THE HOUSTON-DAVIDSON DEBATE Part 1

by "Jerome"

PREFACE

There are three posts on this subject which I have published in reverse order – simply so that readers can read them in the correct order. Inevitably, they will knock other material off the front pages of this blog, but readers can easily go to the archives to check past posts on other aspects of Watch Tower history.

This research started with a review of The Day of Vengeance published in ZWT (reprints 2278) which mentions a debate in north-east Scotland featuring Bible student Charles Houston and clergyman Donald Davidson. More on the actual debate is found in an earlier ZWT (reprints 1965). Houston shared in colporteur work, and his efforts in Scotland are also detailed in ZWT (reprints 1884).

Two local newspapers for Houston’s home area of Wick gave him considerably publicity. He organised wide distribution of the tract Do You Know? He also organised a series of public meetings. This attracted criticism that prompted Davidson, then minister of Canisbay Free Church, to challenge him to debate. The resulting event was reported in some detail.

The newspapers in question are not available on the internet, and the relevant issues could only be found in the Wick Public library. I am very grateful to the member of staff who checked four months of papers and sent me full scans of all the material. This is an excellent example for other libraries, which sometimes seem to delight in thwarting researchers’ efforts, especially those who cannot actually physically walk through the door. I transcribed all the newspaper references (which came to over 100 pages) and at the library’s request have sent them all the transcripts with a special introduction.

To get an overview, it would good to read through this introduction which follows. It should be noted that, since this was written for the library, it is designed for the general public rather than Watch Tower historians. It assumes that readers are not familiar with Zion’s Watch Tower, Pastor Russell, Millennial Dawn, future probation, etc. Hence, the explanations about beliefs and the personnel involved, and the attempt to maintain a neutral tone.

Following this preface and general introduction, the two separate transcriptions of the debate are reproduced in full.

All the other material – acrimonious correspondence trying to organise the debate, the aftermath, plus separate debates with local worthies on subjects like the trinity – has not been reproduced here. It would have swamped this blog with far too many pages. However, the whole story, totalling 114 pages, can be downloaded as a pdf free of charge from Lulu.com. Simply type in “Houston-Davidson debate” in the search box. Please feel free to copy on this download for any who may be interested.

Read. And I hope – enjoy!

INTRODUCTION

CHARLES NEAVE HOUSTON OF WICK – AN EARLY CONTROVERSIAL EVANGELIST

For the first four months of 1896, hardly an issue of the weekly John O’Groat Journal and the weekly Northern Ensign (both published in north-east Scotland) went by without a letter or a reference to one C N Houston – full name Charles Neave Houston. Houston, a draper in Wick, had become a convert to the Bible Student movement spearheaded by the writer Charles Taze Russell, who published a magazine Zion’s Watch Tower. The magazine still continues today, now named The Watchtower, published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

As an enthusiastic convert Houston took time out from his business to spread his new views, culminating in a public debate with the minister of Canisbay Free Church. This was reported in detail in the papers. The surrounding correspondence – often quite acrimonious – can be quite entertaining for a modern reader. In those days before instant communication, people were not prepared to wait a whole week before responding to comments they objected to. So, a letter in the John O’Groat Journal (published Fridays) would often be answered in the Northern Ensign (published Tuesdays) and vice versa.

Some background would be in order. From genealogical records, the business news in the Edinburgh Gazette, and then the actual correspondence in the JOGJ and NE, a little bit of Houston’s personal history can be established.

He was born in Canisbay in 1854. He was apprenticed to Peter MacKenzie, a draper in Wick, and ultimately married his daughter, Alice. No children are mentioned in his obituary. He eventually became sole proprietor of the drapery business in 1895.

He took a keen interest in religious matters. When the Pulteneytown Mission Hall was opened in 1887, as an appendage to the Wick Free Church, Charles Houston was reported as one of those giving an address at its first evangelistic meeting. But around 1893 (“some three years ago” as he expressed it in the February 1896 debate) Houston “saw the light” in what he called “that blessed book ‘Millennial Dawn.’”

His obituary mentioned that he had spent time in America where “he became acquainted with several thinkers and writers whose friendship he greatly valued.” This may have been connected with his interest or even his introduction to Zion’s Watch Tower and Millennial Dawn. Or he may have discovered this theology in Scotland. Russell’s evangelistic efforts had reached Scotland first in 1881 – when an American visitor J J Bender had hired boys to circulate over fifty thousand copies of Russell’s small book Food for Thinking Christians in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen. Glasgow in particular became an early centre for what became the Bible Student movement. When Houston made an evangelical trip in 1895 he spoke of visiting “the friends” in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Russell expanded his original small book into a much larger one entitled The Plan of the Ages (later The Divine Plan of the Ages), first published in 1886. This became the first of a series known as Millennial Dawn.

As noted above, sometime in the early 1890s Houston came into contact with Millennial Dawn. He was well-known in his area, and his conversion attracted some attention. He cut down on business to make more time for circulating literature, including the aforementioned tour in 1895, which was written up in Zion’s Watch Tower. He arranged for a widespread tract distribution to promote his new views in his own area; and when Charles Russell suggested that supporters might organise public meetings, Houston did that as well.

The newspapers published fairly polite and neutral reviews of Houston’s efforts, but they attracted negative publicity from offended supporters of orthodoxy. A debate on the trinity ensued (Millennial Dawn did not support the trinity) – and feathers were ruffled. It was suggested that merchants should stick to selling their wares rather than becoming teachers, unless it was a plot to advertise the drapery business not available to competitors. As often happens in debates of this sort, Houston was also accused of misrepresenting his opponents’ position, setting up and demolishing straw men. This correspondence petered out as Houston’s opponents withdrew.

But the main controversy that drew the Reverend Mr Davidson into the fray was a doctrine commonly known as “future probation.” Millennial Dawn taught that countless dead would come back in a future resurrection to receive a chance of accepting Christ and gaining salvation. This was not the orthodox position, which dubbed Houston’s views as “second chance.” The argument then developed along familiar lines – one side insisting this was not a second chance but the real first chance for those affected. A variation on this as taught by Houston was that it was really a second chance for everyone, because everyone lost their first chance through the sin of Adam. The other side accused “Future Probationists” of being Universalists; then “Future Probationists” responded that this was not universal salvation, but universal opportunity. And so on. Questions that orthodoxy would sometimes sidestep by saying that it was not for us to know, were answered with irritating certainty by the non-orthodox.

Houston and Davidson met for the first time in the local newspaper offices in Wick. Houston was accused of spreading Millennial Dawn theology amongst Davidson’s flock by paying a man to circulate a tract called Do You Know? Houston not only agreed he had done this, but was adamant he would continue to do so. The tract in question carried the imprimatur – “’Millennial Dawn’ had done more for me as a Christian, and to make the Bible clear to me, than all other books and pamphlets combined. I will supply this Society’s tracts free, and the book mentioned at one shilling, or the reading of it free – C.N. HOUSTON, Wick.’

Houston was quite unrepentant and the exchange between the two men was described as “exceedingly vehement and declamatory.”

