Bud Robinson: A Brother Beloved

From the preface:
Bud Robinson has gone! It still seems strange that his chats no longer appear in the Herald of Holiness. His long lists of subscriptions come no more to delight and amaze us. He has gone — gone to be with his Jesus whom he loved so devotedly. But the blessed influence of his life lives on, reminding us how the grace of God triumphs over human limitations.

Upon receiving word of Bud Robinson’s home-going my thoughts at once turned to the need of a biography that would extend that influence and present the story of his remarkable life to thousands of friends and also to the many who had not been privileged to see and hear him.

Wanting to lose no time in securing the family’s approval for such a book, a long distance call was made to Rev. George Wise, a son-in-law, in Pasadena, California. The family’s consent was quickly given.

Next came the problem of selecting someone to prepare the manuscript. This was not so easily solved, the task being an arduous one and requiring immediate action. Considerable research would be involved. The biographer must be someone with an adequate background of the earlier days of the church in which Bud Robinson did most of his work. The assignment also would demand an individual who would have a sympathetic understanding of the subject’s handicaps and limitations, as well as an appreciation of his points of strength.

All these factors pointed to Dr. J. B. Chapman. His contacts with Bud Robinson at Peniel, Texas; their relationship as editor and contributor; Dr. Chapman’s popularity as a writer both within and outside our own denomination — all seemed to indicate him as the logical choice.

Knowing something about his crowded schedule of speaking engagements and an already full load of writing, I rather hesitated to approach him on the subject. However, I made bold to state my case, and was delighted as well as amazed at his ready acquiescence to the proposition.

At the time, we were together at the Kansas City District Preachers’ Convention. During the two days, Dr. Chapman frequently conferred with me about various points in regard to the proposed book. His enthusiasm seemed to mount hourly. Later, I wrote Dr. Chapman that his absorption in and devotedness to the task made me feel that my choice had been inspired.

From here on the book must speak for itself. It’s now a case of proving the pudding. My close perspective may disqualify me as a competent judge. But I do think that our author has given a true picture of his subject. The case has neither been understated nor exaggerated. And Bud Robinson would have it that way. I believe he would approve the direct style of writing. I am sure that he would appreciate in particular the chapter of “Incidents and Sayings.” He might forsooth be amazed at the things he said and did that live in the memory of his friends and that are now made available to all who wish to read. In my fancy I can hear Bud Robinson’s inimitable chuckle at some of these anecdotes in which he figured with such ready wit and keen repartee.

And so we present to you Dr. Chapman’s story of Bud Robinson, A Brother Beloved who loved his Lord supremely and his fellowmen unselfishly.

The Table of Contents are as follows:
Chapter 1: A BROTHER BELOVED
Chapter 2: THE ROBINSON FAMILY
Chapter 3: BUD ROBINSON’S PERSONAL CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE
Chapter 4: TWO DECADES OF PROBATION
Chapter 5: A CAMP MEETING AND CONVENTION FAVORITE
Chapter 6: “IN LABORS ABUNDANT”
Chapter 7: BUD ROBINSON AS A WRITER
Chapter 8: AT THE RIVER’S CROSSING
Chapter 9: AN INTIMATE APPRAISAL
Chapter 10: JUST ABOUT BUD ROBINSON
Chapter 11: INCIDENTS AND SAYINGS