The Restoration Movement The Need for Restoration

The Restoration Movement The Need for Restoration

Establishment of the Church • Jesus: “I will build my church” (Matt. 16: 18) • Church established in Acts 2 – – Command to “Repent and be baptized” (38) Those who received the word were baptized (41) About 3, 000 souls were added to them (41) The Lord added the saved to the church (47) • Jesus: “The gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16: 18) • The church is recognized by its characteristics

Characteristics of the Church • • Its founder is Christ (Matt. 16: 18) Its head is Christ (Eph. 1: 22) Its foundation is Christ (1 Cor. 3: 11) Its authority (charter, creed…) is God’s word – Rom. 1: 16; 2 Tim. 3: 16 -17 • Its terms of membership – Baptized believers added by Christ – Matt. 28: 18 -20 – Mark 16: 15, 16 – Acts 2: 38 -47

• It is unified as one body – Christ prayed for unity (John 17: 20 -21) – Characterized by the “ones” of Eph. 4: 4 -6 – Its unity defined by “same mind” and “speaking the same thing” (1 Cor. 1: 10) • Its members are “Christians” only – Acts 11: 26; 1 Peter 4: 16 – Rejected the names of men (1 Cor. 1: 11 -15) • Each congregation is autonomous and overseen by an eldership with authority only in that congregation – Acts 14: 21 -23; 1 Peter 5: 2

Worship of the Church • Word of God is preached (Acts 2: 42) • Lord’s Supper each Sunday – Acts 20: 7: 1 Cor. 11: 26; 1 Cor. 16: 2 • Congregational prayer (Acts 2: 42) • Giving of means (1 Cor. 16: 2) – Not tithing – Every Sunday – Precludes raising money by other means • A cappella, congregational singing – Col. 3: 16 -17; Eph. 5: 19 -21

Apostasy Predicted • False teachers would arise from elderships to cause division (Acts 20: 28 -30) – “Men that speak lies…forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats” (1 Tim. 4: 1 -3) – “Will turn away their ears from the truth” (2 Tim. 4: 2 -4) • Bishops gained control over local elderships – Promoted apostasy of the Church – This was during the Ante-Nicene Period – Between the end of New Testament era and the Nicene council (325 A. D).

• Catholic papacy established 606 A. D. when Boniface III was designated as “Universal Bishop of the Church” • Martin Luther composed his “ 95 Theses” and began the Reformation Movement in 1517 • John Calvin wrote his “Institutes of the Christian Religion” in 1536 • Church of England was state religion in America until 1785 - Thomas Jefferson’s “Bill for Religious Freedom” passed in Virginia. • Church and State union was finally abolished in 1791 with the ratification of the Bill of Rights (1 st amendment)

The Restoration Movement Its Cause and Plea

Forerunners of R. M. • Predecessors of the R. M. paved the way – – – John Wycliffe (1324 -1384) John Huss (1373 -1415) Martin Luther (1483 -1546) Ulrich Zwingli (1484 -1531) John Calvin (1509 -1564) Jacob Arminius (1560 -1609) • “In all ages Christendom has not lacked minds independent enough to cut away what they considered corrupt or rotten in ecclesiastical teaching and life. ” (Preserved Smith)

Timeline of the Reformation Movement Beginnings of Restoration Movement 1611 1415 33 606 1455 John Wycliffe dies Church Begins Catholic Papacy 1517 1384 Gutenberg Press John Huss Burned 1536 1678 1725 1794 1801 1564 Calvin’s “Institutes” Luther’s Theses “Pilgrim’s Progress” King James Bible Wesley’s “Conversion” James O’Kelly Tyndale burned 1492 Columbus Discovers America Zwingli dies 1775 Revolutionary War Begins Cane Ridge Revival

Causes of the R. M. • Bible more accessible to common man • Multiplicity of denominations and creeds demonstrated failure of reformation movement • As more people studied the N. T. they realized that religious division was sinful. – (1 Cor. 1: 10; Eph. 4: 4; John 17: 21) • Arrogance and ignorance of clergy • Reaction to Total Hereditary Depravity doctrine – Idea of infant sin repulsive

Principles of the R. M. 1. Recognition of Christ as supreme authority in religion 2. Recognition of N. T. as only rule of faith and practice in religion 3. Proper distinction between O. T. / N. T. 4. Recognition of N. T. pattern for church 5. Autonomy of local church 6. Unity of all Christians

