Decatur Democrat, Volume 39, Number 46, Decatur, Adams County, 31 January 1896 — Page 1

The Decatur Democrat.

VOL. XXXIX.

AMISH CASES. Seven Con vlclloiih out of Thirteen InilletnientM—They Proini»e to <!o Hetler In the Future. The Adams circuit court room ♦ was well tilled with spectators Monday to listen to the evidence in the Amish cases. ' x The first case called was that of the State of Indiana vs Jacob Swartz for marrying persons of nearer km than second cousins, tob wit: first cousins. The first witness called was Peter Mazelin for the state. Some trouble was had at first owing to the fact ' that this sect does not swear or affirm. Judge Heller asked him if he was willing to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the ‘ truth. The witness said he.was if it did not conflict with Christ or the Testament. After talking to him for awhile Judge Heller managed to extract from him a promise which* was nothing more or less than a good sized oath. He said that he was married by the defendant, who is a minister in the Amish church, on Oct ,31, 1895. He was then asked by the state if. he and his wife, prior to their marriage, were not first cousins. The witness refused to answer and was protected by the court. The next witness ' called was Frank Mazelin, father of the former witness. He testified that his son his wife- were first . cousins prior their marriage and that Jacob Swartz, a duly ordained . minister of the Amish church, performed the ceremony. for the defience did not cross examine. The state rested and the case was given to the court who took the matter under advisement, . The next case called Was that of the State of Indiana vs David Swartz for solemnizing marriages without license. The first witness was Jno. H. Lenhart, Clerk of the Adams Circuit Court. He said no license had ‘ been issued to the parties named in the indictment. X ictor Garber was the next- witness called and said that he was married by David Schwartz and that he did not have a license. Elizabeth Gerber was the last witness called and she substantiated everything told by her husband. The case was then given to t court. These people know no other law than the bible, and believe that ■' Christ is the the only person who has a right to judge. The third case called was that of the State of Indiana vs Christian Swartz charged with fornication. This case was tried by a jury. After the evidence was introduced the counsel for the state and defence made lengthy and able argubrief charge was then given to the jury by Judge Heller after which they retired to the jury room to deliberate upon a verdict. After being out but a short time '‘they returned a verdict of not guilty. Judge Heller then gave his decision in the case of the State of ♦ Indiana vs Jacob Schwartz and • State of Indiana vs David Schwartz. In both instances he found the ♦ defendants guilty and fined th£m $5.00 and coats. When asked ifthey had anything to say, why judgement should not be passed, Jacob Schwartz made the following address: OF THE STA TE OF MATRIMONY. We confess that there is in the church of God an honorable state of of two free belieyeing persons, in accordance with the manner after which God originally ordained the same in Paradise and instituted it himself with Adam and Eve, and that the Lord Christ did away and set aside all the abuses of marriage which had meanwhile crept in and referred ail to the original order and left it. X«en. 1;34; Mark 10:6. X In this manner the apostle Paul also taught and permitted matrimony in

DECATUR. ADAMS COUNTY, INDIANA. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31. 1896.

