After this the meeting was dismissed.  But there were little groups gathering here and there, talking about the debate.  Peter Newby was rapidly losing his prestige.  Most of the people took sides and enjoyed the conflict, while a few were interested in finding the truth.

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 had only intended to stand up for and express his convictions toward a very vital subject—­that of living above sin.  He had been a sinner, he had now become soundly converted, had received light on sanctification (though he was not yet sanctified) and holy living, and his only object had been to be loyal to the truth he had found.  As it looked to him now, he was one of the principals in a battle between truth and error.  He was very young in faith, and it is not to be wondered at if his zeal was greater than his knowledge.  Day by day he prayed that the saving truth of the gospel might be made plain to all, and that deadly error might be exposed, and its power to blind the people destroyed, completely and eternally.

“Romans 7,” called out Peter Newby, who led off without consulting anybody.  “Read the first verse, Mrs. Johnson.  Everybody follow the reading.  There are so many present tonight that only a small portion will get to read.  Pay strict attention.”