and the beasts of the field, but I am told that it is so. Well, if it is, will I next be told that I must believe, as improbable as it seems, that Jesus did not actually come from God and a virgin’s womb, but that he is the finished product of a monkey’s mutation? Either way, the Pope’s tacit acceptance of evolutionary thinking tells me that he has been smelling too much of his incense canisters lately. They ought to be careful how they wave those smoky things around when he is near.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 24, p. 1
December 19, 1996

By Richard Boone

The Search For The Ancient Order (Vol. 1-2), Earl West, $27.95 for both.

The phrase “the search for the ancient order” means different things to different people. An avid restoration historian may recognize it as the title of several articles written in the 1820s by Alexander Campbell in The Christian Baptist. A graduate of one of “our” Bible colleges may remember it as the title of a textbook used in a restoration history course. Sadly, it may mean nothing to a younger generation of Christians (especially preachers) mesmerized by the modern lifestyle, unconvinced of the need to study and learn from history.

Brother Marc Gibson has invited me to review the first two volumes of Earl West’s The Search For The Ancient Order and it is my distinct pleasure to do so. His four-volume set is a history of the Restoration Movement in America from 1800-1950. The first two volumes survey the period from 1800-1906.1 will not focus on the names, dates, places, etc. in West’s material. I will only make general remarks on each volume. Having done that, I will proceed to some general observations and close with two thought-provoking quotations.

Volume I (1800-1865)

Brother West takes us from the earliest stages of the Restoration Movement in America to the close of the Civil War in this first volume. Of particular interest and appreciation to me was the work and struggles of those early pioneers. In my opinion, they are the real heroes. They started from scratch and worked their way out of the darkness of denominationalism. They laid the groundwork for generations to come. (Don’t forget  they didn’t have computers, CD-roms, Internet, etc. to help them!) They weren’t always right in their conclusions or consistent in their application of biblical principles, but they were looking in the right direction  the word of God.

That is what the Restoration Movement is all about. It is about going back to the revelation of God’s mind and doing his work in his way. It is about being content to”speak as the oracles of God,” and upon learning what God says, settling there in conviction and practice. West does a masterful job in portraying their mindsets, struggles, and sacrifices. Those who have not had similar struggles can-not fully appreciate what they accomplished.

We cannot forget, though, that men are not always consistent. Sometimes they even change. Of course, consistency and change are good if they are conforming to God’s word, but if they are not the results are disastrous. West documents how Alexander Campbell advocated the missionary society which represented a definite change in his earlier views on para-church organizations. Interestingly, Campbell never saw or admitted that he changed.

The basis of justification for practices changed from “What do the Scriptures say?” to “It is expedient, therefore it is scriptural.” Young preachers should pay special attention to how the missionary society was justified. When Ephraim has his idols whatever it takes to justify them is acceptable, even if it is wrong (cf. Hos. 4:17).

Between 1855-1865, noticeable differences in views to-ward scriptural authority and the church became clearly visible. While open division did not exist, it was present in mindsets. Brother West points out a few trends which re-veal a slow departure from the Scriptures. What amazed me the most, I suppose, was to learn how much man has not changed, regardless of the era in which he lives. The same trends away from the truth that were evident then are the same ones evident now.

Volume II (1865-1906)

Due to the period of time involved, West’s second volume is much more detailed in his discussion of people, events, periodicals, etc., which were important. By this time, the missionary society and instrumental music (especially the latter) were vigorously discussed. More and more evidence pointed to the reality of division. In 1865 few thought division was possible, much less probable. By 1885 division existed. By 1906 Christian churches (those favoring the missionary society and instrumental music) and churches of Christ (those opposed to these practices) were officially listed separately for the first time in the census of churches.

Again, we should take special note of brother West’s discussion of the trends of the day. He lists several points  attitudes toward the Scriptures, consistent application of scriptural principles, the differences between the universal church and the local church (key to the missionary society question and the institutional question of the 1950s), the singular nature of the New Testament church, progressive preaching, etc. Each of these was a sign that times were changing in the Restoration Movement. While the historical material is informative and interesting, West’s discussions of the trends away from biblical moorings is, in my opinion, the most challenging material in this second volume.

General Observations

What can we learn from this overview of the Restoration Movement from 1800-1906? While I could specify several individual points, I will present a few general conclusions.

The Restoration Motto is right. “Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent” was spoken by Thomas Campbell in Western Pennsylvania in 1809 and became the motto of the Restoration. That motto is right, not because Thomas Campbell or any other pioneer stated it, but because it is true to the Bible (1 Pet. 4:11; 1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Tim. 1:13; 2 John 9-11; etc.).

