The Debate at Half Rock, Mo.
By George I. Butler
The debate between Eld. Joab Podget of the Christian (Campbellite) church and myself, closed Oct. 22. We claim a triumphant victory for the truth. So far as I know, all of our people who heard the debate, and a goodly number not of our faith, claim this. The debate covered six propositions on the subjects of the Sabbath, Sunday, consciousness in death, destiny of the wicked, and the kingdom. Sixteen sessions were held of two hours each. The truth was preached at Half Rock several years ago, and a small church was raised up. A year ago last summer, Bro. Chaffee lectured there, and quite a number came out on the truth. He was crowded into a discussion with Eld. Hedrick. Eld. H.'s friends were not satisfied with the result, and determined to try it over. Last spring, when I was visiting the church, they came to me with their propositions, and, though I was averse to debating, I could see no way to avoid it, unless I flatly refused. I accepted, and the debate was appointed for Oct. 14. It aroused considerable local interest. Eld. Podget is a young man of fair ability, quite ambitious, and with a large share of self-assurance. Six or seven of his ministerial brethren were present to assist him, more or less, and he made a determined effort. He had been specially preparing himself for months, had his Bible cut up and proof-texts pasted into a blank book; and near difficult verses which he supposed I would quote, he had written explanations pasted into his Bible, so as not to be taken by surprise. But all was of no avail. I never expect to be better satisfied with the result of any debate in which I may participate than I am with this. How clear the truth looks when laid side by side with error! Many of the elder's friends, who came out in force at first, evidently got sick of it, for they staid away after a few sessions; and several of his ministerial friends looked to me anything but pleased. I felt that God greatly blessed me in presenting the truth, and gave me special clearness of mind. I think we shall hear no more of debates at Half Rock. On the kingdom question I felt we gained a special victory. I had never heard this question debated, and knew little of the positions he would take. He made a desperate effort to maintain the position that the kingdom of God was set up during the lifetime of the apostles, but signally failed. Our position on the kingdom of grace admits all they can possibly prove, while the great fact that the glorious and everlasting kingdom of God will be set up in connection with Christ's second coming stands out as clear and full as a mountain lighted up by the blazing sun. Debates are generally unprofitable, and hence to be avoided; but there are cases where it seems hard to avoid them, without conveying the impression that we fear to meet our opponents in open discussion. A debate is quite a school for the person conducting it; it calls out thoughts that might otherwise never occur to him, and gives one boldness in the face of opposition. But their prevalence is anything but desirable under ordinary circumstances, and all reasonable ways should be used to avoid them.