Year: 1874

Mr.. Seward was a sort of standing
mediator of church difficulties in this
county. Contending parties in those
disputes and troubles which destroy har-
mony and brotherly 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 difficulties.


An amusing incident was once the re-
suit of an appeal to him in one of these
church difficulties which had for some
time threatened the destruction of q
Presbyterian 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 con-
elusive He consented to become the
umpire for the parties, gave them a pa
tient hearing, and promised to send them
his decision in writing. In due time he
arrived at a decision, reduced it to wri-
ting. and enclosed it in letter to one Of
the leading members of the church.


At this time Mr.. Seward was the own
er of farm in another part of the eoun-
ty, 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 direct
ed to his tenant, while the one intend
ed for the tenant was sent to the church.
1t was duly received by the proper Off
Ger. and the members of the cOngrega-
ton assembled to hear the decision of
Mr.. Seward, which was to heal all diff
eulties and dissensions.


laa To
der, the Moderator, in appropriate Ian
guage, explained the object of the meet
ing. Il 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 that is to re-
store harmony and prosperity to this
church and congregation. 1t came from
one who, though a lawyer, loves the
Lord, and is a peaeemaker." Then,
breaking open Mr.. Stewards letter, he
read the following:


''YOu will take particular care of that
old, dangerous black bull, who often at
taeks 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 this ad
vice that greatly puzzled the whole as
sembly, who for long time sat in pro-
found silence The Moderator stood
like one bewildered. Presently, howev-
er, he recovered himself enough to say;


''Bretheren, I-I-dOn't know exactly
that is TO say, II can hardly see how
this applies to our case. Suppose we
have a season of prayer over it, and ask
the Lord for instruction"


Accordingly the congregation knelt,
while several of the leading members
fervently addressed the Throne of Grace.
When the people resumed their seats,
one of the oldest, most esteemed and pi-
Gus members of the church arose.


'.Bretheren," said he, nothing can
exceed the wisdom of Mr.. Stewards de-
cisiOn. i have no doubt the Lord direct
ed him when he wrote it, for it is Just
what we need, and know it will restore
peace ana 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 this
church. We must see to it that only
those who are regenerated are admit
ted 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 elOgged, and our daily walk
and conversation corrupted, by the weak
and beggarly elements of this world.
And we must, in a particular manner,
set a watchful guard over the deyil-the
old dangerous black bull, who often at
tacks 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 plunge at this church In
particular"


These re...s-Ia,g opened the eyes OF all
the people present, to the wisdom and
enlightened piety Of Mr. Stewards de-
cision. Il was unanimously resolved TO
abide by it. and peace, good Will, and
nrosDeritv were restored to the church,
brotherly love took the place Of hatred,
and piety increased 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 uninter-
rupted prosperity


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