Declaration and Address

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The following is a electronic reproduction of the First Edition of The Declaration and Address by Thomas Campbell. The reader will notice that there are apparent misspellings and punctuation errors in the text. These are a result of several factors including printing errors, archaic spellings of words that were prevalent at the time, and an archaic punctuation and notation method in use at the time of the writing. I have left these in-normality's in the electronic version of the text for the purpose of presenting Campbell's paper in the original form, as closely as possible.

DECLARATION, &C.

FROM the series of events which have taken place in the

churches for many years past, especially in this western country,

as well as from what we know in general of the present state of

things in the christian world; we are persuaded that it is high time

for us not only to think, but also to act for ourselves; to see with

our own eyes, and to take all our measures directly and immedi-

ately from the Divine Standard; to this alone we feel ourselves

divinely bound to be conformed; as by this alone we must be judg-

ed. We are also persuaded that as no man can be judged for his

brother, so no man can judge for his brother: but that every man

must be allowed to judge for himself, as every man must bear his

own judgment;--must give account of himself to God--We are

also of opinion that as the divine word is equally binding upon all

so all lie under an equal obligation to be bound by it, and it alone;

and not by any human interpretation of it: and that therefore no

man has a right to judge his brother, except in so far as he mani-

festly violates the express letter of the law. That every such

judgment is an express violation of the law of Christ, a daring

usurpation of his throne, and a gross intrusion upon the rights and

liberties of his subjects. We are therefore of opinion that we

should beware of such things; that we should keep at the utmost

distance from every thing of this nature; and, that, knowing the

judgment of God against them that commit such things; we should

neither do the same ourselves, nor have pleasure in them that do

them. Moreover, being well aware, from sad experience, of the

heinous nature, and pernicious tendency of religious controversy

among christians; tired and sick of the bitter jarrings and janglings

of a party spirit, we would desire to be at rest; and, were it possi-

ble, we would also desire to adopt and recommend such measures,

as would give rest to our brethren throughout all the churches;--

as would restore unity, peace, and purity, to the whole church of

God. This desirable rest, however, we utterly despair either to

find for ourselves, or to be able to recommend to our brethren, by

continuing amidst the diversity and rancour of party contentions,

the veering uncertainty and clashings of human opinions: nor,

indeed, can we reasonably expect to find it any where, but in

Christ and his simple word; which is the same yesterday, and to-

day, and for ever. Our desire, therefore, for ourselves and our

brethren would be, that rejecting human opinions and the inven-

tions of men, as of any authority, or as having any place in the

church of God, we might forever cease from farther contentions

about such things; returning to, and holding fast by, the original

standard; taking the divine word alone for our rule: The Holy

Spirit for our teacher and guide, to lead us into all truth; and

Christ alone as exhibited in the word for our salvation--that, by so

doing, we may be at peace among ourselves, follow peace with all

men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.--

Impressed with these sentiments, we have resolved as follows:

I. That we form ourselves into a religious association under the

denomination of the Christian Association of Washington--for the

sole purpose of promoting simple evangelical christianity, free

from all mixture of human opinions and inventions of men.

II. That each member, according to ability, cheerfully and

liberally subscribe a certain specified sum, to be paid half yearly,

for the purpose of raising a fund to support a pure Gospel Ministry,

that shall reduce to practice that whole form of doctrine, worship,

discipline, and government, expressly revealed and enjoined in the

word of God. And also for supplying the poor with the Holy

Scriptures.

III. That this society consider it a duty, and shall use all proper

means in its power, to encourage the formation of similar associ-

ations; and shall for this purpose hold itself in readiness, upon

application, to correspond with, and render all possible assistance

to, such as may desire to associate for the same desirable and im-

portant purposes.

IV. That this society by no means considers itself a church, nor

does at all assume to itself the powers peculiar to such a society;

nor do the members, as such, consider themselves as standing con-

nected in that relation: nor as at all associated for the peculiar

purposes of church association;--but merely as voluntary advo-

cates for church reformation; and, as possessing the powers com-

mon to all individuals, who may please to associate in a peaceable

and orderly manner, for any lawful purpose: namely, the disposal

of their time, counsel, and property, as they may see cause.

V. That this society, formed for the sole purpose of promoting

simple evangelical christianity, shall, to the utmost of its power,

countenance and support such ministers, and such only, as exhibit

a manifest conformity to the original standard in conversation and

doctrine, in zeal and diligence;--only such as reduce to practice

that simple original form of christianity, expressly exhibited upon

the sacred page; without attempting to inculcate any thing of hu-

man authority, of private opinion, or inventions of men, as having

any place in the constitution, faith, or worship, of the christian

church--or, any thing, as matter of christian faith, or duty, for

which there cannot be expressly produced a thus saith the Lord

either in express terms, or by approved precedent.

