Bedford inquirer and chronicle. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1854-1857, 1856-02-01
BY DAVID OVER.


pataats--Grssmyiead Hot;t Journey home, &C. &c.
&c.
Ma. EDITOR, For the information of
those of Jour readers who we're not there to
hear and see. We desire to refer briefly to an
interesting theological controversy which
we last week had the pleasure of Witnessing.
Tempted by the 6ns sleighing- Ito assign
no more laudible asofire)--we bade an early
good morning TO our village on Tuesday,
and, in company with friend, dashed off
in the direction of Hollidaysburg as fast as
a span of lively bays could draw US A
few hours drive, over delightful roads,
brought US in sight of the place appointed-
the old Gyeenfeld Church ia Uuion town
ship. This church or Del .Maasaiis =
dwelling house of Gods situate about
two miles south of Sarah Furnace, in the
midst of a woods, and though near the road
side is not within sight of any human habi-
tation. A first glance gave us some idea of
the crolpd assembled For large circuit
around, sleds and sleighs and every imagiua-
blo kind of conveyance on ruaBes met the
eye; and dozens of horses, dashed fast to
saPplings stood patiently awaiting The
pleasure of their owners Groups of men
also, for whom their seemed to be no accumo-
dations within, were seen standing about
Willing away the time in conversation !,
Our first impressions, therefore, as We drove
UP in front of the church aforesaid, with
regard to comfort, were not very comfortable.
But having secured our horses after the
fashion of the llacc we began the work of
entering. The expected escrowd" was
thfrs The aisles, and pews, and altar
and galleries, and steps, and every point
where live being could sit or stand seemed
occupied But either owing 10 cur reUsr-
entlal appearance or the kind assistance of
friends (perhaps both) We soon found ourself,
an the midst of ministers, In the altar, and
facing the congregation. Aud now that
we are seated let US glance hastily at the
place, and the people. and turn then to the
speakers, the subject and the occasion.
The building itself gave evidence Of being
log structure northumberland the
interior arrangements resembled IN appear
ance an old Virginia church, The tall
narrow windows, s,---straight, high backed
psws; narrow, peculiar gallery and altar;
high, small, tub-like pulpit, perched aloft
on single post and surnIounted by the
cid fashioned sounding board or cap gave
striking proof of its primitive origin.
The large audience assembled was equally
respectable in number and appearance
From towns, and villages and country
homes the whole region round about
from hoary age to helpless infancy was
there. Holiday sburg, Sewry, Freedom,
Martinsburg, Woodberry, the Cove, Snake
Spring Valley and Wills Creek-besides a
host of other towns and places were fairly
represented! Ali were orderly, ali were
attentive. To our left sat the Tunkerd
brethren as we surveyed their thought-
full, earnest looks, their hoary heads and
patriarchal boards (badge of their brother
hood we could not help feeling that this,
truly, was s'solenin assembly" The oc-
'casion was full of interest. The church of
Luther was joining issue with the followers
of Alexander Mack, upon cardinal princi-
pie of their faiih--a great theological
gusstion.
Is Infant Baptism or Infant Church Mem
'bcrship Recognized and .4uthorized IN the
Scriptures
The affirmative Of this issue was maintain
cd by the REV. JosEpH FErGHrsER
Lutheran, Pastor of the Newry charge in
Blair county, and the negative, by the REV
JAS. QuINTERs (Tunker, of Fayette county.
By arrangement, the gentleman last named
spoke 6rst and had commenced his discourse
when we entered. lie is in appearance mid
dle-sged man, about medium size, an origi-
nal thinker and gave evidence of being dill
gent student of the scriptures. He spoke
with much ease, and earnestness, and for
three full hours was patiently listened to-.
tie vas followed by Mr.. FEIGHrsER-who
isa graduate of the Lutheran theological
Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa.,-and though
ayOung man in ministerial life gave ample
proof of being correct thinker and sound
theologian. His discourse was equal in
length to that of Mr.. QUINTERs, and was
throughout close, careful. logically ar
ranged analysis of texts pertaining to
the subject--a well digested argument
presented with force and beauty. To de-
eide upon the merits of the debate, or give
the public's opinion of the respective ability
Of the debaters is not our object, for
What is beautiful and what is crude
Finds thousand answer in a multitude.
Al the close of this frst days discussion,
II was sgreed to adjourn on the mex. day to