The Three Little Pigs
By Oleta Crawford
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Once upon a time there were three little pigs. Their names were Pig I, Pig II, and Pig III. They left their family and went out into the world to build themselves "a tabernacle" and to teach what they called the only true gospel.
They had not traveled far until Pig I disagreed with his two brothers about the use of more than one cup. After a heated debate, he branded his brothers as Liberals and journeyed westward. Soon he met a farmer with a load of straw. He bought it and erected for himself a "straw domain."
Not long after Pig I's departure, Pig II introduced the use of an instrument to Pig III. Pig III stoutly let him know he would have no part of any instrument upon the bank of the river where he preached. Pig II grunted, "You are as much of an Anti as Pig I," and then he turned northward. Soon he came to a country thick with pines. He purchased an acre of ground, felled the trees, and constructed for himself a wooden "meetinghouse."
Pig III traveled on until he reached a southern state which he thought would be a fruitful spot. He built himself a large elegant "structure" out of brick. The auditorium was capable of seating three thousand. Later he helped to pro-
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Now there was in the eastern part of the continent a wolf who went by the title Rabbi. He had access to the journals published by each of the pigs. Rabbi said to himself, "Those spiteful swine attack me because I teach a condition for salvation. But if they do not also teach conditions then I am not Rabbi Wolf. After all, a system of works is a system of works! I must talk to that trio. But I am an old fellow and a trip to each of their places would be too much for me. They despise each other as much as they do me, and it seems the only thing upon which they can agree is "the name of the church." I am wise enough to know that birds of a feather flock together. I will write each one of them a letter and inform him I will debate 'the name of the church' precisely at 8:00 o'clock a.m. two weeks from today. If anything can get that mire-wallowing triangle together this should. First, I will secure a copy of their new Testament to read along the way. I will tear them apart with their own book!"
After a long cold journey, Rabbi found himself (at the exact time) knocking on the door of the brick masterpiece. Pig III opened the door, and sure enough, Pig I and Pig II were also there. Before the Rabbi could even speak Pig III huffed and puffed, "You Judaizing child of Satan. Our Bibles tell us not to let you in or bid you Godspeed! Get lost, you viper!" He slammed the door shut in the Rabbi's face. The aged Rabbi walked quietly away. The following morning the three pigs received this letter from Wolf:
"My dear brothers: I am now your brother in Christ. On my journey to see you, I read the New Testament and learned that Jesus is the Son of God and Savior of the world. I had planned to have one of you baptize me, but since you refused me entrance, I crossed town and had a fellow who meets with another group immerse me. Surely you will not question the validity of my baptism.
The Bible teaches you to feed your enemies. When I arrived at your place I was tired, cold, broke, hungry and thirsty. What is more, how can you convince even a gainsayer unless you communicate with him? You should be very careful before you refuse one entrance or deny him Godspeed.
When I wrote asking to debate the 'name of the church' I had a boiling cauldron going for each of you. I am now a new man in Christ and that is over. I only ask to discuss this same subject with you in brotherly love. In our doing so, I think you will find that our Father did not give the church a title.
Brethren, you would not be together now, were it not for me. It is my earnest plea that you throw your cauldrons away before you boil one another. Surely your love for God and for each other is worth more than a cup or cups, instrument or lack of one, college or no college, radio program or no radio program. Your labeling of each other as Liberal, Anti and Conservative, reveals further that you are divided. If you do not destroy your steaming cauldrons, your children will inherit a blinding sect as I inherited the sect of the Pharisees. God hates division and we should hate it also.
I have asked Brother Rabbit (who baptized me) to let me use his barn for a dwelling until I am able to make the trip home. You may contact me here. I am yours in Christ, --Wolf."
Oleta Crawford receives mail at 758 Radar Squadron, Box 207, Makah AFS, Washington 98357. She will appreciate hearing from you.