the church and left it free for everyone to be married according to the original order in the Lord, to whomsoever one may get to consent. By these words, in tne Lord, there is to be understood, we think, that even as tfie Patriarchs had to marry among their kindred or generation, so the believers of the new Testament have likewise oo other liberty then to marry among the Chosen Generation and spiritual kinored of Christ, namely such and no others who have previously become nited with the church as, one heart and soul, have received one baptism and stand in one communion, faith, doctrine and practice before they may unite with one another bv marriage Such are then joined by God in his church according to the original order; and this is called marryjng in the Lord 1 Cor. 7:2: 1 Cor. 9:5; Gan. 25:4; 28:23; 1 Cor. 7:39, And further, as above said that St. Paul has left tree matrimony in the church, and it is also left free and also ordained from God and not forbidden to marry cousins Ley. 18:10. .There fore it is not a command, but we cannot find anything in scripture to forbid it. Even if the learned of this world declare it to be unhealthy to nature, and through their wisdom think to make it better (than God did) and want to forbid it, with which we cannot agree, because we agree with St Paui and respect the wisdom of God more than the wisdom of man. (1 Cor) If we would declare the wisdom of man wiseerthan that of God we would despise God. For it is written: 1 will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the Scribe? Where is the disputerof of this world? Hath not God made fool ish the wisdom of the world y (1 Cor. 1: 19,20) And such marriage shall be solemnized by an Eider ordained by God and his church. Such Elder or bishop may be power by the gospel, for be whom God hath sent speaketh the word:? of God. John 3. ‘Jf a man love me he will deep my word. John 14:23 What therefore God hath joined together let no man put asunder. Math. 19:6. And such wedlock cannot be put asunder by men except it be for fornication. Math. 19:9. And we believe that this our faith is founded in the gospel. - Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.— Luke. 2:23. OF marriage. Os marriage we confess: That the samd is honorable and an ordinance of God, who in the beginning instituted this state with the two human beings first created in the immage of God; blessed it and joined them together. And since this divine ordinance, through the hardness of the heart and the evil wantonness of man had fallen into great disorder, so that men through the lusts of the llesh married whomsoever they would and took unto them many wives and then for divers reasons dismissed them by a bill oftdivorce and married others. Gen. 7:2 Therefore Christ as a perfect law-giver rejected and abolished the writing of divorcement and permission of Moses, together with all abuses thereof, referring all that heard and believed him to the original ordinance of his Heavenly Father, instituted with Adam and Eve in Paradice and then reestablishing marriage between one man and one woman, and so inseparably and firmly binding the bond of matrimony that they might not on any account seperate and marry another except in case of adultry or death. Hence every believer who desires to enter into matrimony must follow this doctrine of Christ and the above example and unite himself in marriage only with one person who has been by a like faith with him born from above of God and renewed and created after the image of God. And such persons after their parents and the church have given their consent shall in the presence of the church with fervent prayer to God be joined to gebiier by a minister? This, we believe to be marrying in the Lord, of which God is himself the author and the joiner. 2 Peter 1:1; Ju. 3:3; IJu 5:4. But all the unregenerated persons who are-not yet sancitled by faith in Christ and dotbus marry we also regard as honorable matrimony but not in the Lord. Heb 13:4; 1 Cor. 7:12 And as Christ accepts none as his bride and * member of his body, but those alone who are united with him by faith, so also believers cannot swear their bodies which are sanctified and surrendered to God as a member of Christ and temple of. the Holy Ghost from Christ and unite them in marriage with the unregenerate and thus be unequally yoked together with unbelievers who are not known to the church by faith and Christian baptism as brethren or sisters in fellowship, seeing that the i.. ' .

