Jon Gary Williams
Articles / Resources
0944
U. G. Wilkinson vs W. S. Noble (Socialist)
July 17, 1913
Concan, Texas
(By J. Will Henley)
The above named discussion was pulled off at Concan, TX. On the beautiful Frio River 24 miles N. E. Of Uvalde.
"Resolved that the ethics of socialism are identical with the ethics of the Bible," was affirmed by W. S. Noble, who in my judgment is as able a defender of the principles of that party as could be found in the state. U. G. Wilkinson. Of Comanche, Okla. was the defender of the opposition power. Bro. Wilkinson is too well known to the many readers of our great brotherhood to need any words of introductory comment from me; but I must be permitted to tell you what I think of the man as a defender of the word of our God.
Being perfectly conversant with history's page, well and favorably acquainted with the Book of books, quick as lightening to catch a point, thoroughly familiar with the existing conditions of both church and state, and having a burning zeal for the purity of both, he enters the fight with not a single doubt as to the correctness of this position and proceeds to drive his arrows of scathing and convincing arguments with killing pointedness that is characteristic of the man. Yet, he showed the gentleness of a woman, the humility of a little child, the sympathy of a "good Samaritan," and the determination of a Paul. The cold truth is simply this: U. G. Wilkinson is an all-round debater who will do good among a refined and cultured people. His godly and self-sacrificing wife accompanied him on this mission, and she proved herself to be worthy of the esteem and respect of all good people. Her devotion to her husband and her great love for the church won for her some lifelong admirers in this part of Texas,
Mr. Noble has the name of being a perfect gentleman and a profound exponent of the doctrines of his party. His deportment was above criticism and his manner of dealing with an opponent is commendable and will win for him the friendship of those whom he opposes. I doubt if he has a superior in speech in his party; but as a debater on this and opposed by bro. Wilkinson, he was truly a failure.
Mr. Noble exhorted his comrades who had quit the church to return to her protecting folds and quit arguing infidelity and other stuff that would be hurtful to the peace and happiness of their community. Bro. Wilkinson's exhortation to them was, I think, the most touching piece of reasoning and oratory that I have ever heard. Much good will undoubtedly come from this debate. One brother who lives here and was a socialist came back home telling his socialists friends he was no longer one of them, but was satisfied just to be a Christian. I have heard of two others who made similar confessions. The faithful were satisfied with brother Wilkinson.
I moderated for bro. Wilkinson and a Russellite, restitutionist, moderated for Mr. Noble. We moderators debated the "kingdom question" at night.
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