Jon Gary Williams
Articles / Resources
0120
I. B. Bradley vs C. H. Cayce (Primitive Baptist)
August 28, 1924
Woodville, Alabama
(By T. B. Thompson)
"It was my pleasure to moderate in the above-names debate, which was held at Woodville, Alabama, August 4-7. The auditorium of the school building seats 500 people but more were crowded into it. Conditional salvation was the issue, and each man affirmed for two days. The debate was conducted on a high plane, and but good can result. Bro. Bradley, despite his recent sorrow and the physical strain incident to the prolonged illness of his dear companion was in fine physical condition, and to say that he was otherwise equal to the task would be quite unnecessary to those who know his qualifications along this line.
Cayce made a hard fight for the cause of the "Old Baptists" and tried time and again to enlist sympathy by appealing to their prejudices. Bro. Bradley only replied: "Give him your sympathy; he needs it. I do not." When Bradley pressed him on the believing Jews in John 8:24; the chief rulers in John 12:42; the Samaritan woman in John 4; Rahab the harlot, Cayce finally said that these were all Christians, which is in absolute reverse with Primitive Baptist teaching regarding salvation. He acted with much insincerity quite often, and impressed thoughtful people that what he said was only to dodge an embarrassing position. He works hard to darken counsel and will not meet an argument head on. The Christian people had wanted a discussion of all differences between the two churches. Bradley challenged Cayce for a debate on this question. Cayce replied that if his people wanted a debate he would respond. However, he said that he would get out of the field as a debater on account of his age.
The debate was well received. Both speakers were most courteous. Much food was left after serving the large crowds. The truth was made beautiful in this debate.
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