A Religious Debate by John Matteson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 1, 1872

A Religious Debate.

By John Matteson

Last week there was quite a religious discussion at a school-house, in the town of Bath, commencing on the 3d inst., and lasting three days. The principal parties engaged were Rev. E. Wulfsberg, Lutheran, and John Matteson, Seventh-Day Adventist. Matteson was assisted by Rev. John Hanson, who was allowed to respond in the place of Matteson. Wulfsberg was assisted by Rev. B. J. Muus, of Goodhue County, Rev. T. Torgerson, of Worth County, Iowa, and the last day Rev. S. Reque, of Filmore County was present.

The debate was divided into six sessions, two each day. The first session was devoted to the discussion of the Lord’s supper, Matteson holding to the doctrine of the Reform Church as laid down by Calvin, and Wulfsberg to the Lutheran doctrine. The second and third sessions were devoted to the discussion of baptism, Matteson claiming that immersion was necessary in order to constitute baptism, and that children were not to be baptized. Wulfsberg claimed that either immersion or sprinkling was sufficient to constitute baptism, and that children should be baptized. Fourth and fifth was the discussion of the law and the Sabbath, Matteson claiming the seventh day, or Saturday, as the only proper day of worship; Wulfsberg claiming that we are not bound to any particular day. The sixth session was the discussion of the immortality of the soul and eternal punishment. Matteson argued that the soul was not immortal, Wulfsberg holding that it was.

John Hanson, Town Clerk of Bath, was chosen moderator, he not belonging to either of the denominations. At the close, he declared in favor of the doctrine advocated by Wulfsberg. The meetings were well attended and deep interest was taken.—Albert Lee Enterprise. Sept. 12.

Corrections:—The moderator said nothing at all in our hearing in favor of either side, neither was he requested to do so. He has been brought up in the Lutheran church, and has never professed to belong to anything else.

John Hansen spoke once, 10 min., on our side.

Mr. Muus was the principal disputant on the other side.

JOHN MATTESON.