STATEMENT BY ELDER RHODES

This is to certify, in the examination of correspondence between Elder Cayce and myself relative to him and I signing propositions for debate, I find I must have been mistaken about the matter, and I am sorry I made such a statement, and beg to apologize for same.

Signed, R. W. RHODES.

STATEMENT BY ELDER WEST

In one of my answers to Elder Rhodes' questions, I left the impression that I did not believe that God knew sinners would sin before they sinned. This was unintentional. And I meant to say that they were not sinners until they sinned. I believe, and have always believed, that God's foreknowledge embraced all things.

ARIEL WEST

SECOND PROPOSITION

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     MODERATOR CAYCE: The discussion of religious subjects and matters should be conducted in a way that is becoming to the house of God and becoming to what we profess to be. We should approach these things-these matters-with that reverence and respect that is due to our God and to His blessed Word from us as His professed followers, and His professed children, placing our dependence upon Him and imploring His blessings to rest upon us.

     In other words, we should have prayer, that the Lord will lead and direct us by His Spirit, that we might have the Christian courage and fortitude to follow His direction and His teachings. So, if you will bow your heads, we will ask Elder Fowler to lead us in prayer.

     Prayer by Elder W. W. Fowler.

     MODERATOR CAYCE: It might not be amiss to read the rules again which these speakers have agreed to be governed by. At least some of these rules have been broken several times. I believe I will just say this much more about both speakers. I do not desire to justify one any more than the other when both are guilty. What has happened so far, the record will show the fact that some of these rules have been broken by each.

     As the rules appear in the first part of this work it is not necessary to take up space in this book to insert them again.

     The proposition for discussion today and tomorrow which Elder West is to affirm reads this way:

     The Scriptures teach that the salvation of God's people here in time after regeneration is conditional on them living up to Scriptural requirements; also, their suffering and afflictions are conditional on them not living as they are commanded. Elder West affirms and Elder R. W. Rhodes denies.

     MODERATOR W. O. BEENE: (acting in the place and stead of J. L. Smith): Brethren, Sisters and Friends: I have just come in to this debate and only wish to speak a few words. We have met here for the purpose of discussing a Bible question, a religious issue. The rules of debating have been read by Elder Cayce which set forth the manner in which each one should conduct himself.

     Now, I wish to state that this debate is between Elder West and Elder Rhodes, and let us not have any interference whatever from the outside. Now yesterday there was a little unpleasantness entered into this, and I trust that we will be able to avoid such trouble this morning and have no more of that. The only thing to be discussed is the differences between the two on the subject in hand and I trust each of the brethren will be enabled to conduct himself strictly toward the subject in hand and that there will be no reflections cast by either one.

     My home is in Texas. I didn't come here to curse or prize fight. I could have done that much nearer home, and I would like to have everything go off pleasantly and like to leave here with every man, woman and child in this house as my friend, and I desire, as far as my ability is concerned, to extend to all, each and everyone of you, the courtesy which is due ladies and gentlemen. I am not a party to this debate, but am only trying to act as moderator to the best of my ability. I will be out of the debate and it will be between Elder Rhodes and Elder West and I trust that each will be governed by the rules as set forth. I thank you for your attention, and that is all that I have to say.