The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-03-24
SUNDAY BEADING
Settlement Of a Church Quarrel.

ator Of church difficulties in his county.
troubles which destroy harmony and
brotherly love in churches would often mu-
tually seek his mediation, and such was
their confidence in him thai each party
would accept his advice and settle appar-
emily iTeconcilable quarrels and difficult
ties.
An amusing incident was once the result
of an appeal to him in one of these church
difficulties which had for long time
threatened the destruction of Presbyte-
rian church i'll neighboring town. At last
it was decided to submit all these difficult
ties to Mr. Seward, and that his decision
should be entirely conclusive. He con-
sented to become the umpire for the par
ties-gave them patient hearing, and
promised to send them his decision in wri-
ting. In due time he arrived at a decision,
reduced it to writing and enclosed it in
letter to one of the leading members of the
church.
At this time Mr.. Seward was the owner
of large farm in another part of the
county which was occuh Ned 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 letter 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 officer 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 appropriate language,
explained the object of the meeting. "I
hold in my hand" said he, ga paper which
am about to open and read to this as
sembly, which is, I have no doubt, the
olive branch that is to restore harmony and
prosperity to this church and congrega-
tion. 1t comes from one who, though
lawyer, loves the Lord and is peace
maker" Then, breaking open Mr.. Sew
ards letter. he read the following
"You will take particular care of that
old, dangerous black bull, who often at
tacks people when not aware of his pres
ence, and sometimes plunges at them
openly, and you must carefully see to the
repair of the fences, that they are built
high and strong, and also see that the
water in the spring is always kept pure"
There was a mystery about the advice
that greatly puzzled the whole assembly,
who for a long time sat in profound silence.
The moderator stood like one bewildered
Presently, however, he recovered himself
enough to say:
Brethren, I-I-don't exactly-that
is to say, I-I-can't exactly see how this
applies to our case. Suppose we have
season of prayer over it and ask the Lord
for instruction"
Accordingly the congregation knelt,
while several of the leading members fer
vently addressed the Throne of Grace.
When the people resumed their seats, one
Of the oldest, most esteemed and pious
members of the church arose.
"Brethern," said he, "nothing can ex-
ceed the wisdom of Mr.. Stewards decision.
have no doubt the Lord directed him
when he wrote it, for it is just what we
need, and I 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 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 to
God, and our love for each other, get cold
and clogged, and our daily walk and con-
versation corrupted by the weak and beg
gardly elements of the world. And we
must, in particular manner, set watch
full guard over the devil--the old, danger
GUS black bull, who often attacks us when
we are not aware of his presence, and who,
with his long horns, plunges at us openly,
and who has made many savage plunges at
this church in particular.
These remarks opened the eyes of all
the people present to the wisdom and en-
lightened piety of Mr.. Stewards decision.
It was unanimously resolved to abide with
it, and peace, goodwill and prosperity
were restored to the church, brotherly love
took the place of hatred, and piety in
creased. Nearly forty years have passed
away since this remarkable decision was
received by that church. It's organization
has been continued down TO the present
time with uninterrupted prosperity.
What effect Mr.. Stewards letter had ON