We need to appreciate the struggles of faithful Christians who preceded us. They sacrificed much to be just Christians, and deserve honor and commendation where they were right, not our disdain (Rom.13:7). They paved the way for much of the biblical understanding we now have and too often take for granted.4:3-4; etc.). Knowing they will come, we must focus special attention to recognize and stop them when they occur. It is much easier to heal a small wound than a cankered body.

Departures from the truth will come, and we must be vigilant to recognize them. In the first century, departures were predicted (Acts 20:29ff; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 4:3-4; etc.). Knowing they will come, we must focus special attention to recognize and stop them when they occur. It is much easier to heal a small wound than a cankered body.

We should study our history to emulate successes and avoid repeating mistakes. People are not always right or consistent. History allows us to foresee where we may be headed by studying where we’ve been. We can follow the right things of brethren in the past and avoid repeating their mistakes.

Closing Quotations

I now close with two quotes from West’s material. The importance of each is self-evident.

In 1830 Alexander Campbell wrote, “Often I have said, and often I have written, that truth, truth eternal and divine, is now, and long has been with me the pearl of great price. To her I will, with the blessing of God, sacrifice everything. But on no altar will I offer her a victim. If I have lost sight of her, God who searcheth the hearts knows I have not done it intentionally. With my whole heart I have sought the truth, and I know that I have found it.” In 1843 he added, “Numbers with me count nothing. Let God be true and every man a liar. Let me stand, though the heavens fall. When contending with thirty millions of Lutherans, I feel myself contending with but one man. In opposing seventy millions of Greek and Eastern professors, I am in conflict with but one leader. When one hundred millions of Baptists assail me, I feel myself in a struggle with but one mind. In all the Methodists I see but John Wesley; in all the Calvinists, John Calvin; and in all the Episcopalians, one Cranmer. Names, numbers, circumstances weigh nothing in the scales of justice, truth and holiness” (I:54).

In closing his second volume, West observes, “But there has never been a time when the church did not have problems. After the present generation is dead, there will still be others. But, whatever their nature, these are principles that will guide the church on safe ground if the church but re-members them. In light of this we can think of no words to serve as a more fitting close for this volume than those spoken by F.G. Allen a few years before his death. `While we remain true to the principles on which we started out, there is no earthly power that can impede our progress. But the day we leave these walls and go out to take counsel with the world, will mark the day of our decline. We have nothing to fear from without. Our only danger lies in the direction of indifference and compromise. While we are true to God in the maintenance of these principles, the divine blessing will be upon our work. But should they ever be surrendered, ruin will as certainly follow as that the Bible is true”‘(II:462-463). Amen, and amen!

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 23, p. 8-9
December 5, 1996

By Steven F. Deaton

During the thirties and forties a false teaching called premillennialism was making inroads into the body of Christ. It was a turbulent time, one in which many faithful men of God stood arm-in-arm to push back the error threatening the church. A prominent man in this fight was Foy E. Wallace, Jr. He was at the forefront of exposing the false theory of premillennialism, using his paper The Bible Banner, as well as preaching from the pulpit. It is from the latter that God’s Prophetic Word was taken. It was originally a series of addresses in Houston, Texas, January 21-28, 1945.

God’s Prophetic Word is a thorough examination and refutation of the premillennial theory. Brother Wallace takes all major points, and several minor arguments, and puts them to the test in light of the word of God. It may be seen as one reads through the book that “no stone is left unturned.” In fact, many times the same point and passage are covered more than once. The book may be broken down into two main sections: (1) The Word of God itself as infallible, once delivered, and its prophetic nature (chapters 1-3); (2) Specific tenets of premillennialism exposed (chapters 4-12).

In the first section, brother Wallace lays the ground-work for the remainder of the book. In chapter one he establishes the fact that the Bible is divinely inspired, and therefore infallible and reliable. A plethora of evidence is given to the reader for his contemplation. Several subject areas are listed, including history and archaeology. For instance, in the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles and 1 and 2 Kings, there are numerous mentionings of kings who lived and reigned over their kingdoms. While the majority of them had been found in secular history, forty-seven of them were not, and, therefore, unbelievers concluded the Bible to be legendary. How-ever, “The spade brought forth the evidence” (p. 20). All forty-seven disputed kings eventually were found by archaeologists as they unearthed ancient treasures.

Chapter two goes on to discuss “the faith once delivered” (Jude 3). Worth note is the section on “the dogmatic faith.” The author exclaims that Jude speaks in reference to maintaining doctrinal purity within the church and we must be adamant about it. He shows the text establishes four things: (1) the reality of an organized body of faith, (2) the completeness of this faith, (3) the absolute authority of this faith, and (4) the trustees of the faith, “the saints.”