VI. That a standing committee of twenty-one members of unex-

ceptionable moral character, inclusive of the secretary and treasu-

rer, be chosen annually to superintend the interests, and transact

the business, of the society. And that said committee be invested

with full powers to act and do, in the name and behalf of their

constituents, whatever the society had previously determined, for

the purpose of carrying into effect the entire object of its institu-

tution--and that in case of any emergency, unprovided for in the

existing determinations of the society, said committee be empow-

ered to call a pro re nota meeting for that purpose.

VII. That this society meet at least twice a year, viz. On the first

Thursday of May, and of November, and that the collectors ap-

pointed to receive the half yearly quotas of the promised subscrip-

tions, be in readiness, at or before each meeting, to make their re-

turns to the treasurer, that he may be able to report upon the state

of the funds. The next meeting to be held at Washington on the

first Thursday of November next.

VIII. That each meeting of the society be opened with a sermon,

the constitution and address read, and a collection lifted for the

benefit of the society--and that all communications of a public

nature be laid before the society at its half yearly meetings.

IX. That this society, relying upon the all-sufficiency of the

Churches Head; and, through His grace, looking with an eye of

confidence to the generous liberality of the sincere friends of genu-

ine christianity; holds itself engaged to afford a competent support

to such ministers, as the Lord may graciously dispose to assist, at

the request, and by invitation of, the society, in promoting a pure

evangelical reformation, by the simple preaching of the everlast-

ing gospel, and the administration of its ordinances in an exact

conformity to the Divine Standard as aforesaid--and, that therefore,

whatever the friends of the institution shall please to contribute

towards the support of ministers in connexion with this society

who may be sent forth to preach at considerable distances, the same

shall be gratefully received and acknowledged as a donation to its

funds.

ADDRESS, &C.

To all that love our Lord Jesus Christ, in sincerity,

throughout all the Churches, the following Ad-

dress is most respectfully submitted.

DEARLY BELOVED BRETHREN,

THAT it is the grand design, and native tendency, of our holy

religion, to reconcile and unite men to God, and to each other, in

truth and love, to the glory of God, and their own present and eter-

nal good, will not, we presume, be denied, by any of the genuine

subjects of christianity. The nativity of its Divine Author was an-

nounced from heaven, by an host of angels, with high acclamations

of "glory to God in the highest, and, on earth, peace and good

will towards men." The whole tenor of that divine book which

contains its institutes, in all its gracious declarations, precepts,

ordinances, and holy examples, most expressly and powerfully

inculcates this. In so far, then, as this holy unity and unanimity

in faith and love is attained; just in the same degree, is the glory

of God, and the happiness of men, promoted and secured. Im-

pressed with those sentiments, and at the same time grievously

affected with those sad divisions which have so awfully interfered

with the benign and gracious intention of our holy religion, by ex-

citing its professed subjects to bite and devour one another; we

cannot suppose ourselves justifiable, in withholding the mite of our

sincere and humble endeavours, to heal and remove them.

What awful and distressing effects have those sad divisions pro-

duced! what aversions, what reproaches, what backbitings, what

evil surmisings, what angry contentions, what enmities, what ex-

communications, and even persecutions!!! And, indeed, this must

in some measure, continue to be the case so long as those schisms

exist, for, saith the Apostle, where envying and strife is, there is

confusion and every evil work. What dreary effects of these ac-

cursed divisions are to be seen, even in this highly favored country,

where the sword of the civil magistrate has not as yet learned to

serve at the altar. Have we not seen congregations broken to

pieces, neighbourhoods of professing christians first thrown into

confusion by party contentions, and, in the end, entirely deprived

of gospel ordinances; while, in the mean time, large settlements,

and tracts of country, remain to this day entirely destitute of a

gospel ministry; many of them in little better than a state of hea-

thenism: the churches being either so weakened with divisions,

that they cannot send them ministers; or, the people so divided

among themselves, that they will not receive them. Severals at

the same time who live at the door of a preached gospel, dare not

vantage in that respect, than if living in the midst of heathens.--

How seldom do many in those circumstances enjoy the dispensa-

tion of the Lord's Supper, that great ordinance of unity and love.

