_First Great Debate—The Debate as an Institution—The
Challenge—Opponents get Weak-Kneed, Prolonging Maneuvers—A
Hungry Multitude Unfed—Battle Begins—Questions Discussed—An
Improvised Creed for his Opponent—A Premature Baptism—An
Opponent’s Tribute to his Genius—Crowning the Victor._
In the earlier days of the church great stress was laid upon matters
of doctrine. Mooted theological questions occasioned much controversy
among the “brethren.” Preachers gave special attention to the particular
tenets of their respective churches, often decrying with heavy hearts the
doctrinal shortcomings of sister denominations. While this was a fault
of the times which a broader Christian spirit is overcoming, yet it had
its compensating features. In an age of controversy it became every man
to have some knowledge, not only of his own church, but also of other
churches. It is a fact that people generally were better informed on
doctrinal lines than in these latter days when the church is swinging so
near the opposite extreme. The doctrinal sermon was then the order of the
day, while now it is the rare exception.
The public debate was a popular means of testing the merits of rival
religious systems, though in reality it was more a test of the men
engaged than of their theology. Nor was the debate confined to matters
religious. Its field was unlimited. In politics it was a favorite method
of testing political issues and leaders, and of spreading political
information. The great Lincoln-Douglas debate is a notable instance.
Hence, while it has lost prestige somewhat, the debate once was an
honorable and powerful institution. The victor in such a contest was
regarded much as the ancient Greeks regarded the winners in the Olympian
games. And he was greatly in demand to defend the doctrines of his church
against their adversaries. Every pastor needed to cultivate the debating
faculty to some extent, at least, for self-protection, just as it was
necessary for the early New Englanders to carry their guns with them to
church.
It was during Rev. Mr. Newgent’s second pastorate at New Goshen that he
had his first great debate, and was thrust by force of circumstances into
the debating arena. Among his numerous converts were a large number who
held the faith enunciated by the Rev. Alexander Campbell, and commonly
designated as “Campbellites.” This stirred the controversial fires,
and in consequence he received a challenge from members of that body
to debate publicly certain questions on which the two churches were,
perhaps, more content to differ than to agree.
He was quite content to promulgate his faith in the ordinary way, feeling
that the results of his work were sufficient proof of the genuineness
of his theology. Hence, he sought to avoid being pressed into this sort
of contest, even proposing to secure a man to represent his church. But
they regarded him as the high priest of his profession, and as they
had suffered at his hands, they demanded that he represent his side in
person. Seeing there was no honorable way of escape, he reluctantly
consented, and preliminaries were arranged.
His opponent was a Rev. Mr. Price. The place selected was a beautiful
grove near the village of West Liberty, Vigo County, Indiana. A vast
throng of people were present the day the debate was to open. But they
were doomed to disappointment. Just as they were getting ready to begin,
representatives from the opposition approached Rev. Mr. Newgent and asked
if they might be permitted to let the Rev. William Holt, D.D., champion
their side instead of Mr. Price. Doctor Holt was a recognized giant among
the Campbellites. He was a veteran of thirty-two battles in the debating
field, and was one of the foremost expounders of the tenets of his church.
Whether or not it was the wish of Mr. Price to be relieved, it was quite
evident that there was a lack of confidence somewhere. At any rate the
opposition felt more secure with their cause committed to the hands of
their great captain, armed, as he was, with education and eloquence, and
skilled in the art and science of debate. All felt that it was to be a
great contest, significant in its results, and that no chances should be
taken.
Rev. Mr. Newgent consented to the change on condition that the debate
be postponed a couple of months to afford time for further preparation.
The condition was accepted, and the multitudes were sent away hungry,
disappointed, and dejected. The responsibility was thrown upon the
Campbellites, as their unwillingness to let Mr. Price champion their side
was the cause of the postponement. For the Irish circuit rider it was a
diplomatic stroke, a bloodless victory to begin with.
The two months were well spent by Rev. Mr. Newgent in preparation for
this greater contest. The delay only seemed to increase popular interest
in the affair; and when they again met, the crowd was even larger than
before. The discussions consumed eleven days. However, the time was
divided into two sections with an intervening period of four or five
weeks. It was estimated that from eight thousand to ten thousand people
attended daily throughout, among them being a large number of ministers
of various denominations. Six boarding tents did a thriving business. In
fact, the debate was the great event of the year. A political campaign
could not have created more interest and excitement.
The discussions covered six propositions, as follows:
1. The church of which I, William Holt, am a member, is identical in
doctrine and practice with the Church of Christ, as revealed in the
Scriptures. Holt affirmed.
2. Jesus Christ is the very and eternal God, separate and apart from his
human nature. Newgent affirmed.
3. Water baptism is for the remission of the past sins of the penitent
believer. Holt affirmed.
4. The Holy Spirit bears a direct, immediate, and personal testimony to
the believer of his pardon. Newgent affirmed.