CHAPTER FIVE

THE SCHOOLHOUSE DEBATES (concluded)


The dust was wiped from more Bibles in the community around Fairmount
School following the debates between Peter Newby and Robert Davis than
for many a day. Even old Mr. Stephenson, who was the most indifferent
to the claims of religion, hunted a Bible, and declared he was going
to find out which one was right, Newby or Davis. Charley Moss, a
goodhearted, but wild, wicked fellow, became interested also. He
bought his first New Testament and dedicated himself to the task of
reading it through. "I must find out," said he, "what this young man
Davis is talking about. His religion seems to be the real thing."

The next prayer meeting night found the house packed to the limit.
Conjectures and opinions as to how the debate would go were passed
back and forth. Peter Newby's partisans rallied to his support. A few
were inclined to accept Robert Davis' views, while the majority were
moved by morbid curiosity to watch the outcome of a verbal conflict.
Peter Newby wore an air of entire confidence--on this occasion he had
the seventh chapter of Romans back of him he thought. Nearly every one
else who accepted the old theology of the community expected him to
"clean up" his opponent in grand style that night.

As for Robert Davis, the previous week had been one of prayer and
study. He had first entered the prayer meeting with the intention to
help along a good work. He had no intention of entering into debate
or controversy with anyone. Now, as he viewed the matter, he was
surprised to find the role that he was playing. On the first night, he