Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-03-28
SEWARD AS A MEDIATOR.


Church quarrel.
The following is condensed
sketch from l.. b. Proct0r's COM
prehensive work, 1.-THE Bench and
Bar of New York"
Mr.. Seward was a sort ofstand-
ing mediator of church difficult
ties in this county. Contending
parties in those disputes and trou-
hles which destroy harmony and
brotheriy love in churches would
often mutually seek his mediation
and such was their confidence in
him that each party would accept
his advice, and settle apparently
irreconcilable quarrels and diff
culties.
An amusing incident was once
the result Of an appeal to him IN
one OF these church difficulties,
which had for a long time threat
ened the destruction OF q Presby
terrain Church in a neighboring
town. At last it was decided to
submit all these difficulties to Mr..
Seward, and that his decision
should be entirely conclusive. He
consented to become the umpire
for the parties, gave them patti
ent hearing, and promised to send
thom his decision in writing. In
due time he arrived at a decision,
reduced it to writing, and in
closed it in a letter to one of the
leading members Of the church.
Atthis time Mr.. Seward was the
owner of a farm in another part Of
the county, which was occupied
by tenant, to whom he wrote
at the time he was about to mail
his decision in the case Of the
church. In directing the letters
the one intended for the church
was directed to his tenant, while
the one intended for the tenant
was sent TO the church. 1t was
duly received by the proper Of
ficer and the members of the
congregation assembled to hear
the decision of Mr.. Seward, which
was to heal all difficulties and
dissensions,
After calling the congregation
to order, the moderator, in APP
prnpriate language, explained the
object of the IN Getting. II hold in
my band - said he, "a paper
which lam about to open and
read to this assembly, which is,
/ have no doubt, the olive branch
that is To restore harmony and
prosperity to this church and con-
gregatinn. 1t comes from one
who, though a lawyer, loves the
Lord and is q peace maker" Then
breaking open Mr.. Seward's letter
he read the following:
"Yon will take particular care OF
that old, dangerous black bull,
who often attacks people when not
aware of his presence, and some
times plunges at them openly, and
you must carefully see to the re-
pair of the fences, that they are
built high and strong, and also see
that the water in the spring is al
ways kept pure"
There was a mystery about this
advice that greatly puzzled the
whole assembly, who for a long
time sat in profound silence. The
moderator stood like one bewiId-
cred. Presently, however, he re-
covered himself enough to say
Brethren, I-I-don't exactly
that is to cay, IL can hardly see
how this applies to our case. Sup
pose we have season OF prayer
over it and ask the Lord for in
struction."
Accordingly the congregation
knelt, while several of the leading
members fervently addressed the
Throne of Grace. When the peo-
pie resumed their seats one Of the
oldest, mos. esteemed and pious
members of the church arose.
"Brethern," said he, snothing
can exceed the wisdom of Mr..
Stewards decision. / have no doubt
the Lord directed him when he
wrote it for it isjust what we need,
and / know it will restore peace
and harmony among us. Look at
its great wisdom. The direction
to keep the fences in repair is to
admonish US to take good heed In
the admission and government of
the members of the church. We
must see to it that only those who
are regenerated are admitted into
our fold. The direction to keep
the spring open and pure, means
that we must not let our faith, our
love OF God, and our love for each
other, get cold and clogged, and
our daily walk and conversation
corrupted by the weak and beggar-
ly elements ofthe world. And we
must, in a particular manner, set