185 years ago today - Jan 30, 1831

Sidney Rigdon preaches in Kirtland, Ohio that Joseph Smith, their latter-day oracle, is en route to Kirtland. During his sermon he challenges the world to "refute the divine pretensions of the Book of Mormon." In the audience is the father of Alexander Campbell, who writes to his son. Alexander Campbell, Ridgon's former mentor, writes to Rigdon taking up the challenge: "I, therefore, as in duty bound, accept the challenge, and shall hold myself in readiness, if the Lord permit, to meet you publicly, in any place, either in Mentor or Kirtland, or in any of the adjoining towns that may appear most eligible for the accommodation of the public. The sooner the investigation takes place the better for all concerned." When the letter is delivered to Rigdon he, after coming to the line "the infernal book of Mormon" throws the letter into the fire. Rigdon never meets Campbell in open debate.