Dayton daily empire. [volume] (Dayton [Ohio]) 1850-1865, 1859-05-07

do not; for really they are f1lse-totally
unqualifiedly false-as false as Ananias OF
Saphira could possibly invent. do not say
that you should take care lest you fall in.
| TO that "lake Of fire and birthstone, " in which
it is said "all liars" shall have their part; ]
do not say that you knew what you were
writing about; nor do say that you are not
perfect Christians; but do say that those
statements are false-world-wide Of the
truth-diametrically opposed TO what we
for them in any Universalist book, OF from
any Universalist teacher. And yet, the
sentiment Of those quotations you hold up
as the groundwork Of Universalism through
your whole book! Fie, shame upon you
gentlemen Trustees | cannot think that
you believe that person ever taught such a
doctrine as you charge Uniyersalists with
teaching. If there is such person, then
we will join with you in exposing his error;
but can assure you he will not be found in
the Universalist denomination.
| There are other statements in your book
concerning the immortality of Universalists,
which are as false as those that have al
ready quoted See page 1913, where you
say our views are embraced only by those
whom the Bible denOminates the wicked. /"
The intimation which that sentence conveys
is repeated in various, and exceedingly ofIcn-
siye ways, many times in your book. do
not know how much credit the public will
give you for such scandalous charges. They
may not discover any self-righteousness in
them; they may think you are better
Christians for making them. l have but lit
tie to say now in reference to those charges,
except this, that am willing that the pub
lie should Judge Of their correctness; and if
they find us slandering and misrepresenting
our neighbors, / hope they will condemn us
| am aware that the community, as a
whole, are confident that Universalism is
an error, and, though not understanding it,
are somewhat prejudiced against it; but
though this is the case, am persuaded that
the time is past, when they will Justify any
such course as you have taken in this book.
Liberty OF conscience, liberation towards
others in matters ofreligiOus belief, are prin-
ciples too thoroughly interviewer with the
spirit of our free institutions, to permit you
to wear crowns of glory for the injustice and
uncharitableness Of your work.
In conclusion, gentlemen, | have to make
this sincere request of you, that you suppress
the further sale ofthe present edition OF this
book, procure and study carefully one or
two standard works on Universalism, look
more thoroughly into the general moral
character of those who embrace this system,
gather a few statistics concerning the re-
hgious convictions Of those who are sent 10
our prisons and houses of correction, (the
latter will help make a strong argument, if
they are in your favor,) and then revise your
book according to the facts with which YOU
may thus become acquainted. | ask this
as matter Of justice due tomyself and 9TH
er Uniyersalsts, as remuneration in part
for the injury you have done us; l ask il as
evidence, demanded ON your part, that YOU
do not wish to nisrepresent and iniure your
neighbors, but only TO expose what is their
real belief! II you will not acccde TO this
request, will you publish this communica.
tion in some part ofyour book, as the protest
Of Universalist against the misrepresenta.
tons which it cOntainsl If you will accede
to neither ofthe foregoing, will you then al |
low me 10 appear in the columns Of the Tile |
scope, in aseries OF articles, showing wherein
the arguments and statements Of your book
are not-yalid against UniyersaIism, as it is |
held and taught by its advocates!
Trusting you will aeeede 10 one of these
requests, and awaiting your answer, am
Yours, respectfully,
W. s. BURTON,
y Pastor First Uniyersalist Church.
NAYroN q Nav kth 1870