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 We
continue our quotation of’ Thomas Campbell’s “Appeal” to
the Presbyterian Synod, 1808 (See Vol. 5, No. 9) Campbell had
not wholly broken with denominational concepts at this time, but
the just principles and appeal to Divine authority set forth in
this paper could not long live in a sectarian clime.
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“Nor
do I presume to dictate to them or to others as to how they
should proceed for the glorious purpose of promoting the unity
and purity of the Church; but only beg leave, for my own part,
to walk upon such sure and peaceable ground, that I may have
nothing to do with human controversy, about the right or wrong
side of any opinion whatsoever, by simply acquiescing in what is
written, as quite sufficient for every purpose of faith and
duty: and thereby to influence as many as possible to depart
from human controversy, to betake themselves to the Scriptures,
and, in so doing, to the study and practice of faith, holiness,
and love.
And
all this without any intention on my part, to judge or despise
my Christian brethren who may not see with my eyes in those
things, which, to me, appear indispensably necessary to promote
and secure the unity. peace, and purity of the Church.
Say,
brethren, what is my offense, that I should be thrust out from
the heritage of the Lord, or from serving him in that good work
to which he has been graciously pleased to call me? For what
error or immorality ought I to be rejected, except it be that I
refuse to acknowledge as obligatory upon myself, or
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to impose upon others, anything as of
Divine obligation, for which I can not produce a “Thus saith
the Lord?” This, I am sure, I can do, while I keep by his own
word; but not quite so sure when I substitute my own meaning or
opinion, or that of others instead thereof. And if I should be
somewhat timorous upon a subject of such infinitely nice and
critical importance, you might well bear with my timidity,
considering that awful denunciation (Deut. xviii: 20) “The
prophet which shall presume to speak a word in my name which I
have not commanded him to speak, even that prophet shall die,”
compared with Prov. xxx:6: “Add thou not to his words, lest he
reprove thee. and thou be found a liar.”
Plain Talk “Translation”:
“I
do not presume to dictate how you can best promote unity and
purity of the church; hut beg leave to trust in the completeness
and sufficiency of the holy scriptures. I want no part iii
arguments over opinions or human judgements; nor would I judge
or despise those who see things differently. Should I be
rejected because I accept as binding only those things for which
there is Bible authority: things taught, not by interpolation or
opinion, but in God’s own words? This is the only sure course.”
Is
it not true that brethren today have been rejected, their right
to preach denied, because they have insisted upon exercising the
privileges Thomas Campbell sought? Church peace and unity are
sacrificed to human institutions and purely social affairs.
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