STREET CORNER DEBATES by Wm. Covert

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Feb 12, 1880

STREET CORNER DEBATES.

By Wm. Covert

Does the Bible justify those contentions that we often witness on the street corners, in stores, and at public gatherings? It seems that many persons think it to be their duty, as defenders of Bible truths, to be arguing with their contentious neighbors upon points of difference. Is this right?

While we are admonished to study the Scriptures, and be always ready to give an answer to those who will ask us concerning our hope, we are to give our reasons in meekness, and fear. If we will observe those directions we shall be saved from many a bitter word and thought.

Paul exhorts Timothy to study to show himself a workman approved unto God, one who need not to be ashamed, and one that can rightly divide the word of truth. This is an accomplishment to which we should all labor to attain. Yet Paul would add a word of caution concerning the mode of presenting this truth, which is as necessary for us to observe as the other; and that is to shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase unto more ungodliness. Are not many at least of these street corner debates, profane and vain babblings?

True, it is our duty to warn our neighbors; but how shall we conduct ourselves under our peculiar circumstances? The great work of warning our fellow-mortals is resting down upon us, while scoffers are multiplying in the land. They mock at God's watchmen, and circulate a great many false stories about them. What shall the watchmen do? attack them on the corners? What saith the answer of God to his watchmen when they are reproved (argued with, margin)? See Hab. 2:1-3. Write the vision. Make it plain upon tables. Make it so plain that all may see at a glance that the prophetic visions tell exactly where we are in this world's history. That we are now past all the prophetic periods, in the tarrying time, waiting for Jesus to appear. Scoffers care very little about arguing the question farther when they read over those unanswerable illustrations of the visions of Daniel and John.

Brother and Sister, if your mind is burdened, and you think you must warn your neighbors, procure the charts, with the visions written upon them; then call in your neighbors, and explain the prophecies to them. Give the change of the Sabbath, together with the Sabbath reform in prophecy. Those illustrations on the chart contain it all. Your friends that want to learn would be convinced, and you would have discharged your duty, and doubtless God would bless the effort. WM. COVERT.