A Debate On the Doctrine of Universal Salvation

ill meet at any convenient time and place bishop Whelan and any two others whom he may select; or we will meet any three Roman bishops, archbishops, cardinals, priests, or deacons, and discuss with them this question? 'Is the Romish church the church of Christ?' The bishop and his friends may affirm, and we will deny. Or we will affirm that ' the Romish church is not the church of Christ,' and they may deny. Or two of us will meet any two of them on the terms stated above. The ordinary and equal rules of such debate to be adopted hereafter. The above is a standing proposal." In the " True Catholic," published in Louisville, I also find the following note from your pen, copied from the "Watchman of the South:" "the Discussion.?Although the proposition for a public discussion with the Papists, to which you did me the honor to attach my name, was originally made without my knowledge, yet, not doubting that the circumstances demanded it, I cordially sanctioned it. I had no expectation, however, that it would be acceded to. The Roman clergy have become too wise to expose their cause thus. There is in error a conscious weakness, which causes its advocates to shrink from a thorough investigation of its claims. Your proposition, however, will prove to the unprejudiced, that we have all confidence in the principles we advocate, and are willing to have them subjected to the closest scrutiny. Yours, truly, N. L. Rice." Now, Rev. sir, in view of this, your ...