The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-01-08

The Holy War-POtts versus wainwright
To THE Eplroa or rHE New YORK HERALD :,
In common with the public at large, have
taken an Interest in the pending controversy be-
tween the Rev. DR.. Wainwright and the Rev Dr.
POTTS. and at first was disposed TO believe THIS vex-
ed question of the supremacy OF the church might
be put at rest by public argument. | am not now,
sure the Rev. gentlemen have adopted the best
course to settle the point at Issue: The public
would be more edited by exhibition wherein
the oral and physical powers, of the combatants
would be displayed, by which the eye and under
standing of the audience might be exercised at the
same time. knowledge and strength united would
produce more ready conviction those who are
called upon to decide. The novelty Of the thing
would draw crowds, and each of the combatants
wonid acquire fame. DIR. Wainwright has most
skill IN the management of his brace of fves-Dr
Potts has most wind. DR.. Wainwright is shy at
the start, but this is for the purpose OF feeling his
way. DIR. Potts never balks and has more bottom
The Qualities of the dtspu'ants are opposite, YET
each is great in his way DR.. Wainwright will
finch after the first round, and DIR. Potts is grit
to the bone. One is wary and cool, the other is
apt 10 be flushed but, then, when he hits, he does
il hard. One has plenty Of bitumen TO keep up
heat, the other lots of birthstone to keep up fame
On the whole, never were two men better fitted
tor regular mill, and if | were "a fighting
character, nothing, would suit me better than
10 witness the battle But, Mr. Editor, am not
a lighting character-I am man of peace, and
propose method of settling this question which
nope VIII meet your approbailon. Let you, Mr.
Bennett, and James Watson Webb be constituted
board of referees before whom the parties snail
appear and state clearly the point at issue, with
such arguments, supported by biblical authorities,
rs they choose to produce. You shall patiently
listen to and mpartally weigh each point brought
forward, and In the end shall make a detailed re-
port for the public. If, perchance, you and the
Rev; Col. James Watson Webb should disagree,
"a thing not at all to be apprehended,) you shall
name third person to decide, whose decision
shall be final. This third person may be Mr.
Slamm, Mr.. Greeley, any other you think pro-
per- ! merely mention these as being gentlemen
well known, and remarkably well qualified for the
office of umpire.
There is an obstacle to my plan, which cannot
moved. You, Mr.. Bennett, are much absorbed
in the care of the church and church matters that
you cannot well divert your attention to other OBJ
iects, and then the Rev. Col Webb is so modest
and unassumIng that it will be labor to persuade
aim to come before the public, even in matter he
must have SO much at heart
The occasion calls for sacrifice, and beg you
to accept this office and overcome the scrupes of
the Rev. Col. Webb
You two are the only persons sufficiently qualif-
ed to decide upon this with knowledge and
impartiaiity. You have always taken deep inter-
est IN theological AFFAIRS and your paper has been
the receptacle OF vast stores of information on such
matters: Though your opinions on points of faith
are no doubt well formed, you have always been
liberal In your views and appear to be without bias
AT the same time, the Rev. Col Webb has lately
gwen proofs OF great plety in the controversy on
Puseylsm, and has exhibited such fund of bibli.
cal knowledge as to leave no doubt that this very
subject In question is familiar 10 his mind
Take this matter under consideration Insert
this article IN your Mondays paper with such re-
marks as you choose to add, so that the public may
De prepared for what is come and thereby be re-
lieved of much anxiety
Yours, &c., LoYALA