A Few Thoughts on Discussions.
By J. F. McReynolds
It is evident that the dignity of truth demands that under some circumstances it should be vindicated in public debate. But as a general rule very little is done by public discussion for the advancement of truth. There is however a manifest difference in subjects of truth as to their fitness for public debate. I will give a few examples. The doctrine of man's mortality suggests itself to the masses as concerning them individually perhaps more than any other of the unpopular truths of these times. Its relation to the present constitution as well as the future destiny of man, together with the fact of its not involving, in the reception of it, any radical change of practice, is generally sufficient to secure the candor of a majority of all classes. And as the theory once received in full may serve, even for the non-converted, as a safeguard against the reception of some of the delusions of the last days, it may be well under some circumstances to bring this truth before the public in debate. The obligation of the seventh-day Sabbath is a doctrine as well founded in the harmonious teachings of the Bible as any other, and is perhaps listened to with as much interest by unbelievers as any other; yet I think that much discussion on the Sabbath question is not attended with good, for the following reasons: First. An array of evidence in support of conflicting theories stirs up a spirit of strife which forbids the truth's being attended by the Spirit of God to the heart; and though the theory of truth may triumph and be acknowledged by a majority, few—frequently none—feel a sense of its practical bearing upon their lives sufficient to induce obedience. The head is convinced without the heart's being reached. How many are ready even now to acknowledge the truth on this point, and yet how few obey. Second. A habit of acknowledging truth without complying with its demands, is thus begotten, which destroys conscientiousness, and promotes carelessness and dishonesty, and will, without doubt, result in the final rejection of the truth by souls who might have been saved if the heart had been touched with the spirit of truth at the same time the head received the evidences of it. The ordinance of feet washing would appear to much disadvantage before the public in debate; not because of a lack of evidence in its favor, but from a lack of fitness in the public mind to receive the evidence. Humiliating and simple in its nature—yet being attended with a blessing the world knows nothing of—the spirit of the world is diametrically opposed to it; and failing to discern its utility, the world and world-loving church can not appreciate the evidences in favor of it. The visions also belong to believers. They are given for the special benefit of the people of God, and are appreciated only by those that practice their teachings, and realize their utility. The spirit of the world is in opposition to the work of God, and world-loving professors and nonprofessors do not understand “the things that are freely given us of God;” for “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Cor. ii, 14. Those that are living out the truths of the third angel's message, have faith that the Lord is leading them, according to his own purpose, to prepare a people for translation; and they rejoice in the gifts among them as a means employed by Him to that end. But men of the world do not discern this, and therefore can not see any light in the gifts. Our enemies avail themselves of these circumstances to stir up the carnal heart to opposition to the truth. But let our labor for the truth be such as will reach the hearts of the people. Let them receive the leading truths of the present time in the love of them, and then will they be prepared to examine the gifts. This work does not stand or fall according to men's wisdom or strength in argumentation. It is of God and will prevail. Palestine, Iowa, Feb. 8, 1867.