However, it was agreed that a debate could take place. For weeks thereafter the two men wrangled through the pages of the newspapers on the exact wording of the debate. Houston wanted to debate the doctrine called the “ransom”. This was too general for Davidson, who wanted to pin Houston down to exact Yes and No answers on matters where Houston believed he needed to give qualified answers. Eventually, they hit on a formula acceptable – just about – to both men, and the debate finally took place on Wednesday, February 26^th, 1896, at the Canisbay Free Church where Davidson was minister.

Both the John O’Groat Journal and the Northern Ensign sent reporters. And the two accounts give quite a full picture of what went on. The church of course was full of Davidson’s supporters, quite capable of cheering their man and booing and hissing Houston. Modern readers can make up their own minds on the balance of truth and error expressed on the occasion, but I think it is fair to state that Houston (a bit of a Daniel in a lion’s den) held his own very well. Davidson actually seemed to run out of steam – running short on his allotted time, and eventually declining to argue further, saying that others could debate Houston – there were subjects on which he, Davidson, would not dream of commenting, whereas Houston seemed to have all the answers (even if all the wrong answers as Davidson saw it).

In the aftermath, one paper published an anonymous write-up that gave Houston lavish praise and strongly criticised Davidson. Unsurprisingly, Houston sent the clipping to America to Charles Taze Russell who published it in full in his journal. Houston was also quick to complain that a long list of worthy gentlemen who had put their name to a document condemning Millennial Dawn had now admitted they had never read the book in question – other than selective quotes as provided by Davidson and taken out of context.

Ultimately, and fairly quickly, the newspapers’ correspondents grew tired of the subject and asked for a line to be drawn.

Charles Houston might have become quite well known in the fledgling (Millennial Dawn) Bible Student movement had he not died quite unexpectedly from pneumonia in December 1902 in his late 40s. The newspapers gave a sympathetic obituary. They mentioned his earlier religious affiliations, and a friend took the main funeral service, with support from several local clergy. His funeral did not take place in a church but rather in his house. He was buried in the Wick New Cemetery.

Note on spelling, punctuation and paragraphing etc.

I have decided to let the formatting stand as originally printed. In the actual transcriptions of the debates there is occasional inconsistency in capitalisation for He, Him etc. when talking about God or Christ. This would be down to the reporter, who is trying to make sense of shorthand notes on a subject he may not properly understand. And as often happened in newspapers of the time, there are very long passages where paragraphing is non-existent. However, if readers in Scotland could understand the printed page as presented in 1896, I am sure modern readers can do the same. And spelling has not been adjusted. It is generally very good, but is of course UK spelling rather than US spelling. So any American readers will have to get used to “centre” “honour” etc.

THE HOUSTON-DAVIDSON DEBATE Part 2

Transcript of debate in the Northern Ensign for March 3, 1896

THE “MILLENNIAL DAWN” CONTOVERSY – DEBATE BETWEEN MR HOUSTON AND THE REV. MR DAVIDSON

THE debate between the Rev. Mr Davidson and Mr C.N. Houston on some of the doctrines taught in the book “Millennial Dawn” took place in Canisbay Free Church on Wednesday evening. The circumstances which led up to the debate are well known to our readers and need not be recapitulated here. A good deal of interest was manifested in the event, and it came off in the presence of an audience which quite filled the church. The weather which had been very stormy for a whole week previously had become settled. The bitterly cold wind had ceased to blow, there was a fine serene sunset, and a clear sky and nearly full moon made night almost as bright as day, while a sharp frost converted muddy roads into as pleasant paths as were ever trod upon by shoe leather. The people gathered to the place of meeting from far and near. A party drove from Wick and another from Halkirk, and other districts beyond the Persian frontier sent contingents – one of those from a distance being the Rev. Mr Brims, Keiss – while the parish itself was, as a matter of course, largely represented. When the audience was assembling the strangers who had taken their seats had leisure to take a look round and mentally express satisfaction with the internal alterations and improvements, in virtue of which it may be said that the church has quite renewed its youth and been removed far and forever from the class of sacred edifices which are characterised as belonging to the barn type. Reflections on this subject were distracted for a time by the appearance of a plump and every way well appointed cat – not black – which inspected the elders’ platform, reserved for the chairman and the debaters; and from thence it sprang up in the direction of the pulpit, where for the rest of the evening it is supposed to have watched the interesting proceedings which were going on below. When the hour came – seven o’clock – almost every seat in the large building was occupied. Dr Macgregor acted as chairman, and discharged the duties of his office with ability and fairness. It was bruited abroad that lively episodes might be looked for before the debate was over, and there was even a rumour that extra police were to be in attendance to make sure that all things should be done decently and in order. One preserver of the public peace was in evidence, but one only, and as might have been anticipated, no occasion arose for invoking his intervention. The chairman kept the audience well in hand. At one juncture when there appeared to be some disposition to interrupt Mr Houston, the doctor said that if anything of the kind happened again he would name the interrupter. This, however, was more easily said than done. In a crowded meeting it will often baffle the keenest-sighted president to “spot” every individual who hisses or interjects an unfriendly remark, and this was found to be the case in the present instance. Therefore at the next threatened outbreak, Dr Macgregor said that if order was not maintained he would leave the chair, and this intimation had the effect for a time of allaying the discordant elements. Personally Mr Houston is held in high esteem in his native parish, but there was evidently something more than curiosity to know about “this new doctrine” of which he appeared as the setter forth. Coupled with the feeling of curiosity there was apparently among some an uneasy suspicion that the doctrine in question marks a perilous deviation from the old paths which they and their fathers before them have hitherto been content to keep in their Zionward pilgrimage, and orthodox religious folk are sensitive to nothing so much as meddling with matters which vitally concern their hereditary beliefs. Mr Houston, however, got throughout a patient hearing, and his arguments were closely followed by the meeting. Both gentlemen paid the audience the compliment of coming to the debate well prepared; and although an hour was allowed each for his opening speech, neither had half exhausted his arguments when time was called. After that, each had half an hour in which to reply, but the time limit was not rigidly insisted on; and it was half-past ten o’clock before the debate came to an end. A full report of the proceedings would fill about fourteen columns, and as that is a much larger order on our space than we can meet, a severely condensed summary must suffice. Mr Houston and Mr Davidson, accompanied by Dr Macgregor, emerged in due time from the vestry, and were quietly received. Mr Davidson read four verses of the 19^th Psalm, commencing, “God’s law is perfect, and converts The soul in sin that lies,” and these having been sung, led by Dr Macgregor, Mr Davidson engaged in prayer. Thereafter

Mr Houston said he had pleasure in proposing that Dr Macgregor to take the chair. The doctor was known to them all, and he presumed he would have no interest in favouring one side more than the other. (Applause.)

