Observations on Church Government

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continue one ; tho' they should be called by never so many names, or externally distinguished by many peculiarities. The most that these things can do, is to make them think they are divided, and to prevent their external communion, sweet fellowship and mutual comfort.

But seeing Christians are one * and have fellowship with the Father and the Son by one spirit, it is the most unreasonable thing in the world for them to be separated in their external communion. This separation has been the work of the devil ; and it is by his means that it is continued in the world.

Let Christians look back to the history of primitive Christianity, as recorded in the new testament. Let them take a view of the plain and native simplicity which shines out there ; -- the beautiful equality that reigned among the apostolic chruches -- and let them pant to breathe that native air.

They were all brethren and sisters -- met together with one accord -- united in one mind and one judgment. They ate their meat with gladness and singleness of heart : -- they went from house to house, from one love - feast to another ; -- were strictly forbidden to call themselves by the name of Paul or Apollos, &c. And such as did, were pronounced carnal, sensual, having not the spirit.

View the churches scattered abroad, planted and visited by the apostles and others : -- They had all access to each other, and communion together. And that one spirit of God which lives in every Christian, has made no provision for acting otherwise, till the end of time. **

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* And as uniform as the leaves on an apple-tree. ** But the followers of anti-christ, whose communion is in types and shadows, always did and always will act otherwise.

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The evangelists went out two and two or in larger companics, and in every place where the word was gladly received, those who gave public testimony of their faith, were baptized, received the Holy Ghost, and were set in order for the admission of others who might afterwards believe. ----[small image of a hand with finger pointing] Go, and do thou likewise. CHRIST.

Last Will & Testament, &c.

THE PRESBYTERY OF SPRINGFIELD, sitting at Caneridge, in the county of Bouurbon, being, through a gracious providence, in more than ordinary bodily health, growing in strength and size daily ; and in perfect soundness and composure of mind ; but knowing that it is appointed for all delegated bodies once to die : and considering that the life of every such body is very uncertain, do make, and ordain this our last Will and Testament, in manner and form following, viz.

Imprimis. We will, that this body die, be dissolved, and sink into union with the Body of Christ at large ; for there is but one body, and one Spirit, even as we are called in one hope of our calling.

Item. We will, that our name of distinction, with its Reverend title, be forgotten, that there be but one Lord over God's heritage, and his name one.

Item. We will, that our power of making laws for the government of the church, and executing them by delegated authority, forever cease ; that the people may have free course to the Bible, and adopt the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. B 2

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Item. We will, that candidates for the Gospel ministry henceforth study the holy Scriptures with fervent prayer, and obtain license from God to preach the simple Gospel, with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, without any mixture of philosophy, vain deceit, traditions of men, or the rudiments of the world. And let none henceforth take this honor to himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

Item. We will, that the church of Christ resume her native right of internal government --- try her candidates for the ministry, as to their soundness in the faith, acquaintance with experimental religion, gravity and aptness to teach ; and admit no other proof of their authority, but Christ speaking in them. We will that the Church of Christ look up to the Lord of the harvest to send forth labourers into his harvest ; and that the resume her primitive right of trying those who say they are apostles, and are not.

Item. We will, that each particular church, as a body, actuated by the same spirit, choose her own preacher, and support him by a free will offering, without written call or subscription - admit members - remove offences ; and never henceforth delegate her right of government to any man or set of men whatever.

Item. We will, that the people henceforth take the Bible as the only sure guide to heaven ; and as many as are offended with other books, which stand in competition with it, may cast them into the fire if they choose : for it is better to enter into life having one book, than having many to be cast into hell.

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 brethern, who may

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have been wishing to make the Presbytery of Springfield their king, and wot 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 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, ] (L. S. ) June 28th, 1804 ]

Robert Marshall, ] John Dunlavy, ] Richard M'Nemar, ] B. W. Stone, ] Witnesses. John Thompson, ] David Purviance. ]

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