How sadly, also, does this broken and confused state of things

interfere with that spiritual intercourse amongst christians, one

with another, which is so essential to their edification and comfort,

in the midst of a present evil world;--so divided in sentiment, and,

of course, living at such distances, that but few of the same opinion,

or party, can conveniently and frequently assemble for religious

purposes; or enjoy a due frequency of ministerial attentions. And

even where things are in a better state with respect to settled

churches, how is the tone of discipline relaxed under the influence

of a party spirit; many being afraid to exercise it with due strict-

ness, lest their people should leave them, and, under the cloak of

some spurious pretence, find refuge in the bosom of another party;

while, lamentable to be told, so corrupted is the church, with those

accursed divisions, that there are but few so base, as not to find

admission into some professing party or other. Thus, in a great

measure, is that scriptural purity of communion banished from

the church of God; upon the due preservation of which, much of

her comfort, glory, and usefulness depends. To complete the

dread result of our woeful divisions, one evil yet remains, of a very

awful nature: the divine displeasure justly provoked with this sad

perversion of the gospel of peace, the Lord withholds his gracious

influential presence from his ordinances; and not unfrequently

gives up the contentious authors and abettors of religious discord

to fall into grievous scandals; or visits them with judgments, as he

did the house of Eli. Thus while professing christians bite and

devour one another they are consumed one of another, or fall a prey

to the righteous judgments of God: Meantime the truly religious

of all parties are grieved, the weak stumbled; the graceless and

profane hardened, the mouths of infidels opened to blaspheme

religion; and thus, the only thing under heaven, divinely efficacious

to promote and secure the present spiritual and eternal good of

man, even the gospel of the blessed Jesus, is reduced to contempt;

while multitudes deprived of a gospel ministry, as has been observ-

ed, fall an easy prey to seducers, and so become the dupes of almost

unheard of delusions. Are not such the visible effects of our sad

divisions, even in this otherwise happy country.--Say, dear breth-

ren, are not these things so. Is it not then your incumbent duty to

endeavour, by all scriptural means, to have those evils remedied.

Who will say, that it is not? And does it not peculiarly belong to

you, who occupy the place of gospel ministers, to be leaders in this

laudable undertaking. Much depends upon your hearty concurrence

and zealous endeavours. The favorable opportunity which Divine

Providence has put into your hands, in this happy country, for the

accomplishment of so great a good, is in itself, a consideration of

no small encouragement. A country happily exempted from the

baneful influence of a civil establishment of any peculiar form of

christianity--from under the direct influence of the anti-christian

hierarchy--and, at the same time, from any formal connexion with

the devoted nations, that have given their strength and power unto

the beast; in which, of course, no adequate reformation can be

accomplished, until the word of God be fulfilled, and the vials of

his wrath poured out upon them. Happy exemption, indeed, from

being the object of such awful judgments. Still more happy will

it be for us, if we duly esteem and improve those great advantages,

for the high and valuable ends, for which they are manifestly given;

--and sure where much is given, much also will be required. Can

the Lord expect, or require, any thing less, from a people in such

unhampered circumstances--from a people so liberally furnished

with all means and mercies, than a thorough reformation, in all

things civil and religious, according to his word? Why should we

suppose it? And would not such an improvement of our precious

privileges, be equally conducive to the glory of God, and our own

present and everlasting good? The auspicious phenomena of the

times, furnish collateral arguments of a very encouraging nature,

that our dutiful and pious endeavours shall not be in vain in the

Lord. Is it not the day of the Lord's vengeance upon the anti-

christian world; the year of recompences for the controversy of

Zion? Surely then the time to favour her is come; even the set

time. And is it not said that Zion shall be built in troublous times?

Have not greater efforts been made, and more done, for the pro-

mulgation of the gospel among the nations, since the commence-

ment of the French revolution, than had been for many centuries,

prior to that event? And have not the churches both in Europe and

America, since that period, discovered a more than usual concern

for the removal of contentions, for the healing of divisions, for the

restoration of a christian and brotherly intercourse one with another,

and for the promotion of each others spiritual good; as the printed

documents, upon those subjects, amply testify? Should we not,

then, be excited, by these considerations, to concur with all our

might, to help forward this good work; that what yet remains to

be done, may be fully accomplished. And what! Tho' the well

meant endeavours after union, have not, in some instances, entirely

succeeded to the wish of all parties, should this dissuade us from

the attempt. Indeed, should christians cease to contend earnestly

for the sacred articles of faith and duty once delivered to the saints,

on account of the opposition, and scanty success, which, in many

instances, attend their faithful and honest endeavours; the divine

cause of truth and righteousness might have, long ago, been relin-

quished. And is there any thing more formidable in the Goliah

schism, than in many other evils, which christians have to combat?

Or, has the Captain of Salvation sounded a desist from pursuing,

or proclaimed a truce with, this deadly enemy, that is sheathing its

sword in the very bowels of his church, rending and mangling his

mystical body into pieces. Has he said to his servants, let it alone?