The third chapter, which carries the name of the book, deals with the prophetic nature of God’s divine word. This is a chapter of transition. It begins to point out in detail some of the specific errors of the pre-millennial theory. One area in which the millennialists err is in not understanding the purpose of prophecy. They say the purpose of prophecy in the Old Testament was to point toward a time when Christ would set up a temporal kingdom on earth, but inspired men of the New Testament contradict them. Brother Wallace cites an example of this in Acts 26:22-23, where Paul stands on trial before King Agrippa. In this speech, Paul pointed out that the “climatic purpose of prophecy” was to declare “that the Christ should suffer, be raised from the dead, and give light to all people” (p. 67). “Premillennialists to the contrary notwithstanding” (p. 83).

Now, we come to the second main section of God’s Prophetic Word which explores specific errors of the premillennial theory. It covers nine chapters, consisting of 440 pages, there-fore, only the main points will be covered.

First, millennialists claim that the land promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12:1 was never fulfilled. Therefore, the Jews must yet occupy the “promised land.” The book shows that the Bible contradicts this. The land promise was fulfilled in Joshua. Genesis 15:18 shows the extent of possession; Deuteronomy 1:7-8 says that they possessed it; Joshua 21:43 says that they possessed all of it; 2 Samuel 8:3 says they later recovered it; 1 Kings 14:12 says Solomon reigned over it; Nehemiah 9:7-8 says God performed all of his promise (p. 126).

Next, the promoters of the false theory say that Christ will one day be king, sitting on the throne of David in Jerusalem. However, the word of God says that the earthly kingship set up over Israel was against God’s will (Hos. 13:9-11). “Israel demanded a king and got one. But Israel sinned and God was angry. That kingdom was destroyed, was taken from them and perished, but the millennialists do not like it and want to give it back to Israel” (p. 125).

Further, millennialists believe that the Old Testament prophecies of the coming kingdom have not been fulfilled. One kingdom prophecy is found in Daniel 2, where Daniel is telling the king of Babylon the correct interpretation of his dream. The point made is that during the days of the fourth kingdom, Rome, God would set up a kingdom that would consume all others and last forever. Premillennialists say this has not happened because “the Jews did not accept it. And without them Jesus could not set it up  the Jews had the veto power over Jesus Christ and all the prophets” (p. 171). Hebrews 12:28 tells us that the kingdom has been received. In the same chapter you can see that the “kingdom which cannot be moved” is the same as the “church of the firstborn” (Heb. 12:23, 28).

Among the gross errors of millennialism, there lies the idea that we can tell when the Lord will return by the signs which he gave us and for which we are to watch. They say this because “error capitalizes on ignorance” (p. 227). These false teachers turn to Matthew 24, and its parallel passages, to prove that Jesus gave the signs of his second coming, and then they try to apply it to current events. After telling of the coming destruction of the temple, Jesus’ disciples ask him three questions (though they believe them to be one): (1) “When shall these things be?”, (2) “What shall be the sign of thy coming?, and (3) of the end of the world?” (Matt. 24:3). Jesus answers the latter in verses 36-41, saying, “Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” The premillennial theory completely ignores the passages and overwhelming historical information that shows Matthew 24:4-35 applies to the destruction of Jerusalem.

Also, on the second coming of Christ, these false teachers insist that it is premillennial. That is, they say that when the Lord returns he will reign upon the earth for a thousand years. In supporting this notion, they will turn to Revelation 20:4

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

There are numerous problems with this attempt to sup-port their theory. If their accusation is correct, then, only those beheaded can reign with Christ and they will only live a thousand years. Moreover, one can look at the context of Revelation 20:1-6 and see that it does not mention the second coming of Christ  does not mention a bodily resurrection  does not mention a reign on earth  does not mention the throne of David  does not mention either Jerusalem or Palestine, and does not mention Christ on earth. (p. 284).

Many other biblical arguments from the book can be offered in order to show the fallaciousness of premillennialism. Brother Wallace does an excellent job of defending the truth from those who would “pull the wool” over our eyes. Among churches of Christ, premillennialism was mainly a problem in the thirties and forties, but it is still prudent to study the issue because virtually all denominations thrive on it and we need to be able to teach them out of it. Also, we need not think that a false teaching which was defeated among the people of God in the past will re-main defeated and not cause trouble in the future. “Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip” (Heb. 2:1).

