Crestlands Part 27

_Item._ We _will_, that preachers and people cultivate a spirit of mutual forbearance; pray more and dispute less; and while they behold the signs of the times, look up, and confidently expect that redemption draweth nigh.

_Item._ We _will_, that our weak brethren who may have been wis.h.i.+ng to make the Presbytery of Springfield their king, and know not what is now become of it, betake themselves to the Rock of Ages, and follow Jesus for the future.

_Item._ We _will_, that the Synod of Kentucky examine every member who may be _suspected_ of having departed from the Confession of Faith, and suspend every such suspected heretic immediately; in order that the oppressed may go free, and taste the sweets of gospel liberty.

_Item._ We _will_, that Ja---- ----, the author of the two letters lately published in Lexington, be encouraged in his zeal to destroy _partyism_. We will, moreover, that our past conduct be examined into by all who may have correct information; but let foreigners beware of speaking evil of things which they know not.

_Item._ Finally we _will_, that all our _sister bodies_ read their Bibles carefully, that they may see their fate there determined, and prepare for death before it is too late.

Springfield Presbytery, } June 28th, 1804. } L. S.

ROBERT MARSHALL, } JOHN DUNLAVY, } RICHARD MCNEMAR, } B. W. STONE, } Witnesses.

JOHN THOMPSON, } DAVID PURVIANCE, }

There seemed to be throughout the United States at about this time a growing realization among Christian people of the fact that the one essential principle of Protestant Christianity--belief in and acceptance of Jesus as Redeemer and Christ--was already held in common by all evangelical denominations. Hence, soon after this there began in widely separated parts of the country various other movements similar in aim and method to that inaugurated in Kentucky by the dissolution of the Springfield Presbytery.

It is only needed that these various movements become known to each other in order to become united. This union was effected in 1882; and rapidly crystalized into a body whose only distinguis.h.i.+ng name is "Christian" or "Disciple," and whose differential character lies not in its advocacy of any new doctrine or theological tenet whatever; but in its rejection of that which in the way of human speculation, human interpretation and human dogma has been added to the original simple and all-comprehending faith of the apostolic church.