If not, where is the warrant for a cessation of endeavours to have

in conscience go to hear it, and, of course, enjoy little more ad-

it removed? On the other hand, are we not the better instructed

by sage experience, how to proceed in this business; having before

our eyes the inadvertencies, and mistakes of others, which have

hitherto, in many instances, prevented the desired success? Thus

taught by experience, and happily furnished with the accumulated

instructions of those that have gone before us; earnestly labouring

in this good cause; let us take unto ourselves the whole armour

of God; and, having our feet shod with the preparation of the

gospel of peace, let us stand fast by this important duty, with all

perseverance. Let none that love the peace of Zion be discouraged,

much less offended, because that an object of such magnitude does

not, in the first instance, come forth recommended by the express

suffrage of the mighty or the many. This consideration, if duly

weighed, will neither give offence, nor yield discouragement, to

any, that considers the nature of the thing in question, in connexion

with what has been already suggested. Is it not a matter of univer-

sal right, a duty equally belonging to every citizen of Zion, to seek

her good. In this respect, no one can claim a preference above

his fellows, as to any peculiar, much less exclusive obligation. And,

as for authority, it can have no place in this business; for surely none

can suppose themselves invested with a divine right, as to any thing

peculiarly belonging to them, to call the attention of their brethren

to this dutiful and important undertaking. For our part, we enter-

tain no such arrogant presumption; nor are we inclined to impute

the thought to any of our brethren, that this good work should be let

alone, till such time as they may think proper to come forward,

and sanction the attempt, by their invitation and example. It is

an open field, an extensive work, to which all are equally welcome,

equally invited.

Should we speak of competency, viewing the greatness of the

object, and the manifold difficulties which lie in the way of its

accomplishment; we would readily exclaim, with the Apostle,

who is sufficient for these things!--But, upon recollecting our-

selves, neither would we be discouraged; persuaded with him,

that, as the work in which we are engaged, so likewise, our suffi-

ciency, is of God. But after all, both the mighty and the many

are with us. The Lord himself, and all that are truly his people,

are declaredly on our side. The prayers of all the churches; nay,

the prayers of Christ himself, John 17, 20, 23, and of all that

have ascended to his heavenly kingdom, are with us. The bless-

ing out of Zion is pronounced upon our undertaking. Pray for

the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper that love thee. With

such encouragements as these, what should deter us from the

heavenly enterpize; or render hopeless the attempt, of accom-

plishing, in due time, an entire union of all the churches in faith

and practice, according to the word of God. Not that we judge

ourselves competent to effect such a thing; we utterly disclaim the

by using all due means in our power to promote it; and also, that

we have sufficient reason to rest assured that our humble and well-

meant endeavours, shall not be in vain in the Lord.

The cause that we advocate is not our own peculiar, nor the cause

of any party, considered as such; it is a common cause, the cause

of Christ and our brethren of all denominations. All that we pre-

sume, then, is to do, what we humbly conceive to be our duty, in

connexion with our brethren; to each of whom it equally belongs,

as to us, to exert themselves for this blessed purpose. And as we

have no just reason to doubt the concurrence of our brethren, to

accomplish an object so desirable in itself, and fraught with such

happy consequences, so neither can we look forward to that happy

event, which will forever put an end to our hapless divisions, and

restore to the church its primitive unity, purity and prosperity; but,

in the pleasing prospect of their hearty and dutiful concurrence.

Dearly beloved brethren, why should we deem it a thing incredi-

ble, that the church of Christ, in this highly favored country,

should resume that original unity, peace, and purity, which belongs

to its constitution, and constitutes its glory? Or, is there any thing

that can be justly deemed necessary for this desirable purpose, but

to conform to the model, and adopt the practice, of the primitive

church, expressly exhibited in the New Testament? Whatever

alterations this might produce in any or all of the churches, should,

we think, neither be deemed inadmissible nor ineligible. Surely

such alteration would be every way for the better, and not for the

worse; unless we should suppose the divinely inspired rule to be

faulty, or defective. Were we, then, in our church constitution

and managements, to exhibit a complete conformity to the Aposto-

lick church, would we not be in that respect, as perfect as Christ

intended we should be? And should not this suffice us?

