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 In
March, 1827, five or six couples formed "a society for the
investigation of Scripture subjects." They were Methodist, Baptist,
Presbyterian, and noncommunicants. I must condense their story, found in
History of Disciples on Western Reserve,, by Hayden."We assumed that the Christian religion, in its fullness and
perfectness, was recorded in the N. T., and what could not be there
found was no part of Christianity. We also assumed that this was an
intelligible document, for, if not adapted to the common intelligence of
mankind, it could not be received as a revelation from God to man."
"Sometimes
we discussed the intelligibility of the Scriptures, their
all-sufficiency for the purpose of enlightenment, conversion, Christian
perfection, church government. Then the 'special call' to the ministry:
how does faith come; how many kinds of faith; which is first in order --
or repentance; can a sinner believe and obey the gospel ... without some
super-added spiritual influence from above; should an unbeliever pray
for faith; is the gospel a dead letter, or does it possess quickening
power; when, where, and by whom was the gospel first preached. The
difference between the first and second commission which Christ gave to
his apostles; apostolic succession; the abrogation of the Mosaic
dispensation; the subjects, mode, and design of baptism; should a sinner
be baptized on the confession of his faith in Christ, or on an approved
experience. All of these subjects were under earnest discussion for
about one year.
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These were great questions, and on account of our old theologies, they
were exceedingly perplexing. No doctrinal standard was appealed to.
All human authorities were ignored. The Bible was our book; Jesus
Christ and his apostles were our umpire; and our work was personal
in its object. We were sick of denominationalism."
"We had but two alternatives between which to choose; either to
transmit religious partyism, with all its bitter fruits, to our
rising families, and live and die in that state of doubt and
uncertainty, vascillating between hope and fear, the inevitable
result of a mixed profession; or to find relief by going back to the
old record, to 'look up the old paths and walk therein."'
"In the month of May, 1828, we determined to enter into church
relations." Two preachers, concurring with our principles, were
asked "to preach for us, and administer baptism, and assist in
a formal church organization on the N.T. basis. On Saturday
preceding the second Lord's day in June, 1828, these brethren came.
Before preaching, a few were baptized, and more on the day
following. Then thirteen 'gave themselves to the Lord and to one
another."'
Thus began the Deerfield church of Christ in the Western Reserve-- a section
now known as Ohio. These people had honest hearts, faith in God's word,
and courage to stand by their convictions. Where is their kind now?
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