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W. L. Totty vs Glenn R. Sheumaker (Church Cooperation)
March 15, 1962
Clearwater, Florida

(By Kenneth W. Franklin)

Debate was on Jan. 22-25 in High School auditorium at Clearwater, Fl.

Sheumaker referred to loyal brethren as "liberals, digressives and modernists," but it is a well-known fact that he was with us until the "anti" movement was spawned in the South in 1948. Totty forcefully pointed out the following:

According to Sheumaker a liberal church is one that feeds hungry babies, but a scriptural church is one that would let them starve to death. Totty also showed that "anti" doctrine allows a church to give $2.

Perhaps Sheumaker demonstrated the most prejudice and contempt when he reflected on his old school teacher, N. B. Hardeman, by implying that N.B. Hardeman is a modernist. Sheumaker quoted from Hardeman's sermon delivered at Bartow, Fl., in which sermon he pointed out that in the N. T. God often states the "what" and leaves the "how" to man's judgment. This is a truth that bro. Hardeman and all gospel preachers have preached all their lives, but now it is "modernism."

Totty described Sheumaker and Butler (Sheumaker's moderator) as "legalists, lawmakers and modern Pharisees." No congregation endorsed Sheumaker for the debate and it appeared that his own brethren boycotted the discussion. The Hercules church, an "anti" congregation, whose building is across the street from the H.S. auditorium, conducted a meeting during the discussion. The shackles of "anti-ism" are being broken in Florida. Faithful brethren are gaining more courage to withstand the pressure of those "who spy out our liberty in Christ Jesus."

Totty constantly complimented Sheumaker for his courage, but also he pointed out that the able and experienced debaters in the "anti" movement in Fla. would not take his place in the debate. A few more debates in Fla. will paralyze the "anti" movement. Having had approximately 100 debates, bro. Totty is a master at debating. Perhaps he has defended the orphan home more than any many among us in public discussion. Since he fought "Sommerism" for 25 years in Indianapolis, he is as well informed concerning their hobbies as any man in the brotherhood.

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