It is, to us, a pleasing consideration that all the churches of

Christ, which mutually acknowledge each other as such, are not

only agreed in the great doctrines of faith and holiness; but are

also materially agreed, as to the positive ordinances of Gospel

institution; so that our differences, at most, are about the things

in which the kingdom of God does not consist, that is, about mat-

ters of private opinion, or human invention. What a pity, that

the kingdom of God should be divided about such things!! Who,

then, would not be the first amongst us, to give up with human

inventions in the worship of God; and to cease from imposing his

private opinions upon his brethren; that our breaches might thus

be healed? Who would not willingly conform to the original pattern

laid down in the New Testament, for this happy purpose? Our

dear brethren, of all denominations, will please to consider, that

we have our educational prejudices, and particular customs to strug-

gle with as well as they. But this we do sincerely declare, that

there is nothing we have hitherto received as matter of faith or

practice, which is not expressly taught and enjoined in the word

of God, either in express terms, or approved precedent, that we

would not heartily relinquish, that so we might return to the origi-

thought: But we judge it our bounden duty to make the attempt,

nal constitutional unity of the christian church; and, in this happy

unity, enjoy full communion with all our brethren, in peace and

charity. The like dutiful condescension we candidly expect of all,

that are seriously impressed with a sense of the duty they owe to

God, to each other, and to their perishing fellow-brethren of man-

kind. To this we call, we invite, our brethren, of all denomina-

tions, by all the sacred motives which we have avouched as the

impulsive reasons of our thus addressing them.

You are all, dear brethren, equally included as the objects of our

love and esteem. With you all we desire to unite in the bonds of

an entire christian unity--Christ alone being the head, the centre,

his word the rule--an explicit belief of, and manifest conformity

to it, in all things--the terms. More than this, you will not re-

quire of us; and less we cannot require of you; nor, indeed, can

we reasonably suppose, any would desire it; for what good purpose

would it serve? We dare neither assume, nor propose, the trite

indefinite distinction between essentials, and non-essentials, in

matters of revealed truth and duty; firmly persuaded, that, what-

ever may be their comparative importance, simply considered, the

high obligation of the Divine Authority revealing, or enjoining

them, renders the belief, or performance of them, absolutely es-

sential to us, in so far as we know them. And to be ignorant of

any thing God has revealed, can neither be our duty, nor our pri-

vilege. We humbly presume, then, dear brethren, you can have

no relevant objection to meet us upon this ground. And, we again

beseech you, let it be none, that it is the invitation but of a few;

by your accession we shall be many; and whether few, or many,

in the first instance, it is all one with respect to the event,

which must ultimately await the full information, and hearty

concurrence, of all. Besides, whatever is to be done, must

begin--sometime--somewhere; and no matter where, nor by

whom, if the Lord puts his hand to the work, it must surely pros-

per. And has he not been graciously pleased, upon many signal

occasions, to bring to pass the greatest events from very small

beginnings, and even by means the most unlikely. Duty then is

ours: but events belong to God.

