Chapter XXXVI: Appendix: (see Chapter Xxvi.)

In June, 1804, the several ministers of the new organization met at Cane Ridge meeting-house, and drew up the "Last Will and Testament of Springfield Presbytery." A copy of this quaint and remarkable document is here subjoined:

THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF SPRINGFIELD PRESBYTERY

The Presbytery of Springfield, sitting at Caneridge, in the county
of Bourbon, 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_.

_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, at 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
laborers into His harvest; and that she resume her primitive right
to try 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
freewill offering, without a 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 brethren who may have been wishing
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 distinguishing 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.