Jon Gary Williams
Articles / Resources
0323
A. G. Freed vs J. R. Clark (Missionary Baptist)
May 20, 1926
Nashville, Tennessee
Began on Dickerson Road, in tent, in Nashville, Tennessee, May 11-14.
The huge tent was utterly inadequate to seat the crowd. The Baptists refused to have the debate in any community adjacent o one of their churches. The Baptists were warned from the pulpit not to attend the debate. Six Baptists were there; one of these came to Bro. Freed and said she was no longer a Baptist; another went to Mr. Clark and advised him that she was puzzled to understand how a person could repent before believing.
Mr. Clark is an experienced debater an prides himself on being a "Campbellite killer". He carries the stock arguments of all Baptist preachers. But, while he fought the truth and did all he could to prevent the people from seeing what was taught by the Apostles, he stated one truth, which, like a diamond in the mud, should be picked up and held continuously before the gaze of the public. He said, "No kind of courtesy should be used to cover heresy." Of course, we approve of, and encourage courtesy; but it is true that courtesy becomes sinful when used to cover heresy. I think the great throng felt that A. G. Freed is the most able debater in the Christian brotherhood. Bro. Freed said: "I have never been able to see how anyone should not like Christian discussion." We can understand why. This kind of debate reduces the ranks of the sectarians. There is nothing like meeting face to face and give reasons.
J. T. Dews, Pastor of Central Baptist Church, Nashville, Tennessee moderated for Clark; H. Leo Boles, President of David Lipscomb College, moderated for Freed.
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