Jon Gary Williams
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The debate at Auburndale, Florida between Thomas J. Butler and W. F. Connell, Dade City, Florida, came to an abrupt end the first night. The discussion was announced to continue, but the local Baptist preacher called Bro. Butler the next day and said Mr. Connell had received a "death message," and the debate must stop. The debate was in the First Baptist Church building, and the Baptists saw that their doctrine would not stand the test of God's word.

Bro. Butler used about six simple arguments to prove baptism a condition of salvation. These were presented so clearly that even Mr. Connell understood the conclusion of the arguments. He was so shocked that he made many contradictory statements trying to answer. On Mark 16:16 he said, "all of the scholars leave it out, but I believe it anyway." On Acts 2:38 he said, "most of the scholars translate 'FOR' because of, but I don't think it makes any difference which way you take it." Needless to say he forgot to produce the scholars who translate it this way.

Mr. Connell is much like all Baptist debaters in that he depends on wild assertions and appeals to prejudice, but, unlike Jackson, Kirkland, and Bogard, he does not know how to cover up as well. This was one of the clearest and most pronounced victories that I have ever seen in any debate.

I moderated for Butler.


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