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 Barton
W. Stone, 1772-1844, was a true “pioneer” in the
restoration movement in this country. He broke with the
Presbyterians because he could not, in good conscience, accept
Calvinistic tenets. In less than one year he had seen the evils
of “church government” that infringed upon congregational
independence; and had taken steps to be more like the first
century church.
Stone’s
life was spent in preaching and writing “back to the Bible”
principles — urging people to give up denominationalism and to
be satisfied with New Testament Christianity. His was a quiet
spirit, tender, oft - disturbed, but constantly striving to
serve his heavenly master.
We
quote from his last article, written to a young would-be
preacher, with advice that makes sense today.
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1.
"Retire to your study in your father’s house, and make
that room a proseuche, or place of prayer. Take with you there a
large polyglot English Bible, with the Septuagint translation,
and Griesbach’s Greek Testament, with Dr. Parkhurst’s and
Greenfield’s Lexicons, and Greenfield’s Greek Concordance.
Read the Old Testament regularly from the beginning, with the
Septuagint before you, by which you will be better able to
understand the writer. Should you find any thing dark or
unintelligible, note it down on a small blank book, and take it
to your near neighbor, Elder T.M.A., who will gladly assist you
to the right understanding of the passage.
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When you read the New Testament, have
Greisbach’s Greek Testament open before you. Should
difficulties occur, examine the translation by Parkhurst’s or
Greenfield’s Lexicon, and more especially by the Greek
Concordance. This is the safest and most certain method of
finding the true meaning of the words. Take short notes of all
the important things you may find in your reading. Forget not to
mingle prayer to your God for direction into all truth, and that
the wisdom from above may be afforded you.
2.
In the intervals of your Bible studies, read church history:
Moshiem I recommend you to read first; then D’Aubigne on the
Reformation; then Dr. Neander on the first three centuries. Take
short notes of all important facts. Forget not meditation and
prayer — pray always — pray without ceasing — Keep
yourself in the love of God. Vain will be your studied without
these.
3.
When you have read your Bible through carefully, not hurriedly,
turn back and read it again, with the commentary of Henry. and
others, lately collated for the Baptist Society. Have by you
also Dr. McKnight on the Epistles; and consult these
commentaries on all difficult passages. I do not recommend a
general reading of them; as this would consume much time to
little profit. Commentators generally labor to make the
Scriptures bend to their peculiar systems, and to speak the
language of Ashdod, or some other barbarous dialect. Hence the
danger of becoming too conversant with them. Yet continue in
prayer.”
(To be concluded in our next issue)
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