Mr Davidson seconded the motion. In doing so he wished to explain that Mr Houston had the choice of the chairman, and three gentlemen had been named, without, however, consulting them, viz, the Rev. Mr Macpherson, Dr Macgregor, and Councillor A. Sinclair, merchant. Mr Macpherson declined because he had to go from home; and Dr Macgregor also declined on account of his professional duties. He (Mr Davidson) then went to Mr Sinclair, who was willing to take the chair; but Mr Houston preferred the doctor, and that gentleman ultimately consented to undertake the duties of the office. (Applause.)

The Chairman asked the audience to give each gentleman a patient hearing. Truth, he said, could not suffer permanently from anything that was said or done, and they had evidence of this in the history of the past and in the record of quarrels on questions of opinion which had taken place. The chairman then read the terms of debate as follows; -

“I, C.N. Houston, affirm that according to the Scriptures, the ‘ransom for all’ given by the ‘Man Christ Jesus’ does not give or guarantee everlasting life or blessing to any more. It only guarantees for every man an opportunity of life everlasting.”

“I, Donald Davidson, affirm that according to the Scriptures, the ‘ransom for all’ given by the ‘Man Christ Jesus’ does give and guarantee everlasting life and blessing to some men. It does not guarantee ‘another opportunity or trial for life everlasting’ as taught in ‘Millennial Dawn,’ vol 1.”

MR HOUSTON OPENS.

Mr Houston introduced his opening speech by saying that he appeared before them that evening with great pleasure. He was one of themselves; they knew him altogether; and he need not therefore make any apology about himself. If they believed half that had been said in connection with this controversy, he could not wonder if they had some curious feelings in their hearts; but he hoped to be able to disperse some of the more erroneous ideas which had been formed and which had possibly been crammed into them. He spoke of the changes which had taken place in various departments of life – changes wrought by science and changes in theological opinion, and remarked on the opposition which everything that was new encountered for a time, although by-and-by it came to be accepted as a matter of course and regarded as indispensible, notwithstanding the deceivableness of Satan’s power in getting people to keep back truth by prejudice and religious hypocritical cant. If people charged him with disseminating error, he was sorry for it; but they had known him all his life, and they knew that he had ever sought to do that which was considered good. He described how he had been led to study the question which was to be discussed that night, and how he found that there was not a single iota of the doctrines which he now believed could be gainsaid by the word of God. After his brother-in-law’s death, he had after prayerful consideration and most earnest thought resolved to give up business and devote his life to the study and proclamation of God’s truth alone, independent of any creed, sect or system, but just as he saw it pointed out to him in that glorious book, “Millennial Dawn,” which is the word of God expounded. He got a person to distribute the sample tract, “Do You Know?” and he had every right to be challenged for doing that; but he had an equal right to hold and expound his own opinions. Truth was every man’s possession’ and that was the stage they were at now. He read the proposition which he was to affirm, and said that the latter part was not exactly according to what was in “Millennial Dawn,” but Mr Davidson would not agree to it in any other way, therefore let it go. When Mr Davidson did at last agree on the terms of debate, he was greatly rejoiced, and he was there that night, as the result, to make known the truth of God. What they had to consider was “the ransom.” And what was the ransom? Dr Young of Edinburgh defined it as a corresponding price – an equivalent of some kind – something that you would not take gold for – you must get back for it the same thing – you life or that thing. He drew a picture of the garden in which Adam was placed. It was arranged by God that Adam should be the father of the race; and a law was given him to keep, but he disobeyed and died, and all his posterity with him. But the Second Adam gave his life a ransom for the first Adam and all in him – and that ransom will be testified by God to every living soul in due time. Therefore no man could perish except by refusing with full knowledge and opportunity the Second Adam’s doings. The heathen had not heard the glorious news of a ransom, but still they are responsible; and God condemns them in one – the first Adam – that he may redeem them all in One, and tell them some time or other what has been done for them. He gave his reasons for believing that this would happen at the end of the present dispensation when according to the beliefs of the Jews and the prophets Jeremiah and Daniel the patriarchs would be brought back to the earth; and Paul said, “Why think ye it a thing incredible that God should raise the dead?” The Jews had carnal ideas, and thought they were to be the power in the earth; but Christ had first to die for their sins, and in virtue of his death they shall yet be taken back to the land and shall inherit the earth and be the power in the world. It is God’s fiat that they shall possess the land because they are ransomed. The ransom was paid two “days” in advance, otherwise two thousand years in advance, and when the time is fulfilled, those counted worthy in the Jewish age will be brought forth and constituted the rulers among men in the day of the world’s trial. This period of about two thousand years is marked off for calling out the church, the Bride of Christ, which is to accompany Him in the work of blessing and restoring the world. The time for their favour began in 1878, at the end of their double – the period of disfavour; and as they took 37 years in falling, they take the same number of years in rising again, which brings us to 1915, at which time they are due to possess the land and be the controlling power. Mr Houston next spoke of the second chance, and said it was a great mistake if any one thought that “Millennial Dawn” teaches that God excuses sin. Men could do nothing without knowledge – knowledge to take of one’s free will the blessing which God has provided and offers. Man is meant by God not to be a slave but a noble being, a king; and in the restoring of the race the awfulness of sin was shown in the destruction of those who fall away and remain impenitent, who have possessed knowledge and opportunity, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come. For them is reserved the devouring fire which shall devour the adversary.

MR DAVIDSON’S OPENING – A CATECHETICAL INTERLUDE.

The Chairman said they would all agree that they had listened to a very eloquent discourse from Mr Houston, He would say no more than that. It was now Mr Davidson’s turn to speak for an hour. (Applause.)

Mr Davidson, who was received with renewed cheering, said he wished to centre his thoughts on the latter part of the proposition which he was to affirm, viz., “another opportunity or trial for everlasting life,” as taught in the first volume of “Millennial Dawn.” But he would first make one remark by way of answer to Mr Houston’s speech. From his letters and his present remarks his position seemed to be, there is a ransom for all, then why not should all receive blessing through that ransom? No doubt it was a little difficult to reconcile these two positions; but he (Mr Davidson) would endeavour to make it clear by a simple illustration. Mr Houston was a draper in Wick, and being in that line of business, he was quite willing and fully competent to supply all the servant girls who came into Wick at each terms with bonnets and dresses. (Laughter and some hisses.) But he supposed he was not exaggerating or stating what was untrue when he said that many of these persons when they went into Wick did not go into Mr Houston’s shop and buy bonnets and dresses notwithstanding his willingness to supply these articles. Many of them went to other shops – in which they were perhaps mistaken, but it was a fact. He could sympathise with Mr Houston in that position, for he was in the same position himself as regards spiritual matters. There was a ransom for every one in Canisbay, but alas, many would not come and avail themselves of it. The god of this world had blinded their minds, and that explained why though there was a ransom for all, all did not avail themselves of the glad tidings. Mr Davidson went on to say that before proceeding to discuss his proposition he had one or two questions to put to Mr Houston, and he might answer them now or he might decline to answer them. He would put the questions through the chairman. The first was, “Does Mr Houston sincerely believe that according to the Scriptures all who are unsaved in this present life will get a second chance or another opportunity for life everlasting after death?” To that he (Mr Davidson) said No.

Mr Houston – I will answer that question afterwards.