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 23, p. 6-7
December 5, 1996

By Jarrod Jacobs

The New Testament Church, Roy E. Cogdill, $5.95 hardback, $4.25 paperback, Walking by Faith, Roy E. Cogdill, $3.95 paperback, and Faith and the Faith, Roy E. Cogdill, $6.95.

Brother Roy Cogdill realized the importance of the printed page. This realization caused him to use the printed page many times in his life. Besides being a contributor to such magazines as The Gospel Guardian, Truth Magazine, The Torch, Guardian of Truth, and countless other periodicals, he also wrote the three books which I was asked to review in this special issue of the Guardian of Truth.

In a series of articles concerning Christian journalism, brother Cogdill wrote, “This writer has long been using the printed page to teach those whom he could not otherwise reach. In 1938 while still a young preacher I prepared a series of lessons for a class of adult young people. These have been published through more than 20 editions of ten thousand copies each (in nearly all of them) and upon hundreds of occasions I have had testimony born to me by someone whom I met for the first time that the little book, The New Testament Church had been of invaluable help to them in learning the truth” (The Gospel Guardian, October 1, 1975, 1).

This book will be the first book reviewed in this article.

The New Testament Church

This book of 138 pages focuses on all facets of the church of Christ. Some chapter titles are: “The Nature of the Church,” “Church Government,” and “Churches of the New Testament Era.” It is intended to be a year’s study on the New Testament church, and as such is arranged in fifty-two chapters. This book is filled with Scripture to back up each point, and is in outline form, thus contributing to class discussion.

Two chapters in particular that I found interesting were, “The Church and Worldliness,” and “The Discipline of the Church.” The lesson on “The Church and Worldliness” is especially helpful when one is faced with practices that may not be wrong in themselves, but their influence and effect on others make them wrong. Brother Cogdill addresses the problems people face in the areas of pleasure and recreation that may be questionable. Questions such as, “Is it destructive to your body?” and “Does it conflict with your duty as a Christian?” are posed to help us make the right decisions and please God.

The next chapter is entitled, “The Discipline of the Church.” Here brother Cogdill explains the two-fold meaning of discipline (i.e., instructive and corrective). With specific Bible references, God’s plan for discipline and withdrawing fellowship is explained, as well as the bishops’ duty and the church’s attitude toward discipline. This chapter needs to be read and studied by many churches to-day.

Brother Cogdill best explained his intent in writing this book. It was written to make “the distinctive position occupied by the Church of Christ outstanding and easily discernible” (Preface).

One feature that stands out in The New Testament Church is the total reliance on Scripture to enforce each point. In the preface, brother Cogdill makes the observation that too many teachers rely solely on their class books, instead of on the Bible. Thus, he wrote this book with the intention of pointing people toward the Bible in every chapter. One will never be able to reap the benefits of this book if they refuse to study their Bible.

I would recommend this book to both old and young alike. The reason is that this book, promotes the grounding of basic and essential truths concerning Christ and his church. Too many of my brethren are getting away from this in their preaching and teaching. They are constantly looking for “new and better” things to teach and preach. Friends, this is foolish! If this loose attitude toward the church continues, it will not be long until we will be like the very ones we oppose today. No, The New Testament Church is not an infallible book (brother Cogdill admits this on the first page), but it is an excellent guide pointing us toward the infallible book, the Bible.

Walking By Faith

Fanning Yater Tant wrote the foreword to Walking By Faith. He said that this book is a sequel to The New Testament Church. Its purpose was to apply particular practices and situations to the principles laid out in The New Testament Church. Walking By Faith has only sixteen chapters, but it goes into more detail on specific issues and digressions that plague the church of our Lord even today.

Some of the chapter titles are, “The Mission of the Church,” “How Scriptural Authority Can Be Established,” “The Church and the Christian Individual,” and “The Church Universal and the Church Local.” Brother Cogdill explains such issues as how we can determine when an ex-ample is binding. In a time when apostates cry out for a “new hermeneutic,” both young and old need to know what the truth is concerning apostolic examples. Many times we see those in religious error promoting their digression by saying, “It is an expediency.” Brother Cogdill explains what it means when something is an expedient. Therefore, we can see how necessary this book is today. Though brother Cogdill is no longer with us, his words can still have an impact, and we can still benefit from his knowledge.

Walking By Faith focuses mainly on the question of institutionalism. Though some may think that this battle is over, we need to remember that battles do not remain fought and victories do not remain won when it comes to spiritual matters. All would do well to read and study this small book (94 pages), lest we become lax and forget the fundamental points and problems with institutionalism.

On the last page of this book, brother Cogdill simply makes a statement entitled, “The Application.” Here, the lessons from the previous chapters are brought into focus, and he shows us, by the Scriptures, the importance of not straying from the organization and the work of the church.