baptism is the first Christian ordinance in the church after which all other ordinances ot God follows Eph. 5:30; Gal. 3:26. Thus 'marriage is advised by the Holy Ghost to avoid fornication and all uncleaness. But if any one „does not need this and can without it keep himself pure and nndeflled in a virginal stste in order to serve the Lord the better and without hindrance, it is commended still more highly. Hence marriage is free for all but not a commandment. How God the Lord in the beginning instituted marriage reads: And the Lord God said it is not good that man should-be alone. 1 will make him a helpmeet for him, and the rib which the Lord God had taken from man made he woman. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cieave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh. Gen. 2:18, 22, 24. How Christ rejected all abuses of marriage and renewed the ordinance of his father read: Have ye not read that he who made them at the beginning made them male and female and said for this cause shall a man leave father and mother and shall cleave to his wife and the twain shall be one llesh. wherefore they are no more twain but one tleslT. What therefore God hath joined together let no man put asunder 1 . Mat. 18:4. 6. 8: 1 Cor 7:10. Marriage is honorable in all and the bed undetiled, but whore mongers and adulters God will judge. Heb. 13;4; 1 Ga. t :2. The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth, but if her husband be dead she is at liberty to be married to whom she will only it be in the Lord. 1 Cor. 7:39; Tob 7:13; Gen. 1:27; 24:4; Ex. 34:16; Num. 37:6; Dent 7:3. Concerning, the transgressors of this and their punishment read, Gen. 6:3; Num. 25:1; Neb. 13:26.27 1 Kings 11:1. Os the office of the secular authority we believe and confess: That God has ordained power and authority and set them to punish the evil and protect the good, to govern the world and maintain countries and cities with their subjects in good order and regulation, and that we therefore may not despise, revile or resist the same, but must acknowledge and honor them as the ministers of God and be -subject and obedient unto them: yea, ready for all good works, especially that which is not contrary to the law, will and commandment of God; also faithfully pay custom, tribute and taxes and to render unto them their dues even also as the Son of God taught and practiced and commanded His disciples to do; that we moreover, paust constantly and earnestly pray to the Lord for them and their welfare and for the prosperity of the country, that we may dwell under its protection, earn our livelihood and lead a quiet, peaceable life with all Godliness and honesty and furthermore that tbd Lord would recompense unto them here and afterwards m eternity all benefits, liberty and favor which we enjoy here under their praiseworthy administration. Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet, Q:17; Matt. 22:21; 17:27; 1 Tim. 2:1. OF REVENGE. As regards revenge that is. to oppose an enemy with the sword, we believe and confess that the Lord Christ has forbidden and set aside to his disciples and followers all revenge and retaliation and commanded them to render to no one evil for evil, cursing for cursing, but to put the sword into the sheath or as the prophets haVb predicted to beat the swords into ploughshares.—Matt. 5:39, 44; Rom. 12:14; 1 Pet. 3:9; Is. 2:4; Micah. 4:3; Zech. 9:8-9. From this we understand that therefore and according to this example we must not inflict pain. barm or sorrow to anyone but seek the highest welfare ami salvation-forall men and if necessity require it, flee for the Lord’s sake, from one city or country into another and suffer the spoiling of pur goods; that we must not barm anyone and when we are smitten, rather turn, the other Cheek also than taka revenge or retaliate/. Math. 5:39. And moreover that we must pray for our enemies, feed and refresh them whenever they are hungry or thirsty and thus’convince them by welldoing and overcome ail ignorance. Rom. 12:19,20. ? /■ . - • Finally that we must do good and commend ourselves to every man’s conscience and according to the law of Christ, do onto no one that which we would not have done to us. 2 Cor. 4:3; Matt. 7:12; - OF SWEARING AN OATH. Concerning the swearing of oaths we believe and confess: That the Lord Christ has set aside and forbidden the same to His disciples that they should not swear at all, but that yea should be yea and nay, nay. from which we understand that all oaths high and low

