THE SCHOOLHOUSE DEBATES

An apparently insignificant event happened about this time, that set in motion influences of great moment, the effects of which are still to be felt and seen. Robert Davis’ sister in Michigan was a regular subscriber to a religious journal. At this time she felt led to send this paper to him.

“Robert, here is a new kind of religious paper,” said Mary, who was reading the first copy. “It has articles in it entitled, ’Full Salvation,’ ‘Unity and Truth.’ How does that sound?” Turning a page over, she read again:

“’A definite, heart-searching, non-sectarian religious weekly, published in the interests of the church of God. For the salvation of sinners, entire sanctification of believers, divine healing of the body, and the unity of all true Christians in the faith once delivered to the saints.’”

“My, that sounds interesting,” said Robert, “’Church of God’ I wonder what church that is. ’Entire sanctification’ what does that mean? I heard Brother Jones say on last Sunday that sanctified people were the biggest cranks on earth, and he warned the congregation to lock their chicken and smoke houses whenever they came around. But, just see here, ‘divine healing.’ I wonder if that is Christian Science. Let me read that paper,” and he reached for it.

Robert dropped down into the nearest chair and was soon absorbed in reading. He was gripped by a power he had never known before. He noticed at once a directness, a simplicity, a spiritual flavor, coupled with much quoting of proof-texts, that attracted his deepest attention. He read an article on Repentance, one on Sanctification, and two testimonies of divine healing.

“Upon my word! If that isn’t the plainest-spoken and easiest-understood religious matter I have read in many a day,” said Robert. “I wonder who sent it, and if any more will come.”

Next week another copy of the new paper came, and Robert read an article on “The Church of God, What It Is and What It Is Not.”

“Mary, this paper is providentially sent to us. We have just decided to search for truth. My soul longs to know God’s real truth, and I notice this paper has much to say about the ‘truth.’ We shall continue our investigation of the doctrines of the denominations and probably this paper will help us,” said Robert. Before he laid the second issue down, he read the following article on Truth:

“Unknowingly to himself, Pontius Pilate asked one of the greatest of questions when he asked Jesus Christ, ‘What is truth?’ Jesus was on trial before him, and He had just said, in reply to another question of Pilate’s, ’Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice’ (John 18:37). And then Pilate asked, ‘What is truth?’ but he did not stop to get an answer.

“The ‘truth’ to which Jesus often referred means righteousness, true religion, the genuine revelation of the true plan of salvation. This is what the apostle John referred to when he said, ’For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever’ (2 John 2). The ‘truth’ in these texts is used in a broad sense to mean the whole range of revealed religion, the whole system of New Testament salvation.

“Vast importance is attached to this truth. Opposed to it are error, heresy, damnable doctrines of devils, human theories and philosophies, leading souls away from God and into perdition. The eternal destiny of men depends upon their finding and embracing the truth.

“If so much depends upon our finding the truth and obeying it, the important question arises how and where are we to find the truth? And another question follows: How are we to discern the truth when we see it? It is a fact that most religious people believe that their system of religion is right. They already think that it is the truth; even the most destructive doctrines are received as truth, and some scripture is misapplied or perverted to uphold them. By what means may the false be determined and rejected, and the true be established and accepted? These are very important questions.

“There must be a starting-point. In the first place, ‘What is truth?’ as Pilate put it. ‘Thy word is truth’ (John 17:17) said Jesus. This is basic. The Word of God is truth. ’All scripture is given by inspiration of God’ (2 Ti:16). God, Jesus Christ, and the Bible are truth. If we confirm to the divine will, we are bound to be right, and elected to eternal glory in the heavens; if not, we are doomed to eternal damnation.

“But, there is no more striking fact than this, that spiritual truths require more than intellect in order to grasp and comprehend them. ’For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?’ (1 Co:11). A man knows the things of a man because he is a man. Common experiences join him to his fellows, and he understands them. ’Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of God.... But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned’ (1 Co:11,14). Man then, must get in contact with God, through the Holy Spirit, if he is to know spiritual truth.

“Jesus tells just how to know the truth. ’If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself (John 7:17). The way to know is to obey. ’Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth’ (John 16:13).

“The secret then is out, it is as plain as day. It is this Jesus brought the truth to the world, and the Holy Spirit is everywhere present to lead men into that truth. Wherever and whenever a person desires to know the truth that he may obey it, there the Spirit of God will be to enlighten and to lead. The Spirit will lead unerringly every soul who wants the truth and will submit to His leadership. He will lead the sinner to sincere and genuine repentance, the believer into true sanctification, and also into the deeper experiences of sanctification and love, and into a true Christian life.