Mr Davidson – You will think about it. I have another question and Mr Houston may answer it or not; but I venture to say that the meeting will demand answers from Mr Houston to these two questions – answers that will be plain and straight. (Applause.) If not intelligible and straightforward answers are given, I have no power to extort them; but if such answers are not given we will have something to say. My second question is, “Does Mr Houston acknowledge that the book ‘Millennial Dawn’ teaches the doctrine of a second chance or another opportunity of life everlasting to the unsaved after death?” I say Yes. (A voice, addressed to Mr Houston, “Answer!”)

The Chairman – Mr Houston does not need to answer the question now unless he chooses.

Councillor Sinclair – I think it would save time if the questions were answered now. (Applause.)

Mr Houston – I have no objection to answer them now, but it would lead the meeting to straighter issue if Mr Davidson would go on with his address. (Cries of “No!” and cheers.)

The Chairman thought it would be better if Mr Houston reserved his answers until a later stage.

Mr Davidson was quite willing that this course should be adopted. He said he thought he would make it clear to their minds that the doctrine of a second chance was plainly taught in “Millennial Dawn.” Mr Houston would have them believe that he was as orthodox as himself (Mr Davidson), perhaps more so; but it was not so much with Mr Houston as with the book that he had to deal; and he asked them to bear with him when he read extracts from its pages. The extracts were to the effect that the Scriptures do not teach that death ends all probation; that the heathen and infants will assuredly have an opportunity of being saved in the age or dispensation to come, when all that are in their graves shall come forth, and when they shall have a hundred years of trial during the millennial time; and Mr Davidson further maintained that the book teaches that under certain conditions a second chance will be given to those who have lived in a civilised state and possessed the bible.

A TESTIMONY CONCERNING A SECOND CHANCE.

Mr Davidson said he would now read a document signed by twenty-one persons, including himself – gentlemen who occupied honourable positions and were supposed to be honourable and intelligent men. The document is as follows: -

“We, the undersigned, having read the book ‘Millennial Dawn,’ vol. 1., are decidedly of opinion that it plainly teaches the doctrine of a ‘second chance’ or ‘another opportunity’ of life everlasting to every man after death. (See pages 105, 108, 111, 129, 130, 140, 144, 150, 151, 158, 159, 160, 161.)

                 James Macpherson, E.C. minister of Canisbay.

                 Alex. Sinclair, C.C., Canisbay.

                 Andrew Munro, teacher, Canisbay.

                 Alexander G. Macgregor, medical doctor.

                 James Sutherland, elder, inspector of poor.

                 George Manson, elder, Duncansbay.

                 David Kennedy, elder, Freswick.

                Alexander Dunnett, elder, Brabster.

                David Nicholson, deacon, Seater.

                John Simpson, deacon, Moy.

                Francis Sutherland, deacon, John O’Groats.

                William Dunnet, elder, Huns.

                William Steven, elder, Gills.

                George Malcom, deacon, Gills.

                Matthew Dundass, deacon, Duncansbay.

                Geo. T. Mackenzie, schoolmaster and deacon, Freswick.

                Arthur M’Connachie, divinity student, Zion Chapel, Wick.

                Daniel Sutherland, accountant, Wick.

                 Alex. S. Fullarton, teacher, Wick.

A. Phimester, clothier, Wick.

Donald Davidson, Free Church Minister, Canisbay.

Mr Davidson proceeded to say that he did not see the need of going on with a discussion of this doctrine of a second chance if Mr Houston did not believe in it. Why discuss points on which they were agreed? It would be better to hear Mr Houston himself give plain, definite, intelligible answers to the questions which had been put through the chairman, and leave it to him to say whether thee need be further discussion. (Applause.)

The Chairman informed Mr Davidson that he had still twenty-five minutes to speak.

DEBATE DEVELOPS INTO LIVELY DISCUSSION.

Mr Houston rose and commenced his reply when Mr Davidson asked for a plain yes or no to the question whether there is a second chance for all who are unsaved in the present life.

Mr Houston claimed the right of reply in his own way.

The Chairman – Mr Houston is entitled to do that.

Mr Davidson – Certainly. Go on.

Mr Houston read from the Epistle to the Hebrews concerning those who sinned after having received the knowledge of truth. The point, he said, was based on knowledge, and knowledge was the ground of condemnation. There was no more sacrifice for sin, but God does purpose to give knowledge. (“Question!”)

The Chairman – The question is, Is there a second chance for those who are unsaved in this world? (Hear, hear and cheers.) Is there a second chance for those who go into the other world, both for those who have heard and those who have not heard the gospel. That is the point. (Cheers and cries of “Yes” or “No.”)

Mr Houston – I won’t answer that. (Hisses and general disturbance, which brought from the chairman an imperative demand for order.)

Councillor Sinclair – I don’t see the use of coming here to discuss the subject if these questions are not answered. (Applause.)

Mr Davidson – I said before that I could not extort answers from Mr Houston unless he chose to give them.

Councillor Sinclair – It is a fraud altogether. (Laughter, hisses and cheers.)

The Chairman – There is another half-hour for each side.

Councillor Sinclair – Is it truth we want and not words. (Applause.)

The Chairman – Mr Houston may give us a lot of texts but leave us in the mist. (Applause.)

Mr Houston – If Mr Davidson wishes me to say yes or not to an absurdity I will not answer that.

The Chairman – Mr Davidson says that “Millennial Dawn” teaches that after death there is a second chance for every man who is unsaved. I think Mr Houston should say yes or no whether he believes that that doctrine is taught in the book.

Mr Houston – That is true, but I dare not acquiesce in a proposition that is not stated as it is stated in “Millennial Dawn.” You have heard the extracts read from the book, and I might as well ask you what you think.

Mr Charles Dunnet, Gills – Do you not believe in “Millennial Dawn?” (Laughter and cheers.)

Mr Houston – Every word of it. Mr Houston said he would give an illustration. When a man was flogged on board ship, a doctor stood by and stopped the punishment if he saw that the culprit had not sufficient life and sense to make his conscious of what he was getting. If God had provided a ransom which was as far reaching as the evil that is in the world, would it be just or fair that poor creatures should be cast into destruction because they had heard something about the ransom but did not fully understand and acquiesce in it? That would be doing what the law of this country would not do; and that was his answer. (A voice, “Not straight!”)

Councillor Sinclair – Put the question again.

The Chairman – I understand Mr Houston declines to answer it,

Mr Houston – I believe no living soul will be condemned except those who have had full knowledge, according to the question.

Mr Davidson – that is not according to the question.

Mr Houston – No one will be condemned, is my answer.

The Chairman put to Mr Houston the second question as to whether the book teaches and he believes that there will be a second chance or another opportunity to the unsaved after death.

Mr Houston – Most distinctly – to all and sundry.

The Chairman – That there will be an opportunity for life everlasting for the unsaved after death?

Mr Houston – Yes; but the manner of putting the question has a contingency in it. (Laughter.) The gospel has been preached for nearly two thousand years, and there is no second chance for those who have heard and rejected it; but the ransom secures eternal life to all who will have it, either here or hereafter. (“Oh, oh!” laughter and booing.)

