tinue to make his terms and supplications, since he imposed them upon his own

sciousness.

"... The Primitive Baptist sect... does not concede anyone is his own free agent, with power to select and follow, or to reject. Rather conversely, it holds (its adherents hold) that God does all the choosing, sometimes (not always) from time of birth, and regardless of the person's own preferences, bent, virtues, vices, or predispositions in the matter.

"You may then think congregations of the Primitive Baptist faith are a motley group. I think they are; and I also think congregations of the other faiths are. Of course God is far above and beyond the petty restrictions of any Church doctrine with its sectarian limitations; but I like the idea of (and find comfort in) a God who is not subject to being 'accepted' by mankind."

Dear ONE's:

Mr. S.

Georgia

Things continue very rough here in Nebraska. There was a program on the radio recently, and it was an interview with a judge, and the things this man said about 'we people', and how we should be dealt with if under his jurisdiction, is a frightful prospect. It is very hard for anybody living on either coast to understand this Bible-belt situation which exists here. The highways are lined with signs such as, "Are you Saved?"

quotations of all sorts from the Bible printed for the edification of drivers.

Incidentally, this same judge (on the radio program) was telling about how "pernicious magazines" are getting into this pure country and contaminating our youth! My gawd, I am 58!!

Mr. L.

Dear Chuck Thompson:

Nebraska

It is a wonderful thing to know that someone knows and understands my situation.

At the age of twelve, I was approached by a seventeen-year-old friend and for several months he and I occasionally had relations. At first, I had no idea what he was trying to do, and wasn't even old enough to reach a climax. Then, during high school and college there were several occasions for me to have relations with schoolmates, but there was never anything serious. However, about three years ago, I was approached by a short-time friend, and began a worderful relationship. We not only enjoyed each other sexually but also socially. We were like brothers, our thoughts, habits, likes and dislikes were the same. Then, without a word, he announced he was getting mar-

ried. After finding that he really loved the girl and was serious about getting married, I knew there was nothing I could do to stop him. Until then, I really didn't realize how much our relationship meant to me.

I never have had to approach anyone before, and I can't seem to bring myself to try, much as I want to. Always being around a bunch of single fellows out for a good time, there has always been someone there to approach me. At present I work with married men and women and there doesn't seem to be anyone there for me now.

I fully realize this is a mixed-up affair, and really I don't expect any instant solutions. However, if you would send information concerning membership and a copy or two of your magazine, I would appreciate it. Mr. McK.

Dear Friends:

Ohio

Please find enclosed continuing payment on my current membership.

I do wish to thank you once again for all you are and have been doing for our people! I was really hurt that TIME would publish such a smear, and such a tremendous lie! But it just goes to show that we all must work that much harder. After all, we don't have to sit and take the TIME article, and other unchristian acts. We have more than enough people to win this war, if we all get off our rears, and contribute and work! Again I send my deepest love and devotion. Mr. G.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

YOU LOST MY POINT Dear Mr. G.:

Your reaction to my article listed under As For Me, November, 1965, frankly surprised me. At least its content must have interested you or you would not have been able to discuss it in such detail; but you completely lost my point in writing at all.

I was attempting to be neither smug nor condescending as you so succinctly put it. Rather I was attempting in my small way to hold out a hand of fellowship to a breed of males all too seriously maligned by an uncomprehending and grossly ignorant modern day society.

Many of my closest friends are homosexuals, and they are intelligent and some of them brilliant human beings.

Nor was I trying to dish out pity to those who neither need nor asked for it. I regret you found my well meant attempt 'hogwash', but nevertheless I intend to defend my right to have the courage of my convictions... to stand up for the downtrodden whether he be a variant or not.

Paul Menken Los Angeles, Calif.