DEBATE IN IOWA by C. A. Washburn

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 19, 1878

DEBATE IN IOWA.

By C. A. Washburn

I came to Davis City Nov. 12, to hold a debate with Eld. Springer (Mormon), who had challenged me through one of the county papers to discuss the Sabbath, the unconscious state of the dead, and the final destruction of the wicked. For proof we were to take the Bible only. His arguments were about the same as those generally advanced by our opponents, and were not hard to meet. We had eight sessions of two hours each. Some of Eld. Springer's friends were not satisfied with his proof-texts, and expressed themselves more in favor of our views than before. This is a strong-hold of Mormons, there being a colony of several hundred near Davis City. Our church near this place has been strengthened by seeing error and truth contrasted.

I held meetings with the church on Sabbath and first-day. One young man was baptized who had heard Bro. E. W. Farnsworth give a course of lectures in Dakota over two years ago. This is another encouragement to “sow beside all waters.”

I am grateful to God for this truth, and for freedom in its defense. Let us all labor on through sunshine and through storm, till eternal life shall be given to the redeemed on the new earth. 2 Peter 3:13; Rev. 21:1-4. C. A. WASHBURN. Dec. 6.