Mr Davidson – May I take it that Mr Houston sincerely believes that there will be a second chance or another opportunity given to the unsaved after death?

Mr Houston – Most distinctly, but I object to the word unsaved, as that implies that they had had an opportunity.

Mr Davidson (offering Mr Houston a document) – Will you put your initials to it?

Mr Houston – I would not word it in that way.

MR DAVIDSON’S REASONS OF DISSENT.

Mr Davidson said he was opposed to the doctrine of a second chance for four reasons - (1), Because it is unphilosophical and unreasonable; (2), Because it is a doctrine which is repugnant to Christian thought and feeling; (3), Because it is highly dangerous to morality; and (4), Because it is wholly unwarranted by Scripture. Mr Davidson dwelt at considerable length on each of these objections to the doctrine. It is, he said, an ingenious theory, but it is a theory spun out of a man’s own brain. It is a human speculation and therefore has the value only of a human speculation. He demanded plain Scriptural warrant for the doctrine; and it lay with Mr Houston to find the proof. Such proof, he maintained, could not be found. The Scripture doctrine is, “Now is the day of salvation;” and no one of the human race could answer the question, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” Let Mr Houston now stand up and give the Scripture proofs which he demanded. (Applause.)

Mr Houston objected that Mr Davidson had not read the whole of the passage in “Millennial Dawn” which implied that there will be a second chance to some of those who live in a state of civilisation. He repeated that it was only those who have had a clear realisation of the terms of the ransom who will be condemned for refusing it. He read from the Confession of Faith with regard to election and predestination; and considering that that was the creed of Mr Davidson’s church, he did not wonder at his vehemence in repudiating the doctrine that the ransom for all must testified to all in due time, he asked where was the justice and consistency, and where was the Scripture, for condemning men for not accepting a ransom which was never offered to them or which they were foreordained to reject. The words “As the tree falls so shall it lie,” bore out his doctrine that as it falls so shall it rise again. No man would be condemned until he had had a full and fair opportunity of accepting the eternal life which God had provided for him. Mr Davidson preaches a universal gospel.

Mr Davidson – I do.

Mr Houston replied that the Confession of Faith did not, notwithstanding the many passages of Scripture which were in the same terms as the one which says that Christ Jesus is the propitiation not for our sins only, but for the sins of the whole world. He proceeded to say that the doctrine of a second chance was the good news which would be unto all people. God had appointed a day in which He would judge the world, and he would bring back man to it, as the Jews would be taken back to the land and remain on it to all eternity. He (Mr Houston) had come to them that night, and it was at their peril whether they received or rejected the glorious truth which he had to tell them about. It would take a little while to make everything clear to them – (laughter, and a voice, “Yer gettin’ more into the mist”) – but what he had stated was God’s word and could not be gainsaid.

A MIXTURE OF ORTHODOXY AND HERESY.

Mr Davidson said, with respect to Mr Houston’s remarks, that he had never listened to such a mixture of orthodoxy and heresy – (laughter) – of sense and nonsense, from the lips of any man. (Renewed laughter.) That was his opinion and judgment. Mr Houston appeared to have no shadow of doubt in his mind regarding those great and solemn questions regarding the state of the heathen, the offer of the gospel and the doctrine of election. He (Mr Davidson) had arrived at no such condition of certainty; and he would like to be a little more humble. He could not reconcile God’s sovereignty with man’s free will while he was placed in the condition in which he was. God was not in duty bound, as a mere matter of justice, to send him the Gospel; and he might have been made an ape, a horse or a worm instead of a human being. If he were cast into hell, he could not say nay. If God had sent him the Gospel, he could only consider it a marvellous act of mercy, condescension and love on His part, for which he trusted to praise Him through all eternity. He had no ambition to continue this controversy any longer. He freely handed it over to any other party who might take his place in answering Mr Houston. He would tread his path humbly and confidently, assured that God in his own time would bring all things to light. His answer as to the present and future condition of the heathen was that a great sin and guilt lay upon the Christian Church for not obeying the command, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature;” but he had this satisfaction to his own mind, that unto whom much is given of them much is required. He believed that there would be various degrees of punishment when the day of judgment comes; and that it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for the cities where the feet of the Saviour trod, that saw and heard and rejected Him. He dare not go beyond God’s word. He left those matters which were not intended to be solved in the hands of Him who, being a God of justice and love, will not punish any individual beyond what he deserves; and if he, a simple member of the human race, got strict justice meted out to him, he, at least, would have no reason to complain. (Applause.)

MR HOUSTON’S LAST WORD

Mr Houston said that it was because the Judge of all the earth would do right that he sought be there that night; and he was there because he wished to show forth what was a Scriptural, Godlike, philosophical and true doctrine. (A voice, “You’ve no Scripture for the second chance.”)  Mr Davidson said he had spoken some nonsense. Well, he was not alone in that; for it was written that the very wisdom of God had appeared foolishness to men. Mr Davidson said that he (Mr Houston) had not a shadow of doubt; but why should he doubt? for if God’s word said that a ransom is given to all, for all it is. Mr Davidson might seem to be charitable; but when his Church declared against God’s word that only a certain elect number are saved and that the rest are passed by, he thought it behoved men who sought to maintain the honour of God to see, if God had given a ransom, that that ransom ensures what it says, and that it will be declared to all. The problem of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility was solved by that doctrine – that God has appointed a day whereby he will judge the world, so that every man who ever lived shall hear the voice of the Son of God. God’s sovereignty in the ages and dispensations was fixed and true and man’s free will was true also.

Mr Davidson proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman for the admirable way in which he had performed his duties. He was pleased to see such a good congregation, and he would be glad if they all came out again next Sabbath. (Laughter and applause.)

Mr Houston seconded the motion, and said the chairman had acted very fairly. He also thanked the audience for the very patient hearing which they had given himself. He may have talked a lot, but he had only said half what he might have done. (Applause and laughter.)

The meeting then dispersed. Hospitality to strangers was generously dispensed by the Rev. Mr Davidson, Dr Macgregor, Councillor Sinclair and others.

The Wick party reached home shortly after 1 a.m., after a comfortable drive in Mr Sinclair’s covered ‘bus, which was carefully piloted by Mr Hugh Falconer.

Immediately following the above report, the column continued with A CRITICISM ON THE CANISBAY DISCUSSION (by one who was present) which was reproduced in full in ZWT reprints 1965.

THE HOUSTON-DAVIDSON DEBATE part 3

Transcript as published in the John O’Groat Journal for March 6, 1896

THE “MILLENNIAL DAWN” CONTROVERSY – INTERESTING THEOLOGICAL DISCUSSION IN CANSIBAY FREE CHURCH – DISPUTANTS, MR C.N. HOUSTON, WICK, AND REV. MR DAVIDSON, CANSIBAY.

