Here is an excerpt from Barton W. Stone on debating. It comes from a larger piece, called "To Young Preachers." I have not determined its original location but am reproducing it as found in WORKS OF ELDER B.W. STONE, edited by James M. Mathes (Cincinnati: Moore, Wilstach, 1859), 340-42.

It is a common saying among the preachers of this day, "Old men for counsel, young men for war." This is often advanced in justification of the public debates with opposers, or the clashing doctrines and opinions which now distract and divide the world. "Old men for counsel." Do they counsel you to engage in such debates? Do they laud you for victories won? I will fearlessly answer that no old man of piety and intelligence will give such advice, unless in an extraordinary case. For they know by long experience that such debates tend to strife, deaden piety, destroy the spirit of prayer, puff up the vain mind, annihilate the taste for the marrow and fatness of the living world, and destroy the comforts of true, heavenly religion.

Seldom do we see in the same person a warrior and an humble, devoted Christian. Rara avis in terra. Such acquire a controversial habit and temper. They may proselyte many to their opinions, and greatly increase their numbers; but the children are like the parents, lean and pigmy things. I have known, in the course of my days, great and good religious excitements in certain places, quashed by such debates from the pulpit. I have really thought that the most effectual and shortest way to put a stop to such excitements is for two debators to propose a public debating match, /341/ or an ecclesiastical duel, on a certain day, and at a certain place. Generally at the close of the debate, ends the good excitement. I know it is said in justification of such debates that Paul disputed in the synagogue at Athens, and in the school of Tyrannus, with the Jews and others.

Read the verse correctly, and the force of the objection is removed. He reasoned, or dialogued with hem. This should be the constant practice of every faithful minister of Christ. Would to God it were the practice of all our young preachers to reason out of the Scriptures on the important things of the Gospel.

But "young men for war." What war? Not against flesh and blood, for nothing but carnal weapons can affect them; but against the powers of sin and hell, with spiritual weapons afforded us from above -- not against men, but against their sins, as did our Lord and his holy apostle, in order to save them from ruin.

But are we not to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints? Certainly. But can not this be done without set debates, challenges, judges, rules, etc? Did our great head - did his apostles ever act thus? And who will say they did not earnestly contend for the faith? There must be something wrong in this matter, because these zealous duelists do not like to be called the challengers. Now if this be the proper way to contend for the faith, why not fearlessly challenge every opposer, and thus show your holy zeal?

In these public debates but few persons attend them who have not their minds prepossessed in favor of one side or the other. A few unsophisticated persons may be proselyted to your opinions, but one renewed soul is of more value than a score of such proselytes; and /342/ such renewed souls are made by the truth uttered in the spirit, and heartily received and obeyed.