Jon Gary Williams
Articles / Resources
0473
Report by A. P. Johnson
Methodist Preacher Backs Down
February 5, 1903
Some time last fall R. H. Pique went to Cottage Grove, Henry County. Tenn., boldly challenging brethren to debate. I had mt T. F. Moore there and I. N. Penick near there. My brethren knew me and instructed me to represent them in debate and write Mr. Pique. I did so, inclosing 4 of the propositions I discussed with Jacob Detzler. He did not answer. I wrote again. Then he sent a postcard that stated if I was the best excuse the "Campbellites" had to defend their doctrine, he was out of the debating business, but would gladly meet any of our representative men.
The question is: Am I a representative man? My brethren think I am; Mr. Pique thinks I'm not. Who is to decide? Not Pique, for he has no right to select the man for the brethren. In fact, I do not consider Pique as a truly representative man. I met Jacob Ditzler in an 11 day discussion at Cornersville, Tenn. and he never raised the question as to my being a representative man; and Dr. Ditzler, when compared to R. H. Pique, would be as the sun compared to a firefly, for Ditzler is greatly Pique's superior in knowledge, courtesy, and all the qualifications of a gentleman.
I sent Pique this indorsement by brethren: "We the undersigned, do most heartily indorse bro. A. P. Johnson as a representative debater, fully qualified to meet any man; and especially do we indorse him as being qualified to meet R. H. Pique on any proposition he may sign with him." [Signed by elders of three congregations and numerous gospel preachers.]
Since sending Pique this indorsement I have received no message from this self-lauded champion. Pique's charge is a trumped-up excuse to cover his cowardice, which is one of the most prominent faculties with which Mr. Pique is endowed. Personally, he knows nothing of my ability as a debater, for he has never heard me. I sent him the proposition - now let the people of Cottage Grove know who is backing down.
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