Jon Gary Williams
Articles / Resources
0917
Steryl A. Watson vs Ralph Staten (Freewill Baptist)
July 4, 1940
New Harmony, Arkansas
(By Franklin T. Puckett)
Debated at New Harmony, six miles south of Pocahontas, Ark.
Subjects: Baptism, foot washing, establishment of the church and Lord's supper. Bro. Watson did his work well. Mr. Staten was forced to admit that he belonged to an institution that is unscriptural in name, teaches and practices things not fundamental to the scheme of redemption and requires men and women to do more in order to be members o fit than God requires of them in order to go to heaven (according to Freewill Baptist doctrine).
Space will not permit a review of the entire discussion, but the truth was made to stand out clearly and forcefully. Bro. Watson closed the debate by stepping down from the platform and pleading with Staten, as he held his hand, to forsake this unscriptural institution to which he belonged and become just a Christian, teaching and practicing only those things fundamental to the scheme of redemption, without adding to or subtracting from them.
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