Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1852-07-15

ford and his cause hsbHildiug IS truth aflolis
weapons lie word, (Schptures,) which is rep-
reserael rs being the swnd e the spirit, which
is well calculated TO- and gensrally does alarm,
terrify and put TO fight, all Counter thereto)
who depend upon other defences, ard such gen
erally tryto effect their ESCAPE through bY-T4lE,
80 tlef retaeat will be unobseryed, as they think.
You complain Of Mr. Manrords propositions,
and saw that three Of them are SO Pathological
that it would be ike child play to discuss hem
all, sc. Now, INV dear friend, inall good feslr
inc and candor, il youwere certain that you had
tie law and testimony to sustain yol in those
propositions, would you complain Of iautology
in them? We think not, but would be found
battling the enemy, and advocating yourmastcr's
cause on all such occasions. But / Will take
the responsibility FOR Mr.. Manford, and modify
the propositions so as 10 give him one extreme
affirmation IN accordance with his teachings and
Yourself one extreme affirmation in accordance
with your teachings. They are as follows:
]. Do the scriptures teach the final holiness
and happiness OF all mankind? M. allirms:
2. Do the scriptures teach Chat any part Of
mankind will suffer endless punishment? X
afirms, t ytr g.
Ii You accept the above, as they now stand
Mr. M. will accept Of your time in August -
Now, friend Rush, es you have taken occasion
to denounce and stigmaLize ihe Uniyersalisis in
| this community, we claim the same rights which
all courts ofiustoe hold in reserve for criminals
that is, fair trial, and when that is the case,
and the law and the testimony are found to be
against us then, and not till1hen will we SUR
render, and acknowledge, as you say, that our
doctrines are " destructive TO the souls OF men.
Lastly; you here infer, in language so plain that
it cannot be misunderstood that your members
would consider it dissertation oil the Methodist
altar, 70 permit Uniyersalist pregch6r, in a
discussion with yourself, to thoroughly invcsti-
gate the scriptures for truth. Well, if such be
| The fact, they are more prejudiced than others
in this city. But Mr.. Maniord has not asked
them YET for your church TO hold the debate in
Won will recolect. But viii pledge my word
i that Mr. Manford win, provided you accept Of
Il his challenge upon fair grounds, procure, in
] this city, as good house, and as comfortable
one as there is in tlle city, for the debate to be
held in, outside Of the Methodist church. Now
friend Rush. what excuse. next? for you must
acknowledge that you threw the first Stone
: The Unversalists in this city have no election
TO your bringing all Of your artillery to bear up
on them, provided youare disposed TO give diem
"a fair chance for defence, but unless You show
by your acts disposition to act fairly, and meet
them upon honorable grounds, they Will consider
your unprovolted attack upon them as unjust
| utmanly and cowardly. Now my friend, am
in hopes, in my plain talk, that have said moth
ling that will give you the least offence; for be
!, assured, tina, what have said has been done in
the best Of feeling. An early answer is res
@"i.. 4 Very respectfully yours, , ~.
Il . o.