Our affirmative propositions may be stated somewhat as follows: (1) The Scriptures teach that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment was given for all men, and is binding on people in the Christian age. Or, (2) The Scriptures teach that man is mortal, and is unconscious between death and the resurrection.
Our opponents usually set forth their propositions somewhat as follows: (1) The Scriptures teach that the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday, is the Lord's day, and should be observed as such by Christians. Or, (2) "The Scriptures teach that the kingdom of Daniel 2:44 was set up on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ from the dead."
As a precautionary measure, I have found it advantageous to require the anti-Sabbatarian to affirm publicly just what his church teaches on the question of Sunday observance. Otherwise he may take occasion to make sport of Seventh-day Adventists, and as one who has so little real proof and lacks in responsibility to maintain a cause, he may resort to raising a lot of dust by thrusts and witticisms.
Never enter into a debate on general propositions, such as, "The church of which I am a member is the church of Jesus Christ, according to the Scriptures." The limited time of even a long debate would not be sufficient to establish a proper basis for our many doctrines, to say nothing of answering the attacks of our opponents. Let the precise point in debate be clearly stated.
After the propositions are stated in writing, and agreed to, the debaters should sign them thus: "A. B. affirms." "C. D. denies." Each proposition should be separately signed.
It often happens that by insisting on plenty of time, divided as before indicated, and on the proper statement of propositions, and especially when it is insisted that the opponent affirm what his church teaches on the Sunday question, he will, rather than bind himself to an orderly debate, withdraw his challenge, and thus avoid the debate without losing face with the congregation. By this means I have avoided many debates which seemed inevitable, and the ultimate effect has always been complete victory for us. Sometimes the opponent withdraws his challenge when the adoption of the following rules is urged and agreement' indicated by signature:
Rules of Debate
Every debate should be conducted in harmony with well-defined and generally recognized rules. Perhaps the best and most widely known rules are those set forth by Professor Hedge, in "Logic," a small volume published in 1848. As this book may not be available to all readers, the seven rules are quoted as follows:
"Rule 1. The terms in which the question in debate is expressed, and the precise point at issue, should be so clearly defined that there can be no misunderstanding respecting them.
"Rule 2. The parties should mutually consider each other as standing on footing of equality in respect to the subject in debate. Each should regard the other as possessing equal talents, knowledge, and desire for truth, with himself; and that it is possible, therefore, that he may be in the wrong and his adversary in the right.
"Rule 3. All expressions which are unmeaning, or without effect in regard to the subject in debate, " should be strictly avoided.
"Rule 4. Personal reflections on an adversary should in no instance be indulged.
"Rule 5. No one has a right to accuse his adversary of indirect motives.
"Rule 6. The consequences of any doctrine are not to be charged on him who maintains it unless he expressly avows them.
"Rule 7. As truth, and not victory, is the professed object of controversy, whatever proofs may be advanced, on either side, should be examined with fairness and candor; and any attempt to ensnare an adversary by the arts of sophistry, or to lessen the force of his reasoning by wit, cavilling, or ridicule, is a violation of the rules of honorable controversy."
Don'ts for Debaters
Don't go into a debate unprepared. Know your subject. Have at hand an exhaustive concordance, two or three versions of the Bible, and such other books as may be needed. Be sure to be accompanied by an older minister to serve with you as counselor.
Don't attempt to display your skill. Before the debate is ended you may have occasion to feel ashamed of the revealed fact that you have so little.
Don't crack jokes on your opponent. It is not Christian conduct to do so, and it is dangerous to your cause. Witticisms, like boomerangs, may return to the sender with deadly effect, But it is safe to retort the thrusts of your opponent, if possible, as they can scarcely be turned a second time,
Don't flaunt your knowledge. Many a debater has lost out because his pretended knowledge of Hebrew or Greek was but a bubble, and burst in the air.
Don't use too many arguments. Stick to a few good, clear points, and make them plain and simple.
Don't fail to prove your points. A point stated but left unproved, is just so much useless verbiage. Fewer points, well established, are what count.
Don't be afraid to restate your arguments. The people may not begin to appreciate them until after hearing them stated two or three times.
Don't attempt to explain away everything your opponent says, Confine your answers to his telling arguments.
Don't "ride" your opponent. All the world hates a bully. Manifest Christian courtesy. The debater who never loses his temper, and who always comes up smiling, wins the sympathy of the audience.
Don't attempt to attend to other matters during the time of the debate. You have a man's size job in it alone.
Don't depend on yourself. The victory is of God. But this does not mean that careful study and preparation are not necessary. The fight is Yours.
Effect and Reaction
The effect of public debates on religious subjects is usually not the best. The results in favor of the truth are many times almost nil, and no doubt there is often a reaction against the truth. During the heat of the struggle the debater may sense the stimulation of controversy, but this is almost certain to be followed by both mental and spiritual depression. Therefore, before entering into a debate, it would be well to reread very carefully the instruction set forth by the Spirit of prophecy; and if there is no other way than to debate, then, having secured the co-operation and strong support of your brethren, and having spent much time in prayer and preparation, go forward and trust in God.
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
