THE SCHOOLHOUSE DEBATES

An apparently insignificant event happened about this time, that set
in motion influences of great moment, the effects of which are still
to be felt and seen. Robert Davis' sister in Michigan was a regular
subscriber to a religious journal. At this time she felt led to send
this paper to him.

"Robert, here is a new kind of religious paper," said Mary, who
was reading the first copy. "It has articles in it entitled, 'Full
Salvation,' 'Unity and Truth.' How does that sound?" Turning a page
over, she read again:

"'A definite, heart-searching, non-sectarian religious weekly,
published in the interests of the church of God. For the salvation
of sinners, entire sanctification of believers, divine healing of the
body, and the unity of all true Christians in the faith once delivered
to the saints.'"

"My, that sounds interesting," said Robert, "'Church of God'--I wonder
what church that is. 'Entire sanctification'--what does that mean? I
heard Brother Jones say on last Sunday that sanctified people were the
biggest cranks on earth, and he warned the congregation to lock their
chicken and smoke houses whenever they came around. But, just see
here, 'divine healing.' I wonder if that is Christian Science. Let me
read that paper," and he reached for it.

Robert dropped down into the nearest chair and was soon absorbed
in reading. He was gripped by a power he had never known before.
He noticed at once a directness, a simplicity, a spiritual flavor,
coupled with much quoting of proof-texts, that attracted his deepest
attention. He read an article on Repentance, one on Sanctification,
and two testimonies of divine healing.

"Upon my word! If that isn't the plainest-spoken and
easiest-understood religious matter I have read in many a day," said
Robert. "I wonder who sent it, and if any more will come."

Next week another copy of the new paper came, and Robert read an
article on "The Church of God, What It Is and What It Is Not."

"Mary, this paper is providentially sent to us. We have just decided
to search for truth. My soul longs to know God's real truth, and I
notice this paper has much to say about the 'truth.' We shall continue
our investigation of the doctrines of the denominations and probably
this paper will help us," said Robert. Before he laid the second issue
down, he read the following article on Truth:

"Unknowingly to himself, Pontius Pilate asked one of the greatest of
questions w