“There is a remarkable instance on record, showing what an honest desire to know the truth will accomplish. Years ago a portion of the gospels was washed ashore in the East. The natives read and re-read that portion over and over. What could it mean? It told of Jesus, but who was Jesus? It spoke of His dying, but what for? And yet, so strong was the impression this scrap of the gospel made, that regular periods were set apart to worship the Being hinted at in that portion. An honest effort was made to do His will. After several years, God sent some missionaries to that country, and it was to their surprise to find a tribe open-hearted to receive the truth.

“‘Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace’ (Job 22:21).

“‘Seek and ye shall find.’ May your search for truth be abundantly rewarded.”

The next few months found Robert and Mary Davis searching the Bible for the truth. Every sermon they heard they compared with the Scriptures. Articles in their new paper helped them greatly. They bought a book of Bible Readings, and made as thorough an investigation of Bible doctrine as they were capable of making. They made rapid progress. They became believers in holiness and sanctification; for the salvation theme held their interest most profoundly, and they became well acquainted with the proof-texts which supported these doctrines. The study of these texts brought great conviction to their hearts, and both of them sought the Lord for forgiveness of their sins, and both entered into the grace of conversion. The joy of this experience made their Bible study still more delightful. They had not been strangers to grace, but they had become slack and lukewarm, and when the light of God began to shine more brightly they felt that they should make sure work of it, and so they began at the bottom round of the ladder. They were glad afterwards that they had done this, because it gave them a sure starting-point.

Along in the fall of the year, as Robert was breaking ground for wheat, he got an invitation to attend a neighborhood prayer meeting.

“Good evening, neighbor,” said a voice, “don’t you want to go to our prayer meeting next Wednesday night?”

Robert looked up from his work and saw it was old Peter Newby.

“Why, yes, I guess so. Sure,” said Robert. “What kind of a prayer meeting is it?”

“We have a good one,” said Peter, “come and see.”

“All right, we’ll come,” said Robert.

This prayer meeting was held at Fairmount school house, a fine school building situated on the brow of a lilac-covered hill at the bottom of which hill one of the finest and largest springs in the country gushed forth. It was, as stated, ostensibly a neighborhood prayer meeting, but Peter Newby just about dominated it, and was carrying it on just about to suit himself. The method pursued was to read a chapter, and follow with a free-for-all exposition of it. Everybody had a chance to speak and expound the texts, whether he knew anything about them or not. Some queer theories were advanced in these discussions, which we have neither time nor inclination to speak of now.

Robert Davis and Mary began to attend this prayer exposition meeting as soon as they could. The Book of Romans was being read and studied at this time, and chapter 5 was up for discussion. After the reading of the chapter, Peter Newby, as usual, was on his feet ready to tell the class all about it. He noticed Robert and Mary and, knowing that they were strangers, he put on his most condescending and insinuating air. Raising himself to his full height, and giving his grizzled head just the right angle for incisive speech, he said:

“What is the apostle Paul writing about? Now, if you want to understand what any given text means, you must know three things, my friends. First you must know who was writing; second, you must know to whom he was writing; and third, you must know what he was writing about.” And then he cocked his head at a different angle, and shot glances around to see how his profound statement was being received. He looked especially at Robert and Mary, and some of the others glanced first at them and then at Peter, to see if there was a prospect of striking fire.

Giving his head a backward jerk, Peter continued:

“The apostle Paul was the writer of this epistle, and he was writing to the Romans. They were a Gentile church in Rome, and Paul was writing about how Christians were to live. Now, see here friends, we are all sinners, every one of us, sinners saved by grace. Paul said in one place that he was the chief of sinners. I am a sinner, but I thank God through Jesus Christ the Lord, that Christ died for us, and some day I expect to land in the glory world. I know there are some who say that they can’t sin, but I am sure I sin and they do, too. No one can live without sin in this low land of sorrow.” And Peter again poised his head at a quizzical angle, and glanced around to see how his talk was being taken. He paused a moment, and, before he knew it, Robert was on his feet, saying:

“I beg to differ with the brother who has just spoken about this matter of committing sin. Paul says, in the twentieth verse of this chapter, ‘But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound,’ and in verse 17, ’For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.’ And the very first verse says, ’Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ It is true that ‘all have sinned,’ as verse 12 says, but Jesus came to save us from our sins. Did you never read Mat:21, ’And thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins’? Through Adam’s sin we all became sinners, Paul says, but through Christ ‘shall many be made righteous.’ Through Adam we died in sin, through Christ we died to sin and live unto righteousness. This chapter teaches very plainly that Jesus came to bring grace sufficient to save us from our sins.” And Robert sat down.

