Memoir of Rev. Joseph Badger / Fourth Edition

by E. G. Holland

In a written address, to the Conferential Session holden at Hartwick, at this time, to which two other names besides his own are affixed, some traces of his mind are visible. In that address is the following truly catholic sentiment:—

"Remember that this is a free country in which we live, and we ought to be as willing to let others think as to think ourselves. Others' rights are as dear to them as ours are to us, and if a Christian friend does not think as we do it is evident that we do not think as he does. While we trace the pages of ecclesiastical history, and view the uncharitable conduct of priests and rulers in this respect, we mourn the lack of charity, and feel in duty bound to warn our brethren against such pernicious practices. 'Let us stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.'"

The month of October, which was passed at home and in neighboring towns, brought some additions to his cause; and November, which was chiefly employed in the same way, was distinguished by a theological debate, held with Rev. Mr. T., chiefly on the Trinity and on the Supreme Deity of Jesus Christ. The debate lasted two days; some other clergymen became in a degree involved in it; and from a minister then present I offer the following lines:—

"Under all circumstances Mr. Badger possessed a peculiar command of himself. He never permitted ruffled feelings to throw him into confusion or derange his clear equilibrium of mind. His ideas were always clear, and his command of language full and free. Thus he was always prepared on every sudden emergency. Some of his best polemical efforts were called out on the spur of the occasion, and seemingly without any forethought. This intuitive gift always rendered him ready, be the occasion what it might that called him to speak, and especially if to repel the attack of a religious opponent. Nor did he lack occasions of the kind. In the first spread of the Christian sentiments in western New York, public attacks on doctrinal subjects were common, and clergymen of various orders would frequently, after the close of an afternoon or evening discourse, rise and ask questions about the doctrine entertained. On occasions like these Mr. B. was about sure to leave his opponent in the condition of defeat. In every such instance he gained decided advantage and won the sympathy and influence of the masses.

"In several instances he was called out by challenges for public discussion. On such occasions he evinced himself a cool, deliberate, shrewd manager. Often it would be said among those who heard his speeches, 'What a lawyer he would have made!' Whilst his opponent was speaking he usually took down notes, which he could do with great rapidity. Wo then to his antagonist, where he left weak points in argument, as Mr. B. was sure to fasten upon them in a manner that not only exposed them, but completely withered their effect. He had great skill in making his own arguments stand out in all their strength, and in stripping those of his opponent of all their seeming worth or value. Occasionally, after he had made a solid fortress by candid argument, he would let loose a volley of sarcasm which was perfectly scathing, and was very apt to so affect the opposite party as to produce confusion of mind, one of the first elements of defeat.

"The Rev. Mr. T——, an aged and able Congregationalist minister, had sent a request to Mr. B. to call on him when convenient. Some weeks subsequent, Mr. Badger, in company with D. Millard, of West Bloomfield, called at his dwelling, but learned that he was absent. Shortly, as they passed on, they met Mr. T., to whom they introduced themselves; Mr. B. acknowledging the receipt of Mr. T.'s request. Mr. T. soon asked him if he believed the doctrine of the Trinity, the Supreme Deity of Jesus Christ, and Total Depravity, to which Mr. B. answered, after drawing him out on the meaning of the terms he employed, that he could not endorse all the views which Mr. T. entertained on these matters. 'I perceive,' says Mr. T., 'that you are wholly off from Gospel ground.' 'Then you should be alarmed at our danger and convince us of our errors,' said Mr. Badger. 'Well, call on me and I will do it,' was his reply. The time was agreed upon, and about ten days afterward quite a congregation assembled at the time and place selected, to hear Mr. T. show Messrs. Badger and Millard their errors.

"The doctrine of the Trinity was first investigated, each speaking twenty minutes on a side. Mr. T. led off, and dwelt much on the awfulness of the doctrine to be discussed, that none could be Christians without believing it. He said cases had occurred, where persons impiously denying the doctrine of the Trinity had been cut off by fearful judgments sent immediately from Heaven. Arius, for instance, whose death was sudden and awful, a fate he met soon after Constantine had recalled him to Constantinople, from a state of banishment, for rejecting the doctrine of the Trinity. To this speech Mr. Millard replied stating that he could not see that any doctrine could be awfully important which is not even named in the Bible; that he could see no cause for introducing the melancholy death of Arius, unless it was to frighten the assembly into the belief that they would be apt to experience a loss similar to that of Arius if they should deny the Trinity; and that Mosheim's Church History contained evidence to show that Arius was secretly poisoned by his enemies.

"In his next speech, Rev. Mr. T. entered systematically on the arguments usually adduced on the Trinitarian side. In justice I would say he did it with ability. Mr. Badger followed him in four set speeches, and Mr. Millard in three. They both amply sustained their ground, but Mr. Badger's adroitness and skilful management were peculiarly conspicuous to all present. The way he met the proof texts presented on the opposite side, his critical analysis of a trio of persons in one being, together with the absurdity of the two-nature scheme, made a very convincing impression on the minds of many then present. I should extend this article too far were I to attempt to give specimens of the arguments he used. The debate closed that day with an appointment to renew it one week afterward. At the next meeting a crowded assembly attended. An able Presbyterian minister was present, as a colleague with Mr. T. in the debate. I think Mr. Badger led off on that day. In his first speech he reviewed the points gained at the previous meeting. He showed just where the discussion then stood and challenged the opposite party to attempt a refutation of the position now occupied by him and his colleague. Mr. T. and his assistant did their best. They evinced much ability and preparation for the contest. But Mr. Badger, in particular, was upon them in every position they took and every seeming fastness to which they fled. The debate continued from ten in the morning, with but a brief recess, till nearly sunset; the four engaged in it taking nearly equal parts. When about to close for the day Mr. Badger proposed that if the opposite party desired it, the debate could be continued another day. Mr. T. declined, as he stated, on account of ill health. Thus this animated discussion closed, and I may say with confidence, it left on the public mind a favorable influence for the Christians."

In a New England paper, he says—

"But what is the most pleasant, is to see the good union that exists, and the steadfastness that appears. There are now between eighty and ninety members in connection with the church, and as yet there has not been to my knowledge but one that has brought any reproach on the cause. Our assemblies have been so large that I have preached in a grove the greatest part of the summer past, but we have made a beginning in constructing a meeting-house, and the prospect is that we shall soon have better conveniences. In West Bloomfield, a town adjoining this, the work has been very glorious. Elder David Millard, who had been a few months in the County, last June, had his mind drawn into that town, and as the way opened he began to preach and to visit the people. He immediately saw the fruits of his labors—was soon joined by Elder E. Sharp, of Conn., who had formerly preached in the town. The work has embraced the old and the young, and has been carried on in a remarkably still and solemn manner. Brother Millard has had several debates in public and private, on different subjects; and as the public mind has been much agitated concerning his opinion of Christ, he has written a treatise of about 48 pages, 12mo, which is now in press, entitled 'The True Messiah exalted,' which I think will be calculated to do good. A few weeks since a church has been planted at Bloomfield, and I think it consists of about thirty members. Prospects are still encouraging."