176                 HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY

Bible teaching which so radically distinguishes the Universalist from the
orthodox churches. Grandy affirmed the doctrine of universal salvation
and Roelfing that of endless punishment. This discussion was reported
by Miss E. F. Combs and published in the Brazil Miner in full.
    In the month of January, 1895, a four days’ discussion was held in
the Christian church, Asherville, between J. R. Daily and E. G. Denney.
The presiding moderator was Dr. B. F. Holmes, the associate moder-
ators, Gentlemen Pointer and Williams, representing Daily and Denney,
respectively. However, this was not a formal debate of any specific
point of doctrine nor Bible teaching. Rev. Daily consumed two days of
the time in affirming that the Primitive or Predestinarian Baptist church
is the church of Christ in doctrine, faith, name and practice, while Den-
ney consumed an equal length of time in affirming the same of the
Christian church.
    Rev. B. F. Querry, Primitive or Predestinarian Baptist, and W. H.
Williams, met in public discussion for three days, at Lena, May 24, 25,
26, 1892. The first proposition discussed was: “Does the Bible teach
that God chose his people in Christ before the foundation of the world,
and that Christ atoned for their sins, and they for whom he atoned will
be saved ?“ B. F. Querry affirming, W. H. Williams denying.
    Second proposition: “Does the Bible teach that faith, repentance
and baptism are necessary conditions to be performed by the alien sinner
in order to eternal life ?“ Williams affirming, Querry denying. This dis-
cussion was reported, copyrighted and published in book form in the
month of August following.
    Fifty years ago Rev. Anderson Ward, of the Christian church, and
Rev. Thomas M. Hamilton, of the United Brethren church, held a public
debate of several days duration at Staunton, discussing baptism and the
trinity, about which but very meager information in detail can now be had.
    An out-door discussion was held Sunday, August 31, 1873, in the
grove three miles south of Bowling Green, in which the disputants were
Rev. Laymon, of the Christian church, and Rev. Joselyn, of the United
Brethren church. But the press of that time, in making the announce-
ment, gave no details as to points of doctrine nor otherwise.
    The McClure Literary Society, Bowling Green, on the night of
December 3, 1859, discussed a resolution affirming the immortality of
the soul; affirmative, Dr. William C. Hendricks, Dr. Andrew Davis, Rev.
F. Brant; negative, John C. Major, N. L. Willard, Thomas J. Gray.
    In the month of February, 1863, the Center Point “Literary Society”
debated the question of the Bible’s teaching the doctrine of the universal
salvation and restoration of the human family, William Travis and Silas
S. Kennedy affirming, William Givens and Joseph Kidd denying.
    The most unique discussion involving points of Bible teaching, in
Clay county or elsewhere, was that which did not take place in the old
schoolhouse, at Brazil, Saturday, March 30, 1861, as had been previously
announced to the public in the columns of The Independent, then pub-
lished at that place. The question to be debated was that of the origin
of the black man, M. D. Brackney. to affirm that he is the direct descen-
dant of the devil, F. B. Yocum to deny the proposition. Yocum came
upon the scene promptly on schedule time, Brackney failing to appear.