Introduction.
But little need be said, by way of introduction, in bringing this volume before the public. Mr. Hume stands at the head of a large body of Calvinistic Baptists, styling themselves "Regular Baptists," in the section of county adjacent to Mt. Vernon, Ind., where the debate was held. In the same section of country there are many Christians. There being several points of direct issue in the doctrines of these respective parties, they were frequently introduced in the sermons of the preachers. These collisions, owing to certain circumstances which cannot be explained here, became very frequent, and in many respects disagreeable. This created a general desire in the community, that an honorable discussion should take place between Elder Joel Hume and some one competent, selected by the disciples. As the correspondence will show, Elder Benjamin Franklin, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was selected by the disciples to meet him.
At the appointed time the debate commenced, and lasted four days, and was listened to with the deepest interest, not only by the friends of the parties but by the community generally. There was a mutual understanding that the debate should be published. In accordance with this, three gentlemen were appointed to make as full a report of the speeches as possible. This was done. At the close of the debate it was mutually agreed, that each of the disputants should have a copy of the report, and that Judge Green should have the remaining copy, and that the parties should write out their speeches and submit them to the inspection of Judge Green, with the privilege of striking out anything that should be added, or making correction of any important departure from the oral speeches. Agreeably to this arrangement, the speeches have all passed this inspection.
The whole is therefore submitted, by the publishers, to a reading and intelligent community, without attempt to bias the mind of the reader to one side or the other; but simply requesting him to compare the reasoning and arguments with the holy scriptures, and judge for himself which side conforms nearest to the Bible, in doctrine, temper, spirit, and morality. We believe the volume is calculated to do good - to enlighten the public mind, and relieve many persons from serious difficulties; and knowing such to be the general opinion of a large majority of those who heard it, we cheerfully commend it to the world.
Preliminary Rules of Discussion.
1. The Debate shall commence at such time, and be held in such place, as the Debators shall decide upon when they meet.
2. Each Disputant shall select a Moderator, and these shall choose a third, who shall act as President.
3. The Moderators shall call to order; invite some person present to open each session with prayer; and close it with the benediction; see that the rules of decorum are observed by the Disputants and the audience; decide all questions of order, and attend to such other duties as usually devolve upon presiding officers.
4. In the opening of each new subject the affirmant shall occupy one hour, and the respondent the same length of time - each subsequently shall alternately occupy half an hour, till the subject is disposed of.
5. No question shall be discussed for more than three days, nor less than one day, except by consent of the Debators.
6. The Debate shall open at precisely half-past nine o'clock, and close at half-past eleve, A. M., each day - and in the afternoon commence at precisely one o'clock, and close at four.
7. On the final negative no new matter shall be introduced.
8. The Debatants agree to adopt, and be governed by, the rules of decorum found in "Hedge's Logic," pages 159, a copy of which work shall be upon the Moderator's desk, for reference.
9. King James' translation of the Holy Scriptures, generally known as the common version, shall be the umpire on all Biblical questions.
10. The rules of interpretation laid down in the 17th chapter of "Hedge's Logic," shall govern the parties in their Biblical criticisms; but either party may refer to other translations, commentaries, and writings, to prove the correctness of his interpretations.
11. The following propositions shall be discussed, agreeably to the above rules:
Propositions.
1. The doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity is taught in the Holy Scriptures. Mr. Hume affirmed. Mr. Franklin denied.
2. Where the gospel is preached as first delivered by the apostles, any unregenerate person of adult years, and sane mind, can believe, repent, confess the Lord Jesus Christ, turn to God, and be finally saved. Mr. Franklin affirmed. Mr. Hume denied.
3. The immersion of a penitent believer, by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, is for the remission of past sins. Mr. Franklin affirmed. Mr. Hume denied.
4. Any saint in the church of God can apostatize from the Christian faith, and be finally lost. Mr. Franklin affirmed. Mr. Hume denied.
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