Year: 1874

Amusing settlement OF shureh


Quarrel.


! The following is condensed
sketch from L. Il. ProctoF's compre-
hensive work "The Bench and Bar
of New York"


Mr. Seward was sort of stand
ing mediator Of church difficulties
in this county. Contending parties
/ in those disputes and troubles which
destroy harmony and brotherly love
in churches would often mutually
seek his mediation and such was
their confidence in him that each par
ty would accept his advice and set
tie apparently inreeoncilable quarre!s
and difficulties.


An amusing incident was once the
result ofan appeal to him in one Of
these church difficulties which for
long time had threatened the destruc-
ton of the Presbyterian church in
neighboring town. At last it was
decided to submit oil these difficulties
to Mr.. Seward, and that his decision
should be entirely conclusive He
consented to become the umpire for
the parties-gave them a patient
hearing, and promised to send them
his decision in writing. la due time
he arrived at a decision, reduced it 10
writing and enclosed it in a letter to
one OF the leading members Of the
church.


All the time Mr.. Seward was the
owner Of farm in another part Of
the country which was occupied by
tenant to whom he wrote at the time
he was about to mail his decision in
the case the church In directing the
letter the one intended for the church
was directed to the tenant which
was sent to the church 1t was duly
received by the proper officer and the
members Of the congregation assem-
bled to hear the decision Of Mr.. Sew
ard which was to heal all difficulties
and dissensions. After calling the
congregation to order the mediator
in appropriate language explained
the object Of the meeting-"I hold
in my hand" said he "a paper which
| am about to open and READ to this
assembly, which is, | have no doubt
the olive branch which is TO restore
harmony and prosperity TO this
church and congregation. Il comes
from one who though lawyer loves
the Lord and is peaccmaker' Then
breaking open Mr.. Stewards letter he
read the following:


"You viii take particular care Of
the old dangerous black bull who Oft
en- attacks people when not aware of
his presence and sometimes plunges
at them openly and you must careful
" see to the repair Of fences that they
are built high and strong. and also
see that the water in the spring is al
WAYS kept pure.


Brethren, I-I-d0nt exactly
that is to say, I-I-can't exactly
see how this applies TO our ease.
Suppose we have a season Of PRAYER
over it and ask the Lord for instruc-
ton"


Accordingly the congregation knelt
while several of the leading members
tervently addressed the Throne of
Grace. When the people resumed
their seats one of the eldest most es-
teemed and pious members of the
church arose.


Brethren" said he, nothing can
exceed the wisdom OF Mr.. Stewards
decision. | have no doubt the Lord
directed him when be wrote it, for it
is just what we need and | know it
will restore peace and harmony
among Us. Look at its great wis
dom. The direction 10 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 on
ly those who are regenerated are ad-
mitted into our fold The direction
to keep the spring open and pure
means that we must not let our faith
our love for God, and our love for
each other, get cold clogged and our
daily walk and conversation corrupt
ed by the weak and beggarly ele-
ments of the world. And we must.
in a particular manner. set a watch
full guard over the devil-the old dan
gerous black bull who often attacks
US when we are not aware of his
presence and who with hislong 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 enlightened piety Of Mr. Sew
ards decision. II was unanimously
resolved to abide by it and peace,
goodwill and prosperity were restor-
ed to the church brotherly love took
the place of hatred and piety increas-
ed. Nearly forty years have passed
away since this remarkable decision
was received by that church. Its
organization has been continued
down to the present time with unin-
terrupted prosperity.


What effect Mr.. Stewards letter had
on his tenant has never been known.