Faith and The Faith

Faith and The Faith contains brother Cogdill’s series of lessons on “faith.” These lessons are transcripts from the meeting he conducted in 1971 at the Highland Boulevard church of Christ in San Antonio, Texas. After each sermon, there are several questions which could be used in discussion for a Bible class situation.

This book is 237 pages with twelve chapters. Some of the chapters include, “The Debt of Faith,” “The Obedience of Faith,” “The Failure of Faith,” as well as two chapters that were taken from radio addresses in Lufkin, Texas on March 6 and 13, 1949. The chapters are entitled, “Christianity is Undenominational.”

This book was made possible with the help of brother Ron Halbrook who edited the sermons for brother Cogdill, who was in very bad health at the time of writing. They worked together closely. Though some words and sentences had to be changed for the sake of the reader, brother Halbrook made every effort to preserve brother Cogdill’s speaking style and content throughout the book. Brother Cogdill approved each sermon before this book was published. Brother Ron Halbrook also wrote an extended biography of brother Cogdill in the back of the book.

One chapter that I enjoyed was part one of the sermon, “Christianity is Undenominational.” There, brother Cogdill states in no uncertain terms, the necessity for unity and what it will take to achieve true Bible unity. He explains 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, and then deals with the division as was faced in the first century, and how division today is no different. He ended this sermon (as he did every sermon) with a plea for people to come and be saved by accepting the Lord’s invitation to believe on him, repent of their sins, and be baptized for the remission of sins. He explained God’s plan of salvation in such a way that no one could misunderstand.

I would recommend this book to the reader because of its necessity today. Too many are getting away from the “first principles” in their preaching. They are trying to get away from this type of preaching in a vain attempt to preach something “new” or “different.” Please understand, I am not saying that one must preach Roy Cogdill’s sermons in order to get to heaven, but I am saying that if we do not preach from the Bible and stick with the Bible, we will not go to heaven! Brother Cogdill’s sermons, while not infallible, make it clear that the Bible is what we should be studying, learning, loving, and obeying (Phil. 4:9; Eph. 3:4; 2 Tim. 2:15)!

Conclusion

These three books by brother Cogdill are good for any-one who simply wants to study and learn invaluable lessons from God’s holy word. Some may be familiar with brother Cogdill’s writings in many of the brotherhood papers through the years. These articles show his unwavering stand for the truth, as do the books we have reviewed. The subjects he has addressed over the years, and his plea for “book, chapter, and verse” make his articles and books worth reading.

The value of brother Cogdill’s books can be seen in several areas. One area in which they are extremely valuable is in brother Cogdill’s use of Scripture. This must never grow old in our preaching and study! Brother Cogdill used Bible examples and Bible illustrations to sustain the truth he was teaching. Too much of the preaching today is simply the “trendy” aping of the popular “positive mental attitude” philosophy which is long on “feel good” stories and fluff and puff psychology. Brother Cogdill’s works draw us back to the Bible. For that reason, if for no other, they should serve as an example to all teachers of the gospel.

Brother Cogdill also discussed those old themes that never grow old. It is true that specific issues may come and go, but the principles and precepts dealt with in brother Cogdill’s books never go out of style. They are always relevant and pertinent, for they deal with Bible authority and contrast human religion with divine religion. Today, it seems that some are determined to identify the divine with the humanby lowering distinct standards of truth and by blurring the distinctions between truth and error, the church and denominationalism, the sacred and the secular, the holy and the profane. Thus, brother Cogdill’s books are always useful lest a generation arise that does not know the Lord (Judg. 2:10). Brother Cogdill’s books compare and contrast the worship in spirit and in truth with ignorant, will worship. The Cogdill books point us to Christ and to his word. They lead us to worship and serve the Lord according to his will and help us to avoid “many wonderful works” that are exercises in futility because they are not taught in the word of God (Matt. 7:22; Col. 3:17).

Brother Cogdill’s militant spirit must be passed on to future generations. The only way this will happen is by reading what he had to say, and comparing it to the Scriptures as the final authority. I will close with a quote from his book, Walking By Faith,” page 91:

When love of the brethren and peace with the brethren become so important that we are willing to sacrifice the will and word of the Lord for the sake of it, we are more interested in peace with men than in peace with God and love men more than we love God.

Let us never forget that we are here for the purpose of pleasing God, and not man (Rev. 4:11)! Brother Cogdill is missed by many, but his influence lives on in the printed page! I would encourage everyone to add these books to his library. They will help one greatly.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 23, p. 3-5
December 5, 1996