Jon Gary Williams
Articles / Resources
0291
C. L. Embrey vs D. N. Jackson (Missionary Baptist)
March 3, 1938
Texarkana, Arkansas
(By R. L. Calley, Overton, Texas)
In municipal Auditorium in Texarkana, Arkansas, January 8, 1938.
Jackson affirmed: "Resolved, that Alexander Campbell in the year 1827 led in the establishment of the church of which C. L. Embrey is a member, known by him and his brethren as the Church of Christ."
C. L. Embrey affirmed: "Resolved that John Smith in the year 1607 led in the establishment of the church of which D. N. Jackson is a member, known by him and his brethren as the Missionary Baptist Church."
Once can readily see that these are not propositions that are to be proved or disapproved by the Bible, and, therefore, are not to be desired by those who are seeking the truth as the Bible gives it on these subjects. Jackson flatly refused to debate any other subject until they debated the historical question. And now he refuses to debate Bro. Embrey on a Bible subject.
. Embry is a Christian gentleman, and he conducted himself this way all through the debate. He was more than equal to unexpected conditions that came up. He exalted the Bible as a whole means of information concerning the salvation. Bro. Embrey was a Baptist for several years, and thought he had a call to preach Baptist doctrine. When they examined him to ordain him for a Baptist preacher, he contended that he would preach what the Bible said on all subjects, regardless of Baptist doctrine. They refused to ordain him as a Baptist preacher. He then attended a gospel meeting that was conducted in his home town, learned the truth, and accepted it. This was six years ago; since that time he has boldly contended 'for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.' He is a self-made man, full of faith and love for the truth.
In Bro. Embrey's affirmation he gave what he meant by 'Baptists and their doctrine' from his own experience in the Baptist Church, a tract written by him as follows.
Question: "Is the Baptist Church essential to any person's salvation?"
Answer: "No"
Q. "Does a person have to hear and believe Baptist doctrine to be saved?"
A. "No"
Q. "Can a person to go heaven and never hear a Baptist preacher preach?"
A. "No"
Q. "Then if a person does not have to hear Baptist doctrine and does have to hear the gospel in order to be saved, Baptist doctrine is not the gospel, is it?"
A. "I am getting made now. You had better let me along. I think it is a sin to argue, and I don't want to talk to you; and, furthermore, I had just as soon be a Baptist as a Campbellite.
Q. Do I get the Holy Spirit in the Baptist Church or not?
A. On the outside.
Q. Am I sanctified in the Baptist Church or out of it?
A. You are sanctified before you get into the Baptist Church.
Q. Does God redeem us in the Baptist Church or out of it?
A. Why, you are redeemed before you get into the Baptist Church.
Q. Are my sins forgiven before I get into the Baptist Church?
A. Yes.
Q. Is the blood of Christ in the Baptist Church?
A. No.
Q. Can I be saved and not be a member of the Baptist Church?
A. Yes.
Q. Can I have eternal life and not be a Baptist?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you mean to tell me that I can go to heaven and live with my Lord and His angels and God, my Creator, and never know there is such a thing as a Baptist Church?
A. Yes.
Q. My good Baptist friend, will you please tell me what under high heaven is the Baptist Church good for? What inducement can you offer the children of men to get them to join an institution that absolutely has nothing in it? Can you think of one think I can get in the Baptist Church that I cannot get on the outside?
A. Yes, we have close communion and you have the right to vote.
Mr. Jackson accepted these answers as correct. However, he failed to find such an organized body of people before 1607. He wandered around in history and read much about Baptists. It made no difference what kind they were. Whether they poured, sprinkled, or immersed for baptism made no difference to him.
Mr. Jackson made a fine appearance before an audience, and has his material at his command at all times. He makes his arguments clear and forceful. He is a pleasant speaker to hear. I have know Dr. Jackson for a number of years, and have heard him debate and preach at different times, and have thought that he was the best and cleanest Baptist debater among them. I have never heard him resort to cheap sarcasm, as is now common to debaters or less culture, education and dignity. However, in this debate Mr. Jackson descended to the low plane that is beneath the dignity of honorable debaters. To this Bro. Embrey made no reply, of which I was very happy. Surely only a hard-pressed cause would bring such things from a man of such ability as that of Dr. Jackson.
Three baptized after the debate. Jackson says he will not meet Embrey on the Bible.
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