Jon Gary Williams
Articles / Resources

0308

A. G. Freed vs R. H. Pigue (Methodist)
November 26, 1903
Yorkville, Tennessee
(By A. L. McCorkle)

Debate at Yorkville, Tennessee, October 26-31 for six days.

Propositions Pigue affirmed: The Bible teaches that the believer has the promise of salvation before baptism. Pigue quoted John 3:17-18; 11:26. He said that these scriptures show that if a man believes, he is "not condemned," but "hath everlasting life." Freed asked if these promises to the believer are conditional or unconditional. Pigue said, "unconditional." Then Bro. Freed showed Pigue that he had embraced the Baptist doctrine of the impossibility of apostasy, which is contrary to Methodist doctrine. He showed, too, that a man must have a faith which is perfected by obedience before he can have the promise of salvation, and that God's promises are always conditional.

Pigue attempted to set up the church in the days of Abraham. All that he quoted in support of his claim were those relied on by the Baptist to establish Baptists Church in days of Jesus. This was Pigue's best day's work, yet any Bible student saw his failure.

Pigue affirmed "sprinkling or pouring is baptism". Freed defeated him at every point. At the close of the day, Pigue showed his defeat on his face and he felt it keenly.

Freed affirmed baptism for remission of sins and used the usual scriptures. He easily demonstrated the truth of the proposition. Pigue only used ridicule, object, and slang. He was overwhelmingly defeated.

Pigue affirmed: "The Bible authorizes infant baptism." Freed pressed him for scriptural authority. He had none and did not try to give any. I never saw a man so completely whipped, even many Methodists frankly admitted his defeat.

Freed made Pigue repudiate Wesley and the Methodist "Discipline" and many leading Methodist writers and debaters. Pigue was mad at end of debate and actually contended that he had whipped the "Campbellites" and believed they would never debate him again. We will certainly give him another chance and very soon. We do not fear him when Bro. Freed is present. Freed can meet and defeat all error. He is dignified, logical and erudite, and always ready for the strongest sophistry that his opponent can use. The brethren at Yorkville are more than satisfied with results of the debate.

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