are forbidden and that instead of them w- are to confirm ail our obligations and promises yea, all our declamations and testimonies of any matter only with our word yea in that which is yea ami with nay that which is nay; yet that we must always- in all matters ami with everyone' adhere to. keep, follow and fulfill the same as though we had confirmed it with a solemn oath. And if we do this we trust that no onA not even the magistracy itself, will have just reason to lay a greater burden on our mind and conscience- Matt. 5:34. 35: James 5:12. 2 Cor. 1:17. The Amish cases were all decided Tuesday afternoon and out of the thirteen indictments returned by the grand jury there were seven convictions and six acquitals. No convictions were made on the charges of fornication. Thus ends the famons cases which have attracted attention all- over the country. These people have expressed their intention of living up to all the requirements of the law hereafter, and had they been fully conversant with our state laws heretofore they would have avoided all the trouble to which they have been put. Our statutes provide that anyone solemnizing a marriage shall return to the clerk of the court issuing the license, the time of the marriage, with a statement showing if they were ever married before and the names of their parents with a number of other questions. Since the Amish ot our county have got into court, they make a return of their marriages. The following is oue of their returns: “I. the undersigned, herewith certify that I nave joined in marriage according to the law of Christ. John C- Amstutz as eroom and Elizabeth Nuesb»t>m as bride, on tins 19th of Jan., 1896. Jacob J. Schwartz. as bisDop or elder Witnesses, grooms parents. Christian Amstutz. Anna Amstutz. Bride s brothers. Solomon E. Nuesbaum -Adam Nuesbaum Bride’s father is John E Nuesbaum, but we ask no consent of any unregenerated person, much )ess of a person falling back into the world after being regenerated.” Real Hie Alarslial. / On last Saturday morning a-young man from the country wasson hand early and by eight o’clock was shaky but still had sense enough to know that our marshal would put him in the lockup, it found on the streets in such a condition. So he wandered around to the calaboose which &£d been left open forfte tramps to sleep in. He entered and laid down on the fioor to rest and spon was sleeping off the effects of the jag he had on, Abouj 9 o’clock the marshal went around and locked the door without knowing anyone was in the, bastile. Along in the afternoon he got up, stretched and looked around, quietly went to the door slip out without anyone seeing him, but to his surprise lie found the door locked. He waited' awhile and then called to someone passing to tell the marshal to come around there as he •wanted to see him. When the marshal called he explained it all to him, promising not to break into the lock up again _ ~ ( ouuctl I’roeeedlUii*. Council met Tuesday evening. Mayor Quinn being absent, Councilman Patterson was called to preside. All 0 members o-f the council were present. Minutes of previous meeting read and approved. A resolution was passed instructing the city treasurer to draw a city order f<>r $5182.50 in favor ot The Old Adams Co,, bank to pay bond and interest due February I, 7896. T he following bills were allWsd; H. Cutting, $2.85, Dick Roop,: 1 $2.25, Chas. Smith, $1.50. The bill ot county treasurer Dan P. Bolds fbr $1435-91 was referred to the judiciary committee and m their report they request that bill be not allowed. The ordinance regulating the water works and establishing water rates was passed to its second reading. Council then adjourned.

The author of the Nicholson law in an interview last week said tbat the law has reduced the number of saloons more than ten per cent, and that it would continue to do so for the next year, each three months, that the saloon men themselves will endorse the law from the fact that it will drive ali the worst places out of busine-8 and cause the places where liquor is sold to be more respectable. The township trustees and assessors ot this county held a meeting at the suveyors office Monday for the purpose of devising some plan whereby they could meet wrong done them by the last legislature in cutting oil year of the time for which they were elected. About all the trustees and assessors in the county were present and are ready and will assist in trying to get justice done them in the matter. Let the good work go on and wrongs be righted. In the list ot water rates adopted by the city council last Tuesday evening, bawdy houses are to be charged an annual rental of $5 for water closets. Can it be possible that the present city administration intends to tolerate houses of this character? Or are they building on the future? Thinking that when the present reform administration has passed into innocuous desuetude that bawdy houses will spring up as a matter of course, gentlemen it looks bad. It places a stigma upon the fair name of our city which cannot be easily removed and the impression is scattered broadcast that houses of rll-fsmo are allowed to handle thej” wares unmolested within the limits Qf our beautiful city. From reports ot the Huntington papers, it seems that one of the editors of the Decatur papers has been farming out the mileage given him by the Chicago & Erie railroad. The conductor seemed to know that the ticket was in the hands of the wrong man and took it up, so that it became necessary for the party that was passing himself off for , an editor had to telegraph home for the money necessary to pay railroad fare. We do not know how the editor will get to the .democratic convention at Chicago, his mileage being gone. Should he get it b.’.ck he will think of his contract with the company before he again puts it into the hands of another party. R. (4. Dun & Co.’s weekly review oi’trade today - stays: The week has been marked by improvement apparent rather than real. Prices of some products have risen, but only because supplies are believed to be smaller than was expected. The senate still in jures all business by doing nothing, and Hie treasury cannot expect to gsm in gold as yet, but loses less than was expected. Lt is generally assumed that the new loan will be placed without difficulty, though the successive payments way cause continued dis-' tiirbinee. A deluge of .faremm rcports favorable to wheat specula tidn founo ready answer in an advance of 6v*ir five .cents in New York, iri'spite ot heavy western receipts. Corn ’advanced because wheat advanced, and cotton also went up an eighth. ■ Textile nidus tries do not gam.,. With materials practically unchanged they halt because the demand for futtine delivery is so narrow. Cotton maniifact urers have for mouths been storing up staple goods, but prices have gradually declined ever since Oct. 17 th and now average 6.4 percent lower than at that point. Woolen goods also tend lower,/with sffiall demand, and are practically at the prices of a year ago, though wool is higher. The failures for the week have been 373 in the United States against 303 last year, and 61 in Canada against 59 last year. ■■ - . L'S

