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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 5, 1908

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 45.

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Pennsylvania

By J. W. Watt

OAKLAND.—For some years Elder H. M. Riggle, a minister of the Church of God, or the Saints, as they are called, has desired a discussion with a Seventh-day Adventist minister. As a result of my recent labors in Oakland, the people of that denomination became stirred up, and suggested a discussion. With the hope that some could be reached with the truth in this way who would not listen to a usual presentation of it, I consented to meet Elder Riggle in a public debate.
This debate began September 29, and closed October 15, omitting Friday evening of each week. On the subjects of the law, the covenants, and the Sabbath, Elder Riggle took the no-law argument, about the same as the Disciples. In behalf of Sunday he appealed to the church Fathers, and endeavored to establish a connected line from Christ to the present time. With reference to the mark of the beast, he simply denied that it was Sunday-keeping, but refused to state what it was, although we urged him not to leave the people in darkness on this point. He labored hard to show that the soul is immortal, but the Bible is not in his favor. With reference to the destiny of the wicked, he took the position that there is a hell, where the wicked are now being tormented, and where they will be tormented forever and ever; that God's wrath can never be appeased. God is infinite; therefore his law is infinite, and sin must be infinite, and must exist as long as God exists; hence the punishment for sin must go on throughout eternity. By this view, sin is immortalized, and God could not destroy it if he desired to, With reference to the future inheritance of the saints, he took the position that this earth, also the sun, moon, and stars, will be literally destroyed, be burned up; then he taught that there will be a new heaven and a new earth, but before he was through speaking, he placed the people of God in heaven, to remain there forever.
During the discussion we had large audiences, from two hundred fifty to three hundred persons being present the greater part of the time. We have reason to believe that some interest has been awakened, and we hope to begin a series of meetings at Oakland, October 30. Pray that the truth may reach the hearts of the people. J. W. WATT.