We hope, then, what we urge, will neither be deemed an un-

reasonable nor an unseasonable undertaking. Why should it be

thought unseasonable? Can any time be assigned, while things con-

tinue as they are, that would prove more favorable for such an

attempt, or what could be supposed to make it so? Might it be the

approximation of parties to a greater nearness, in point of public

profession and similarity of customs? Or might it be expected from

a gradual decline of bigotry? As to the former, it is a well known

fact, that where the difference is least, the opposition is always

managed with a degree of vehemence, inversely proportioned to

the merits of the cause. With respect to the latter, tho' we are

happy to say, that in some cases and places, and we hope, univer-

sally, bigotry is upon the decline: yet we are not warranted, either

by the past or present, to act upon that supposition. We have, as

yet, by this means, seen no such effect produced; nor indeed could

we reasonably expect it; for there will always be multitudes of

weak persons in the church, and these are generally most subject

to bigotry; add to this, that while divisions exist, there will always

be found interested men, who will not fail to support them:--nor

can we at all suppose, that Satan will be idle to improve an advan-

tage, so important to the interests of his kingdom. And, let it be

farther observed upon the whole, that, in matters of similar impor-

tance to our secular interests, we would, by no means, content our-

selves, with such kind of reasoning. We might farther add that

the attempt here suggested not being of a partial, but of general

nature, it can have no just tendency to excite the jealousy, or hurt

the feelings, of any party. On the contrary, every effort towards a

permanent scriptural unity amongst the churches, upon the solid

basis of universally acknowledged, and self-evident truths, must

have the happiest tendency to enlighten and conciliate; by thus

manifesting to each other, their mutual charity, and zeal for the

truth:--"Whom I love in the truth, saith the Apostle, and not I

only, but also all they that have known the truth; for the truth's

sake, which is in us, and shall be with us forever. Indeed if no

such divine and adequate basis of union, can be fairly exhibited, as

will meet the approbation of every upright and intelligent chris-

tian: nor such mode of procedure adopted in favour of the weak,

as will not oppress their consciences, then the accomplishment of

this grand object upon principle, must be forever impossible.--

There would, upon this supposition, remain no other way of ac-

complishing it, but merely by voluntary compromise, and good

natured accommodation. That such a thing however will be ac-

complished, one way or other, will not be questioned by any that

allow themselves to believe, that the commands and prayers of our

Lord Jesus Christ will not utterly prove ineffectual. Whatever

way, then, it is to be effected; whether upon the solid basis of

divinely revealed truth; or the good natured principle of christian

forbearance and gracious condeseension; is it not equally practica-

ble, equally eligible to us, as ever it can be to any; unless we

should suppose ourselves destitute of that christian temper and

discernment, which is essentially necessary to qualify us to do the

will of our gracious Redeemer; whose express command to his

people is, that there be no divisions among them; but that they all

walk by the same rule, speak the same thing, and be perfectly

joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment? We

believe then it is as practicable, as it is eligible. Let us attempt it.

"Up, and be doing, and the Lord will be with you."

Are we not all praying for that happy event, when there shall be

but one fold, as there is but one chief shepherd. What! shall we

pray for a thing, and not strive to obtain it!! not use the neces-

sary means to have it accomplished!! What said the Lord to

thou unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel that they go for-

ward, but lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand." Let

the ministers of Jesus but embrace this exhortation, put their hand

to the work, and encourage the people to go forward upon the firm

ground of obvious truth, to unite in the bonds of an entire chris-

tian unity; and who will venture to say, that it would not soon be

accomplished? "Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up

the stumbling block out of the way of my people," saith your God.

To you, therefore, it peculiarly belongs, as the professed and ac-

knowledged leaders of the people, to go before them in this good

work--to remove human opinions and the inventions of men out of

the way; by carefully separating this chaff, from the pure wheat of

primary and authentic revelation;--casting out that assumed au-

thority, that enacting and decreeing power, by which those things

have been imposed and established. To the ministerial department,

then, do we look with anxiety. Ministers of Jesus, we can neither

be ignorant of, nor unaffected with, the divisions and corruptions of

his church. His dying commands, his last and ardent prayers, for

the visible unity of his professing people, will not suffer you to be

indifferent in this matter. You will not, you cannot, therefore, be

silent, upon a subject of such vast importance to his personal

glory and the happiness of his people--consistently you cannot;

for silence gives consent. You will rather lift up your voice like a

trumpet to expose the heinous nature, and dreadful consequences

of those unnatural and anti-christian divisions, which have so rent

and ruined the church of God. Thus, in justice to your station and

character, honored of the Lord, would we hopefully anticipate your

zealous and faithful efforts to heal the breaches of Zion; that

God's dear children might dwell together in unity and love--But if

otherwise-- * * * * we forbear to utter it. See Mal. 2, 1--10.

Oh! that ministers and people would but consider, that there

are no divisions in the grave; nor in that world which lies beyond it:

there our divisions must come to an end! we must all unite there!--

Would to God, we could find in our hearts to put an end to our

short-lived divisions here; that so we might leave a blessing behind

us; even a happy and united church. What gratification, what

utility, in the meantime, can our divisions afford either to ministers

or people? Should they be perpetuated, 'till the day of judgment,

would they convert one sinner from the error of his ways, or save a

soul from death? Have they any tendency to hide the multitude of

sins that are so dishonorable to God, and hurtful to his people?

Do they not rather irritate and produce them? How innumerable

and highly aggravated are the sins they have produced, and are at

this day, producing, both amongst professors and profane. We

entreat, we beseech you then, dear brethren, by all those considera-

tions, to concur in this blessed and dutiful attempt--What is the

work of all, must be done by all. Such was the work of the taber-

nacle in the wilderness. Such is the work to which you are called;

not by the authority of man; but by Jesus Christ and God the

Moses upon a piece of conduct somewhat similar? "Why criest

Father, who raised him from the dead. By this authority are

you called to raise up the tabernacle of David, that is fallen down

amongst us; and to set it up upon its own base. This you cannot

do, while you run every man to his own house, and consult only

the interests of his own party. Till you associate, consult, and

advise together; and in a friendly and christian manner explore the

subject, nothing can be done. We would therefore, with all due

deference and submission, call the attention of our brethren to the

obvious and important duty of association. Unite with us in the

common cause of simple evangelical christianity--In this glorious

cause we are ready to unite with you--United we shall prevail. It

is the cause of Christ, and of our brethren throughout all the

churches, of catholic unity, peace, and purity--a cause that must

finally prosper in spite of all opposition. Let us unite to promote

it. Come forward then, dear brethren, and help with us. Do not

suffer yourselves to be lulled asleep by that syren song of the sloth-

ful and reluctant professor, "The time is not yet come--the time

is not come--saith he,--the time that the Lord's house should be

built." Believe him not.--Do ye not discern the signs of the times?