Peter Newby had been standing all this time. He looked at Robert very quizzically. Here was a new type of opponent, one who spoke with the utmost frankness and confidence, and yet without the least taint of braggadocio. But Peter never had been beaten in debate or argument; so he returned to the discussion with great vim and determination.

“What does this young upstart know about the Scriptures? Why, I have been a student of the Scriptures for fifty long years, many years before this young man was born. I have heard many great preachers in my time, and they all said that man was born unto sin as the sparks are to fly upward. ’He that saith he liveth and sinneth not is a liar, and the truth is not in him.’ This is what the Scriptures say. And I have read where Solomon said that ‘there is no man that sinneth not,’ and did not John say, ’If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us’? Yes, he said that in 1 John 1:8. Ah, young man, you have much to learn yet about the Scriptures. As long as we are in this old sinful flesh we will commit sin.” And Peter sat down, with an air of triumph.

Robert Davis arose immediately. Everybody present was on the tiptoe of expectation. What would his reply be? They had not long to wait. Turning directly to Peter Newby, he asked him a pointblank question:

“Sir, how much sin is there in this stove?” pointing to a stove that stood there.

“None, I suppose,” answered Peter, rather feebly, as if he feared a trap were being laid for him.

“How much sin is there in the wood or stone of this house?” Robert asked Peter next.

“None, I suppose,” he replied.

“Well, then,” asked Robert, “how much sin will there be in this old body when it is dead?”

“I suppose there will be none,” Peter replied in a tone that registered defeat.

“Well, then, will you make death the salvation from sin? You say that as long as we are in what you call the ’old sinful flesh” we must commit sin, and yet you admit, as you must, that there will be no sin in the body when it is dead. Where, then, does sin reside? Jesus answers this question once for all in Matthew 15:19, 20: ’For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.’ It is the heart that sins; ’the soul that sinneth, it shall die,’ says the prophet Ezekiel in Eze:4. The body will die and return to dust from whence it came, but these immortal souls of ours will live on eternally. It is the soul that sins. When in our intentions we purpose to sin, we are guilty of sin before God. He that searches the heart, who looks not as man looks, who sees the secret motive, he knows when the will consents to do evil. Not a theft was ever committed, except that there was a will to steal; not an act of dishonesty, except that there was a will to deceive; not a lie was ever uttered, except there was a will to lie. It is our souls that must be saved. ’Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls’ (1 Peter 1:9).

“Our text says, ’Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ I wish to publicly thank God for this peace in my soul. Jesus saves me from my sins. I know that the verse, 1 John 1:8, is a stumbling-block to many, yet it is simple when understood. John was stating fundamental propositions. He began by saying that, ’if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ Then, as if turning back to state the basis, or antecedent of his remarks, he said, ’If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.’ In other words, there was sin to be cleansed from the hearts of sinners, and to declare there was no sin to be cleansed from, was only to deceive themselves. The same arrangement follows in verses 9 and 10, where the truth is first stated that ’if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,’ and then John stated the basis or antecedent of forgiveness, which is the fact that all have sinned.”

“Yes, yes, you can explain all you wish, young man, but you cannot get around those other texts I quoted. ’He that saith he liveth and sinneth not is a liar and the truth is not in him.’ That’s Bible, I tell you,” said Peter with vigor.

“Where is that in the Bible?” demanded Robert.

“It is there somewhere. I will find it soon,” said Peter as he started thumbing his Bible. The congregation waited in expectancy.

“I will give you five dollars if you will find that in the Bible,” said Robert.

“Oh, you don’t think it is in the Bible? I will get it. Maybe I cannot find it now but it is there, and I will find it,” said Peter. “But what about Solomon’s sayings, ’There is no man that sinneth not’?”

“Solomon lived a thousand years before Christ, Mr. Newby, and do you not think that Christ did something for us that the law could not do? ’He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises,’ says Paul, in He:6. It was probably true that, in Solomon’s day, no one lived free from committing sin, but since Christ came to redeem us from sin, we can be saved. Of course, anyone can sin, and there is danger of sinning, but if we live close to Jesus, He is able to keep us from falling, as Jud, 25 says,” replied Robert, as he sat down again.

Peter Newby closed the debate by saying: “Next week we shall study the sixth chapter of Romans. The young man who spoke tonight seems to know considerable about the Scripture, so we shall appoint him leader. I will find that text he asked for. It is in my old Bible at home.” And the crowd dispersed.