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 With
this issue (p.6) we begin publication of a historic document
written in 1808, by Thomas Campbell. It is taken from “Memoirs
of Thomas Campbell” by Alexander Campbell, 1861.
Newly
arrived in this country in 1807, Thomas Campbell presented his
credentials and was assigned to duty by the North American Synod
of the Seceder (Scotch) Presbyterian Church. Deep faith, and
respect for the Divine will, possessed this quiet man; and soon
he found his honest convictions concerning the teaching of the
word of God, at variance with the creedalism of his church. The
“protectors of orthodoxy” brought charges against him, and
on Feb. 11, ‘ 08, he was suspended from the ministry by the
Chartiers Presbytery.
May
20, 1808, he appealed his case before The Associate Synod of
north America, met in Philadelphia, and presented the paper
quoted here. His appeal was only partially successful as he was
censured for his answers to certain questions. In September,
1808, he denounced the authority of the Presbytery, the Synod,
and all their courts (Search for Ancient Order, by Earl West;
Vol. 1, p. 46) and began his work for the Lord, free from
ecclesiastical domination.
Thomas
Campbell’s “Appeal” and his
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more lengthy “Declaration
and Address” (Sept. 7, ‘09) have been called “Magna
Charta's” of the restoration movement; but we would not give
either the so-called “movement” nor any of its papers such a
status. We do not consider any “movement” the object of
loyalty; nor Campbell, Stone, or others the “Fathers” or
authors of any thing to which we owe allegiance. We do
appreciate the fine, non-sectarian spirit manifested in Thomas
Campbell’ appeal, and many of the principles here stated.
But
perhaps the greatest benefit to be derived from this study—
for those who WILL see — is the parallel between Campbell’s
fight against “the party” in his day, and the same so of
battle that must be fought by who would stand honestly upon
their convictions today, and always.
Ironically,
many praise the “pioneer preachers” and their great work
without a discerning thought for the dedication to principle it
represents. There seems to be little awareness of the fact that
“Anti” quarantine, and the acceptance of “Church of Christ”
doctrine — regardless of pattern Bible authority — is the
very attitude that drove Thomas Campbell to protest, declare,
and “appeal.” “HOW GREAT THE INJUSTICE —” indeed!!
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