A PUBLIC theological discussion is rather a rare event in these northern parts, and the debate arranged between Mr C.N. Houston, Wick, and the Rev. Mr Davidson, Canisbay, which came off in the Free Church there on the evening of Wednesday of last week was looked forward to with considerable interest, The discussion had reference to certain teachings of the book “Millennial Dawn,” for the circulation of which Mr Houston acknowledged responsibility, and intimated his willingness to defend its teachings as being scriptural when these were challenged by the Rev. Mr Davidson. When at seven o’clock the principals in the discussion faced the audience they found that every seat in the commodious and comfortable church was occupied. After preliminary praise, and prayer by the Rev. Mr Davidson, Mr Houston moved that Dr Macgregor take the chair. Mr Davidson seconded, and the Doctor, after some remarks, agreed to do so, impressing on the audience the necessity of giving both gentlemen and fair and patient hearing. Truth, he said, could not permanently suffer from anything that was said or done. Vague rumours had been abroad that some lively interruptions might be expected, but, on the whole, throughout the discussion the audience behaved themselves very well, although at one point the interruptions caused some liveliness, and there was a momentary danger of the chairman losing control of the audience. Fortunately, however, he held them very well in hand, and the debate was carried out ably and brought to a satisfactory and becoming conclusion. An hour each was allowed for the opening speeches. The chairman called upon Mr Houston to open the discussion after having read the subject as follows:-

“I, C.N. Houston, affirm that according to the Scriptures, the ‘ransom for all’ given by the ‘Man Christ Jesus’ does not give or guarantee everlasting life or blessing to any man. It only guarantees for every man an opportunity for life everlasting.”

“I, Donald Davidson, affirm that according to the Scriptures, the ‘ransom for all’ given by the ‘Man Christ Jesus’ does give and guarantee everlasting life and blessing to some men. It does not guarantee ‘another opportunity or trial for life everlasting,’ as taught in ‘Millennial Dawn,’ vol 1.”

MR HOUSTON’S OPENING SPEECH.

Mr Houston began by saying that he appeared before them that night with great pleasure. If they believed the one-half of what he had been circulated regarding him and his beliefs he did not wonder they should have very strange feelings in their hearts. He hoped, however, to be able to disperse some of the most erroneous ideas that might have been crammed into them. The chairman had truly remarked that truth could not suffer permanently. There was no truth held to-day but had a struggle at the commencement. And there was nothing that had been so much opposed as God’s truth. Some of them would remember the controversy that arose over the proposed Revision of the Bible. But they had it now, and there was not so much about it. In 1611 the Authorised Version of the Bible was opposed, and further back Wyclif was opposed for translating the Word of God into the English tongue, and he had made a remark which lived down the ages – that he would make a ploughboy know more of the truth of God than the hypocritical priests of Rome. And so all along there had been the same bitter opposition. But the god of this world, Satan, knew all the time that it was the light – knowledge – that was going to break up his kingdom. It was in his interest to use holy, religious, hypocritical cant to keep it back, and so it had ever been. If therefore they believed all they heard, that he had been disseminating error, he was sorry; for they had known him all his life and knew that he ever sought to do that which was considered right. Some three years ago, he proceeded, he was led to see that there was far more in God’s word than had ever yet been made known. He searched the light that was brought to him, proved it, and found there was not a single point which could be gainsaid by the whole word of God. He accordingly resolved to re-arrange his affairs, and after his brother-in-law’s death he determined, after prayerful and earnest consideration, to give up business and devote his life to the study and proclamation of God’s truth independent of any creed or sect, but just as he had seen it pointed out in that blessed book “Millennial Dawn,” which was the word of God expounded. After that he engaged a man to distribute that little tract “Do you Know.” He was challenged for this by the Rev. Mr Davidson, who had every right to challenge him, but he on the other hand had every right to his own opinions and the expounding of them. God’s truth was every man’s possession; and that was the stage they were at now. The proposition he had to affirm was –

“That, according to the Scriptures, the ‘ransom for all’ given by the ‘Man Christ Jesus’ does not give or guarantee everlasting life or blessing to any man. It only guarantees for every man an opportunity for life everlasting.”

The last part of that sentence was not exactly according to the book, but Mr Davidson would not take it up in any other way, so let it go. He was glad that Mr Davidson had accepted it even in this form, and here he was to try and make known just a little of what it is to get an opportunity for life everlasting.

Now

WHAT WAS A “RANSOM?”

Dr Young of Edinburgh defined it as a corresponding price – an equivalent of the same kind. Let them now come to the Scriptures and see God’s arrangement with the first man. He described the glory of the garden in which the glorious perfect man was placed – God’s representative on earth – a representative man of what God meant men to be. And had he obeyed God he would have been there forever and ever, for God did not set him there with a trap to fall into. God’s foreknowledge does not clash with His righteous doings. If God did not intend something better for the race he did not think He would have suffered the world to live down in misery for six thousand years if there was no hope. Now Adam had laws laid down to him, and so long as he obeyed he would be lord over the whole earth. But the moment he made any deviation – and sin was just deviation – it was said to him he would die – “In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Well he did die in one of God’s “days.” And all his posterity was doomed the same way, and there had not been a man able to redeem his brother. Now he wished them particularly to understand that God meant Adam to live and obey Him. Here now came the Ransom. God does not give or guarantee everlasting life or blessing to any man by His own eternal fiat without a purpose, but He has guaranteed to all an opportunity for life and for blessing. God’s order in Adam was repeated in the case of the Jews – “Choose life that ye may live; refuse my law and it is death.” God does not propose to give eternal life right off without our acquiescence, acceptance, obedience; but neither does He propose to condemn if He has found a Ransom, not one living soul but those who wilfully refuse the Second Adam, the Lord from Heaven. The great principle laid down to Adam was to obey God, and he had the ability to do so. But he did not. Now the Second Adam comes on the scene – the Son of God, the Perfect Man – came and divested Himself of His glory, and the Second Man’s life had to be given for the first man’s life – blood for blood, life for life. And so they read that “as in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Paul beautifully reasoned out the whole transaction in the 5^th chapter of the Romans. The Second Adam gave His life for the first and all that was in him, and that would be testified by God to every living soul in due time. That was an arbitrary act of God decreed by Him before the world was. There was therefore no man who could perish but by refusing, after full knowledge and opportunity of knowing and understanding what the Second Adam had done. That was the truth of God; that was the gospel, the joyful message which shall be unto all people. But that did not of itself save any man. There was just this little thing – you have it for nothing on condition you take it. The Son of God by one offering took away sin for ever and made reconciliation with God. Now, then, how many of the sons of men had heard this glorious gospel? The heathen had not heard. It would be a moral impossibility for God to suffer creatures to live on for ever if He had no provision of love and mercy; but He condemned them all in one that He might redeem them in One. Now is there to be a time when God shall show forth what He has done for mankind? Yes. Whosoever will may have life. Two thousand years ago the Jews had an idea that the promise that was made to Abraham was to have a literal fulfilment and that Jacob and all the patriarchs and prophets were to be brought back. Paul said “Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the dead?”  But they forgot their life’s history and what they had been taught through the blood of bullocks and goats. They forgot that the world had to be redeemed first before one of them could get it. Christ had to die according to the Scriptures, and but for that they could never possess the land. And they shall possess it, for God had decreed it, and they had been ransomed by the Son of God, and all the earth at the same time. But before that takes place God purposed that the price should be paid two “days” in advance, 2000 years or so before the purchase was taken possession of, and why? That a noble people might be taken out of the world who would just believe all this, and as a reward for their faith and their witnessing to the world and overcoming were to be over yonder and made glorious beings like unto the Son of God. When that people is taken out, after this, declares the Apostle James “I will return and will build again this tabernacle of David...that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles” – after the spiritual sons are first taken out to be joint heirs with their Lord in restoring and blessing the world of mankind. He could prove that from the Word of God. The Jews were gauge. They had a carnal notion that they must be set up, and so they did not receive Him when He came. And when He said “This day your house is left unto you desolate” from that moment they began to receive their double – their period of disfavour, which five or six lines of Bible testimony proved terminated in 1878. Their rise, however, would be as gradual as their fall had been, and after that time was up Jerusalem would be ready to receive Him and not till then.