ONLY AN EXCUSE. E. G. CoverdalcStill Alive, but Charlie Coverdale I* Far, Far Away. Thursday evening Charles Coveri dale started the report thoroughly . over the city that his father, E. G. : Coverdale, had fallen dead from i heart failue at Greentown, and that ! he was getting ready to leave fir that point to convey the remains to Decatur. He further made thia statement to various parties at the Clover Leaf depot as he boarded the west bound tram last night. This morning J. S. Coverdale, ot Decatur telephoned here to find where the report derived its origin. Although a brother of the person supposed to have fallen dead, he had received no information to that effect and neither had a daughter who also resides in Decatur. The fact in the matter as developed today is tbat Mr. Coverdale, of Greentown, is still alive, but bis son charles is no longer a resident of Bluffton. The statement was made ■ by him merely as an excuse to leave • the city. i Thursday night he went to his home in South Bluffton, packed his grip, drew out of his pocket a fat roll of bills, gave a ten dollar one, to his wife and went away. At the Clover Leaf depot he tried to buy a ticket for Greentown, but was told the train did not stop at that point. He then got on the train and has not been heard from since. No reason can be assigned for the act. except that he had been drinking heavily. His partner U. S. G. j Boor, states that he had plenty of • money and beyond being overdrawn SSO or about that amount at the Srudabaker bank, owed nothing as far as be knew. Relatives of E. G. Coverdale, at Decatur, are muched worked up over the report, of his death, and have been crying all day to either substantiate the rumor, o/dlse dis - cover who originated it.—Bluffton • V News. Board of Trade. The of Board Trade met Friday night at the court house and adopted by-laws and elected officers. The following officers were elected to serve for the ensuing year. J. S. Bowers, president; E. X. Ehinger vice president: A. Holthouse, treasurer. F. M. Schirmeyer, secretary. Directors: Henry Krick, C A. Dugan, A. R. Bell, G. Burling, W. H. Niblick, Matt Kirsch; Jno. T. France, E. Fritzinger. Fred Shaffer. The new organization starts out with a membership 1 ot eighty. Enough to assure its success. A certain amount of opposition was encountered, but the promoters-of the scheme and the committees by their presistent efforts have placed the organization on the top shelf. Decatur citizens can now expect to see our city throw off its present tired feeling and don the robe of A4^-Boai4--t>f-TFa4e-ie-iH>w L --- ready to listen tb any and all propositions for the betterment and advancement of our (jity. Success to the Board of Trade. ’; ’ _ —— —7— . If Yell A.e L.aj Still. If you die a kicker and see a shadow of failure in everything that is proposed to help the town, for heaven’s sake go luttf some Secluded canyon and kick your own shadow on the clay bank, and thus give jhe men who are working to build up the town, a chance. One long legged hollow-eyed, whining, carping kicker can do more to keep away business and capital from a town than all the drouths, short crops, chinch bugs, cyclones and blizzards combined. It you can’t keep up with the procession don’t get m the way.—Warren Independent.

NO. 46. ;