"Have not the two witnesses arisen from their state of political

death, from under the long proscription of ages? Have they not

stood upon their feet, in the presence, and to the consternation and

terror of their enemies? Has not their resurrection been accompa-

nied with a great earthquake? Has not the tenth part of the great

city been thrown down by it? Has not this event aroused the nations

to indignation? Have they not been angry, yea very angry? There-

fore, O Lord, is thy wrath come upon them, and the time of the

dead that they should be avenged, and that thou shouldest give re-

ward to thy servants, the Prophets, and to them that fear thy name,

both small and great; and that thou shouldest destroy them that

have destroyed the earth. Who amongst us has not heard the

report of these things--of these lightnings and thunderings, and

voices; of this tremendous earthquake and great hail; of these

awful convulsions and revolutions that have dashed and are dashing

to pieces the nations, like a potter's vessel? Yea, have not the re-

mote vibrations of this dreadful shock been felt even by us, whom

Providence has graciously placed at so great a distance? What

shall we say to these things? Is it time for us to sit still in our

corruptions and divisions, when the Lord, by his word and provi-

dence, is so loudly and expressly calling us to repentance and refor-

mation? "Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion, put on thy

beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for henceforth

there shall no more come unto thee the uncircumcised and the

unclean. Shake thyself from the dust, O Jerusalem; arise, loose

thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion"--

Resume that precious, that dear bought liberty, wherewith Christ

has made his people free; a liberty from subjection to any authority

but his own, in matters of religion. Call no man father, no man

master upon earth;--for one is your master, even Christ, and all

ye are brethren. Stand fast therefore in this precious liberty, and

be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. For the vindica-

tion of this precious liberty have we declared ourselves hearty and

willing advocates. For this benign and dutiful purpose have we

associated, that by so doing, we might contribute the mite of our

humble endeavours to promote it, and thus invite our brethren to do

the same. As the first fruits of our efforts for this blessed purpose

we respectfully present to their consideration the following propo-

sitions--relying upon their charity and candour that they will nei-

ther despise, nor misconstrue, our humble and adventurous at-

tempt. If they should in any measure serve, as a preliminary,

to open up the way to a permanent scriptural unity amongst the

friends and lovers of truth and peace throughout the churches, we

shall greatly rejoice at it. We by no means pretend to dictate: and

could we propose any thing more evident, consistent, and adequate,

it should be at their service. Their pious and dutiful attention to

an object of such magnitude will induce them to communicate to

us their emendations; and thus what is sown in weakness, will be

raised up in power--For certainly the collective graces that are con-

ferred upon the church, if duly united and brought to bear upon

any point of commanded duty, would be amply sufficient for the

right and successful performance of it. For to one is given by

the spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge

by the same spirit; to another faith by the same spirit; to another

the discerning of spirits: but the manifestation of the spirit is

given to every man to profit withal. As every man, therefore, hath

received the gift, even so minister the same one to another as good

stewards of the manifold grace of God. In the face then of such

instructions, and with such assurances of an all-sufficiency of di-

vine grace, as the church has received from her exalted Head, we

can neither justly doubt the concurrence of her genuine members;

nor yet their ability, when dutifully acting together, to accomplish

any thing that is necessary for his glory, and their own good; and

certainly their visible unity in truth and holiness, in faith and love,

is, of all things, the most conducive to both these, if we may credit

the dying commands and prayers of our gracious Lord. In a mat-

ter, therefore, of such confessed importance, our christian breth-

ren, however unhappily distinguished by party names, will not,

cannot, withhold their helping hand. We are as heartily willing to

be their debtors, as they are indispensably bound to be our benefac-

tors. Came, then, dear brethren, we most humbly beseech you,

cause your light to shine upon our weak beginnings, that we may

see to work by it. Evince your zeal for the glory of Christ, and

the spiritual welfare of your fellow-christians, by your hearty and

zealous co-operation to promote the unity, purity, and prosperity of

his church.

Let none imagine that the subjoined propositions are at all inten-

ded as an overture towards a new creed, or standard, for the church;

thing can be farther from our intention. They are merely designed

for opening up the way, that we may come fairly and firmly to ori-

ginal ground: upon clear and certain premises: and take up things

just as the Apostles left them.--That thus disentangled from the

accruing embarrassments of intervening ages, we may stand with

evidence upon the same ground on which the church stood at the

beginning--Having said so much to solicit attention and prevent

mistake, we submit as follows.

