The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-03-09
COMMUNICATIONS.
THE ELMER, MO-, DEBATE.

The Hughes Forester debate, at
Elmer, Mo.,was held February 1922, in
elusive. The weather was perfect and
large audiences assembled at each ses-
sion, the paid admissions paying all
expenses Of the debate, including the
remuneration of both disputants. At
the close of the discussion the general
and emphatic verdict of the people was
in favor Of Mr.. Hughes and Universal
ism.
Mr.. Forester failed to present any
systematic argument or explanation Of
texts. simply reading great number
without proving that the "death" men,
toned was to be"utter and FINAL" And
even more signal was the failure to meet
Mr.. Hughes proof texts,and philosophic-
al arguments. The only attempt at refu-
tation was by placing texts over against
the texts adduced by Mr.. Hughes. Quot
ing the Bible against itself does not con
duce to clear and settled opinion. Mr..
Hughes on the other hand showed that
his texts taught universal salvation and
that many of those presented by Mr..
Forester did not teach an utter and
final DEATH" OF those which Mr.. Hughes
did not discuss he said that upon mention
by Mr.. Forester, he would give any Of
them"most distinguished consideration"
Mr.. Hughes knowledge of the Bible is
wonderful. he being able to place and
quote most Of the passages produced on
either side of the argument. He seemed
prepared for every turn in the debate
and met it fairly and squarely. II any.
one has the least doubt about the Bibles
really teaching universal salvation they
should attend Mr.. Hughes next discus
sion. 1t would be beneficial to our cause
if series of discussions could be ar
ranged in the large cities and towns Of
the country. The conditional immortal
ity men could meet US if anybody could,
but our position is impregnable and Mr..
Hughes is our invincible champion.
He has record of thirty old discussions
with as many victories.
However badly Mr.. Forester was
worsted in the discussion, he fully held
his own in the rivalry as to who
should show the greater Christian spirit
However hard pushed Mr.. Forester
might be he would not descend to slur-
ring, and Mr.. Hughes in his most trium-
plant moment forbade exultation. The
effect was most wholesome and edifying.
Many people were won to give us a lar
ger confidence and great good will result
to the local church. During the night
meetings which were continued over
Sunday four accessions were made to the
church. Several others express a de-
sire to join in the near future. The
church was also cleared of debt. Much
credit for this is due Mr.. Geo. Gates,
who, though not member, apparently
has our cause thoroughly at heart.
After everybody else had given up he
raised about hundred dollars by per-
sonal solicitation. Besides that he him
self gave nearly two thirds as much
more. And so the church finds itself out
of debt, with many influential, and sub
stantial families upon it's books;it seems
to be founded upon the rock. Those OF
us who are deeply interested in the
church are moved to Joy. Bro. j. E.
Reyes was present, preaching and sing
ing at three of the night meetings He
received two into the church. Bio.
Moore, Agent of the Western Branch,
was also present, selling fifty-two booke,
and taking sixteen subscriptions to The
UNIvERsALIsT. c.L.B.