Smiles and Tears or Larimore and his Boys

I was actually privileged to read a fifth edition copy printed in 1898. I was given the book by our preacher who is a direct descendant of T. B. Larimore.  If you’re interested a newer addition is available through Amazon here.  This is a fascinating book for anyone who is interested in the Stone-Campbell movement. The parts of the book that focus on T. B. Larimore and his boys (students or disciples) provide an example of what can be accomplished through a commitment to follow Jesus as perfectly as possible. I greatly admire Larimore’s determination to focus on preaching the gospel rather than engaging in the debate that was common during his time.  He was a good man and his life is an excellent example of how to disciple followers of Jesus.

The parts of the book that focus on the religion and culture of the times are instructive, but less encouraging. In these sections I could see the seeds of the spirit that would lead to divisiveness instead of to the unity desired by the founders of the movement. For anyone who is interested I would highly recommend A Spirit for the Rest of Us.