PROP. 1. THAT the church of Christ upon earth is essentially,

intentionally, and constitutionally one; consisting of all those in

every place that profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him

in all things according to the scriptures, and that manifest the same

by their tempers and conduct, and of none else as none else can be

truly and properly called christians.

2. That although the church of Christ upon earth must neces-

sarily exist in particular and distinct societies, locally separate one

from another; yet there ought to be no schisms, no uncharitable

divisions among them. They ought to receive each other as Christ

Jesus hath also received them to the glory of God. And for this

purpose, they ought all to walk by the same rule, to mind and speak

the same thing; and to be perfectly joined together in the same

mind, and in the same judgment.

3. That in order to this, nothing ought to be inculcated upon

christians as articles of faith; nor required of them as terms of

communion; but what is expressly taught, and enjoined upon

them, in the word of God. Nor ought any thing be admitted, as

of divine obligation, in their church constitution and managements,

but what is expressly enjoined by the authority of our Lord Jesus

Christ and his Apostles upon the New Testament church; either

in express terms, or by approven precedent.

4. That although the scriptures of the Old and New Testament

are inseparably connected, making together but one perfect and

entire revelation of the Divine will, for the edification and salva-

tion of the church; and therefore in that respect cannot be sepa-

rated; yet as to what directly and properly belongs to their imme-

diate object, the New Testament is as perfect a constitution for the

worship, discipline and government of the New Testament church,

and as perfect a rule for the particular duties of its members; as

the Old Testament was for the worship discipline and government

of the Old Testament church, and the particular duties of its

members.

5. That with respect to the commands and ordinances of our

Lord Jesus Christ, where the scriptures are silent, as to the express

time or manner of performance, if any such there be; no human

authority has power to interfere, in order to supply the supposed de-

ficiency, by making laws for the church; nor can any thing more

be required of christians in such cases, but only that they so observe

these commands and ordinances, as will evidently answer the de-

clared and obvious end of their institution. Much less has any hu-

or, as in any wise designed to be made a term of communion;--no-

man authority power to impose new commands or ordinances upon

the church, which our Lord Jesus Christ has not enjoined. Nothing

ought to be received into the faith or worship of the church; or be

made a term of communion amongst christians, that is not as old

as the New Testament.

6. That although inferences and deductions from scripture pre-

mises, when fairly inferred, may be truly called the doctrine of God's

holy word: yet are they not formally binding upon the consciences

of christians farther than they perceive the connection, and evident-

ly see that they are so; for their faith must not stand in the wisdom

of men; but in the power and veracity of God--therefore no such

deductions can be made terms of communion, but do properly be-

long to the after and progressive edification of the church. Hence

it is evident that no such deductions or inferential truths ought to

have any place in the churchs's confession.

7. That although doctrinal exhibitions of the great system of di-

vine truths, and defensive testimonies in opposition to prevailing er-

rors, be highly expedient; and the more full and explicit they be,

for those purposes, the better; yet, as these must be in a great

measure the effect of human reasoning, and of course must con-

tain many inferential truths, they ought not to be made terms of

christian communion: unless we suppose, what is contrary to fact,

that none have a right to the communion of the church, but such

as possess a very clear and decisive judgment; or are come to a

very high degree of doctrinal information; whereas the church

from the beginning did, and ever will, consist of little children and

young men, as well as fathers.

8. That as it is not necessary that persons should have a particu-

lar knowledge or distinct apprehension of all divinely revealed

truths in order to entitle them to a place in the church; neither

should they, for this purpose, be required to make a profession

more extensive than their knowledge: but that, on the contrary,

their having a due measure of scriptural self-knowledge respecting

their lost and perishing condition by nature and practice; and of the

way of salvation thro' Jesus Christ, accompanied with a profession

of their faith in, and obedience to him, in all things according to

his word, is all that is absolutely necessary to qualify them for

admission into his church.

9. That all that are enabled, thro' grace, to make such a profes-

sion, and to manifest the reality of it in their tempers and conduct,

should consider each other as the precious saints of God, should

love each other as brethren, children of the same family and father,

temples of the same spirit, members of the same body, subjects

of the same grace, objects of the same divine love, bought with

the same price, and joint heirs of the same inheritance. Whom

God hath thus joined together no man should dare to put asunder.

10. That division among christians is a horrid evil, fraught with

many evils. It is anti-christian, as it destroys the visible unity of

ding and excommunicating a part of himself. It is anti-scriptural,

as being strictly prohibited by his sovereign authority; a direct

violation of his express command. It is anti-natural, as it excites

christians to contemn, to hate and oppose one another, who are

bound by the highest and most endearing obligations to love each

other as brethren, even as Christ has loved them. In a word, it is