A WORD ABOUT THE “SECOND CHANCE.”

It was knowledge that would be our condemnation if the favour of God were rejected. Our wills were a factor that God had recognised and if they doubted that or disbelieved it then the Scriptures were broken. God meant man to be a noble being and not a slave, and the awfulness of sin was shown in the destruction of those who fell away and remained impenitent, who had possessed knowledge and opportunity, had tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come. For them was reserved the devouring fire which should devour the adversary. What a responsible thing it therefore was to those who hear and do not obey.

MR DAVIDSON’S REPLY

Mr Davidson began by saying that in the time allotted to him he would centre his thoughts and arguments on the latter part of the terms of debate and would do his best to make his position clear and convincing that the “ransom” did not guarantee “another opportunity for life everlasting as taught in ‘Millennial Dawn,’ vol. 1.” He would first, however, by way of argument and answer to Mr Houston’s speech, make one remark. From his letters and his remarks his position seemed to be: there is ransom for all;, then why should not all receive blessing through that ransom? No doubt it was a little difficult to reconcile these two positions; but he (Mr Davidson) would endeavour to make it clear by a simple illustration. Mr Houston was a draper in Wick, and being in that line of business, he was quite willing and fully competent to supply to all the servant girls who into Wick at each term with bonnets and dresses. (Laughter and some hisses.) But he supposed he was not exaggerating or stating what was untrue when he said that many of these persons when they went into Wick did not go into Mr Houston’s shop and buy bonnets and dresses notwithstanding his willingness to supply these articles. Many of them went into other shops – by their conduct they showed they had no faith in Mr Houston or his goods – (some hisses) – in which they were perhaps mistaken, but it was a fact. He could sympathise with Mr Houston in that position, for he was in the same position himself as regards spiritual matters. There was a ransom for every one in Canisbay, and they knew that, but alas, many would not come and avail themselves of it. The god of this world had blinded their minds, and that explained why, though here was a ransom for all, all did not avail themselves of the glad tidings. Proceeding, he said he had one or two questions to put to Mr Houston, which he might answer or decline to answer. They could not extort an answer.

(The Chairman read the first question) – “Does Mr Houston sincerely believe that according to the Scriptures all who are unsaved in this present life will get a second chance or another opportunity for life everlasting after death?” To that he (Mr Davidson) said No.

Mr Houston said he would answer the question in his reply.

Mr Davidson (resuming) said the next question was – “Does Mr Houston acknowledge that the book ‘Millennial Dawn’ teaches the doctrine of a second chance or another opportunity of life everlasting to the unsaved after death?” He (Mr Davidson) said Yes; and he ventured to say the meeting would demand straight answers from Mr Houston to these questions. (Applause and “Answers.”)

Mr Davidson, proceeding, said that Mr Houston would make them believe that he was as orthodox as himself (Mr Davidson), but he had to do with the book. He thereupon read lengthy extracts from the volume in question. The extracts were to the effect that the Scriptures do not teach that death ends all probation; that the heathen and infants will assuredly have an opportunity of being saved in the age or dispensation to come, when all that are in their graves shall come forth, and when they shall have a hundred years of trial during the millennial time; and Mr Davidson further maintained that the book teaches that a second chance will be given to those who have lived in a civilised state and seen or possessed a Bible.

A TESTIMONY OF INTELLIGENT MEN.

Mr Davidson said he would now read a document signed by 21 persons, including himself – gentlemen who occupied honourable positions and were supposed to be honest and intelligent men. It was as follows: -

“We, the undersigned, having read the book ‘Millennial Dawn,’ vol. 1., are decidedly of opinion that it plainly teaches the doctrine of a ‘second chance’ or ‘another opportunity’ of life everlasting to every man after death. (See pages 105, 108, 111, 129, 130, 140, 144, 150, 151, 158, 159, 160, 161.)
 

James Macpherson, E.C. minister of Canisbay.

                 Alex. Sinclair, C.C., Canisbay.

                 Andrew Munro, teacher, Canisbay.

                 Alexander G. Macgregor, medical doctor.

                 James Sutherland, elder, inspector of poor.

                 George Manson, elder, Duncansbay.

                 David Kennedy, elder, Freswick.

                Alexander Dunnett, elder, Brabster.

                David Nicholson, deacon, Seater.

                John Simpson, deacon, Moy.

                Francis Sutherland, deacon, John O’Groats.

                William Dunnet, elder, Huns.

                William Steven, elder, Gills.

                George Malcom, deacon, Gills.

                Matthew Dundass, deacon, Duncansbay.

                Geo. T. Mackenzie, schoolmaster and deacon, Freswick.

                Arthur M’Connachie, divinity student, Zion Chapel, Wick.

                Daniel Sutherland, accountant, Wick.

                 Alex. S. Fullarton, teacher, Wick.

A. Phimester, clothier, Wick.

Donald Davidson, Free Church Minister, Canisbay.

Continuing, Mr Davidson said he did not see why he should go on to discuss this solemn doctrine if Mr Houston did not believe in it? He therefore thought it would be better to have plain answers from Mr Houston – yes or no. (Applause.)

The Chairman repeated the questions and Mr Houston said – I will reply in my own way.

The Chairman – Exactly. (To Mr Davidson) – Go on, you have 25 minutes yet.

There being cries of “Answer,” Mr Houston rose and read from Hebrews vi., 4,5,6; and x., 26,27, pointing out that the condemnation was based on rejection after knowledge.

The Chairman – The question is, Is there a second chance for those who are unsaved in this world? (Applause.)

Mr Houston was proceeding to a further explanation, when the discussion was rather marred by the interference of some of the audience.

Councillor Alex. Sinclair held they get a straight answer, yes or no, to the questions. It was truth they wanted not words.

Mr Houston – If Mr Davidson thinks I should answer any proposition he chooses I shall not say “yes” or “no” to an absurdity.

