A DISCUSSION by A. H. Vankirk

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, May 20, 1880

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 55, No. 21

A DISCUSSION.

By A. H. Vankirk

The truth has gained a glorious victory once more. Some time since, Eld. B. F. Kelley, a Free-will Baptist minister, stated in public meeting that he had challenged Eld. W. B. Hill to debate the Sabbath question with him, and that Eld. H. dared not do it. As this statement was made at Eagle Lake, where the interest in the truth was good, it seemed to demand attention. Bro. Hill accepted the challenge, and the discussion took place on Sunday, May 2, occupying three meetings.

I have never known of a decision being rendered at any discussion previously held in this State, but in this instance two of the three moderators voted in favor of Bro. Hill. We are sure that many more of the attentive hearers were convinced of the truth. Eld. Kelley himself acknowledged to Bro. Hill that he was too well trained for him. If oratorical effusions, loud-sounding words, and assumptions were always truth, then Eld. Kelley carried the question. We are glad, however, that such is not the case.

Two Sunday-keepers signified their appreciation of Bro. Hill’s effort by each leaving a silver dollar in his hand at parting with him; and if one can judge from appearances, his manner of conducting the debate was almost universally liked.

At the close of the meeting on the evening before the discussion took place, the brethren appointed a season of prayer for the next morning at five o’clock, at which time all joined in asking God to bless this effort in behalf of the truth. Their prayers were fully answered. Would not this be a good plan to follow in others cases under similar circumstances?

We think bragging will cease in this vicinity for a time.

A. H. VANKIRK.