I've just completed reading a short book by Willie Cato entitled, His Hands and Heart - The Wit and Wisdom of Marshall Keeble. I've had the book on my shelves for years. It was part of the collection that came from my uncle Larimore Austin of Nashville, Tennessee, following his death. Even though I've had the book for quite some time I have to confess that I've just now gotten around to reading it.
Marshall Keeble was a well known evangelist among churches of Christ during the first half of the 20th century. He was born as the son of former slaves in 1878 and passed away in 1968. He was still preaching and going strong at the time of his passing. During the years of segregation between the races Brother Keeble preached to everyone regardless of their skin color. He baptized thousands.
One thing that impresses me about Keeble was his belief in the power of preaching the Gospel of Jesus. He was not interested in all of the "fluff" that characterizes many churches today. He often said, "just let me stretch out a tent somewhere and start preaching. God will do the rest." Though Keeble did not complete a "formal" education he was certainly knowledgable of the Bible and believed strongly in Christian education. For a number of years he served as the President of the Nashville Christian Institute, a school which trained preachers.
On one occasion as he preached a white man jumped up from the crowd and struck Keeble in the face with a pair of "brass knuckles." Keeble fell to the ground but quickly got right back up and resumed preaching. On several occasions those who opposed his preaching were later baptized by him. He was determined to never allow resentment or bitterness to build up in his heart.
Cato tells of one interesting incident that broke the heart of the aging Keeble. Asked to preach at a large municiple auditorium Keeble had looked forward to the opportunity for months. Just before he was to speak word came to him that the organizers of the event did not want him to extend an invitation. "What?" Keeble shouted. Despite his protests the organizers were undeterred and Keeble respected their wishes. His message was noticably subdued and afterward according to Cato brother Keeble prayed openly for God's forgiveness at not going ahead and doing what he knew to be right.
I recently heard of a church where the preacher was told, "we don't want you to preach over ten minutes." The rest of the time was to be devoted to "praise and worship." Believe me when I say that I am all for "praise and worship." However, to subdue the preaching of the Gospel is to shut off the very "power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16).
I'm glad I had some extra time this week to read this long neglected volume from my shelves. I wish more of our young preachers in training would be exposed to the courage, faith and fortitude of men like Marshall Keeble.
That's The Way I See It!