The first question having been read again by the chairman,

Mr Houston said he would give an illustration. When a man was flogged on board ship, a doctor stood by and stopped the punishment if he saw that the culprit had not sufficient life and sense to make him conscious of what he was getting. If God had provided a ransom which was as far reaching as the evil that is in the world, would it be just or fair that poor creatures should be cast into destruction because they had heard something about the ransom but did not fully understand and acquiesce in it? That would be doing what the law of this country would not do; and that was his answer. (A voice, “Not straight!”)

At this point there was a short interval during which some exciting conversation took place among the audience.

The discussion being resumed, Mr Davidson said he would now proceed to argue the question. They had, he said, arrived at this knowledge in the course of their debate, that Mr Houston did really believe in a second chance to the unsaved after death.

Mr Houston – Not as you put it.

Mr Davidson said he was not particular about the terms used. He would say “every man” as was stated in the book. He was opposed to the doctrine for four reasons – (1), Because it is unphilosophical and unreasonable; (2), Because it is a doctrine which is repugnant to Christian thought and feeling; (3), Because it is highly dangerous to morality; and (4), Because it is wholly unwarranted by Scripture. Mr Davidson gave his reasons in considerably length for each of these objections to the doctrine. It is, he said, an ingenuous theory, but is a theory spun out of a man’s own brain. It is a human speculation and therefore has the value only of a human speculation. He demanded plain Scriptural warrant for the doctrine, and it lay with Mr Houston to find the proof. He saw not a glimmer of hope from the lips of the Saviour beyond this present life. The Scripture doctrine is, “Now is the day of salvation;” and no one of the human race could answer the question, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” They dare not go beyond what was written. (Applause.) Let Mr Houston now give plan Scriptural warrant for his belief. (Applause.)

MR HOUSTON’S SECOND SPEECH

Mr Houston, while expressing satisfaction that Mr Davidson had read so much from the book, pointed out that by not completing some of the quotations he had not brought out the author’s true point, which was that a ransom had been given, and that it was only those who came to a clear and distinct understanding of it who would be condemned for refusing it. On an ordinary estimate there had been 142 billions of people born since the time of Adam, and only one billion of them by the most liberal estimate had ever heard of the name of Christ. But the ransom had been given, and if the 141 billions were to be condemned for refusing it that would be illogical and unlike our God. He then quoted from the Confession of Faith showing that the teaching of Mr Davidson’s Church was to the effect that the elect only would be saved, and that the rest of mankind God was pleased to pass by and to ordain them to dishonour and wrath for their sin. He did not therefore wonder at Mr Davidson’s vehemence in repudiating the doctrine that the ransom for all must be testified to all in due time, but he asked where were the justice and consistency, and where was the Scripture, for condemning men for not accepting a ransom which was never offered to them or which they were foreordained to reject? The words “As the tree falls so it shall be,” rather bore out his doctrine that as it falls so it shall rise again. Mr Davidson might preach a universal gospel, but the Confession of Faith did not. Mr Davidson was like the blinded Jews of old who thought that all that God was going to do for the world was to be done by them. He said it was only for some men. Then woe betide the multitude, for St Paul argued that no one could be saved but by hearing of and believing on this Name. Christ, however, had tasted death for every man, although that did not excuse sin in any. He read from “Millennial Dawn,” page 145, as follows – “We do not wish to be understood as ignoring the present responsibility of the world, which every man has, according to the measure of light enjoyed, whether it be much or little; whether it be the light of nature or of revelation.” The news of a second chance for all in the Second Adam was the Gospel or glad tidings. God had appointed a day in which He would judge the world, and He would bring back man to it. The Jews would be taken back to the land, yes and the Gentiles also. He (Mr Houston) had come to them that night, and it was at their peril whether they received or rejected the glorious truth which he had to tell them about.

MR DAVIDSON’S CONCLUDING SPEECH.

Mr Davidson said that he never listened to such a mixture of orthodoxy and heresy, of sense and nonsense, from the lips of any man. That was his opinion and judgment. Mr Houston appeared to have no shadow of doubt in his mind regarding those great and solemn questions respecting the state of the heathen, the offer of the gospel and the doctrine of election. He (Mr Davidson) had arrived at no such condition of certainty; and he would like to be a little more humble. He could not reconcile God’s sovereignty with man’s free will. God’s command was “Go ye into the world and preach the gospel to every creature,” but God was not in duty bound, as a mere matter of justice, to send him the Gospel; and he might have been made an ape, a horse or a worm instead of a human being. If he were cast into hell, he could not say nay. If God had sent him the Gospel, he could only consider it a marvellous act of mercy, condescension and love on His part for which he trusted to praise Him throughout eternity. He had no ambition to continue this controversy any longer. He freely handed it over to any party who might take his place in answering Mr Houston. He would tread his path humbly and confidently, assured that God in His own time would bring all things to light. His answer as to the present and future condition of the heathen was that a great sin and guilt lay upon the Christian Church for not obeying the command, “to preach the gospel to every creature;” but he had this satisfaction to his own mind, that unto whom much is given of them much is required. He believed that there would be various degrees of punishment when the day of judgment comes. He dare not go beyond God’s word. He left those matters which were not intended to be solved in the hands of Him who, being a God of justice and love, will not punish any individual beyond what he deserves; and if he, a simple member of the human race, got strict justice meted out to him, he, at least, would have no reason to complain. (Applause.)

MR HOUSDON’S LAST WORD.

Mr Houston in his concluding speech said it was because the Judge of all the earth would do right that he sought to be there that night; and he was there because he wished to show forth what was a Scriptural, Godlike, philosophical and true doctrine. (A voice, “You’ve no Scripture for a second chance.”)  Mr Davidson said he had spoken some nonsense. Well, he was not alone in that; for it was written that the very wisdom of God had appeared foolishness to men. Mr Davidson also said that he (Mr Houston) had not a shadow of doubt; but why should he doubt? for if God’s word said that a ransom is given to all, for all it is. He quoted from Rotherham’s translation the text John xi. – 25,26 – “I am the resurrection and the life. He that liveth and believeth in me though he die shall live again; and no one who lives again and puts faith in me shall in any wise die unto the remotest age. Believest thou this?” Mr Davidson might seem to be charitable; but when his Church declared against God’s Word that only a certain elect number are saved and that the rest are passed by, he thought it behoved men who sought to maintain the honour of God to see, if God had given a ransom, that that ransom ensures what it says, and that it will be declared to all. The problem of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility was solved by that doctrine – that God has appointed a day wherein he will judge the world, so that every man who ever lived shall hear the voice of the Son of God. God’s sovereignty in the ages and dispensations was fixed and true and man’s free will was true also.

Mr Davidson had a right of reply but said his last word would be to move a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman. This was seconded by Mr Houston who said that the doctor had acted as chairman in a very fair manner indeed. (Applause.)

The meeting then quietly dispersed, the proceedings having terminated about 10.30. Parties from Wick and Halkirk were hospitably entertained by Councillor Alex. Sinclair, merchant, by the Rev, Mr Davidson, Dr Macgregor and others.