The Plea of the R. M. • The Bible and the Bible alone is all sufficient in matters of faith and life • The one church that Jesus spoke of is His only church (Matt. 16: 18) • To wear the name of Christ only – thus Christians (Acts 11: 26) make up the churches of Christ (Rom. 16: 16) • Christ is the only head and has all authority in His church (Matt. 28: 18)

The Plea of the R. M. • Christ is our only creed – 19 th century men of the restoration said: No creed but Christ No law but the Lord’s No book but the Bible No name but the Masters • Only the ordinances of Christ – The Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11: 23 -26) – Baptism (Acts 2: 38; Mark 16: 16; 1 Peter 3: 21) – The Lord’s Day ( Acts 20: 7; 1 Cor. 16: 2)

The Plea of the R. M. • Plea for terms of admission into Christ – Hear (Rom. 10: 17) – Believe (Heb. 11: 6) – Repent (Acts 17: 30) – Confess (Rom. 10: 10) – Be Baptized (Acts 22: 16; Rom. 6: 3, 4) • A Plea for the worship Christ established – Forsaking the precepts of men (Matt. 15: 9) – “Thus saith the Lord” for all of worship

The Restoration Plea Where the Bible speaks, we speak, Where the Bible is silent, we are silent. Call Bible things by Bible names, Do Bible things in Bible ways. In matters of faith, unity. In matters of opinion, liberty. In all matters, charity.

Restoration Leaders

Smith/Jones Campbell Stone O’Kelley/Haggar d

James O’Kelley 1738 -1826

James O’Kelley • Began preaching in Methodist church during revolutionary war • Heavily influenced by John Wesley • Withdrew from Methodist General Council November 1792 • Established Republican Methodist church Aug. 1794 in Old Lebanon, VA • 1801 changed name to Christian Church • O’Kelley maintained that sprinkling was baptism and never rejected that error

Monument on O’Kelley’s Grave

Rice Haggard • Began preaching in Methodist Episcopal church in 1789 in Virginia • Withdrew from Methodist General Council Nov. 1792 – Left with James O’Kelly and others – Resigned as preacher about two weeks later • At Old Lebanon church (VA) Haggard moved: – The Bible be the rule and guide for the church – They discard human names and be be called only “Christians” • Moved to Kentucky about 1812 • Died in Ohio about 1819

Haggard’s Six Reasons Disciples Should Wear the Name Christian • “Because it is significant…the word Christ means anointed” • “Because the Scriptures favor that as the name most proper for the church. It was given by divine authority…” • “The Church of Christ is one body and one name is enough for the same body”

• Because Christ and his church are…designated under the endearing relation of husband wife. And there is a real propriety in a woman being called by the name of her husband…” • The Church of Christ is …a spiritual house. Knowing that a house divided against itself cannot stand…” (Rice Haggard, An Address to the Different Religious Societies on the Sacred Import of the Christian Name )

Elias Smith 1769 -1846

Elias Smith • Father was Baptist, mother was Congregationalist • Sprinkled as a child in mother’s church, later baptized and joined Baptist church (1779) • First sermon, “Search the Scriptures” 1790 • 1801 moved to New England – doubts Baptist doctrine, especially Calvinism • Founded religious newspaper Sept. 1, 1808 – Called “Herald of Gospel Liberty” – Probably first religious newspaper to be published • Embraced and then opposed Denominationalism, Calvinism, and Universalism

• Called Universalism “An invention of the Devil” – “Christian Universalism” is the position that all of mankind will be saved whether they believe in Christ or not. Denies eternal punishment. – Embraced universalism three times in life – Renounced universalism before his death • Established several “Christian” churches • These points maintained in Herald 1. No head over the church but Christ 2. No confession of faith, articles of religion, rubric, canons, creeds etc. but the New Testament 3. No religious name but Christians

Reasons for Leaving the Baptist Church – Elias Smith • Their name Baptist, which is unscriptural. One man was called a baptist, but no churches • Articles, which are an addition to the perfect law of liberty; these they held and I disowned them. • Association of churches, which is contrary to the New Testament, and anti-Christian.

• Holding to the necessity of a college education to be ministers of the gospel. This is contrary to the New Testament • The Baptists held to missionary societies, which is nothing more or less than the old Jesuits plan invoked first by a monk • The Baptists hold to councils to ordain ministers and settle disputes. These are unscriptural. • They hold to installing, or re-installing ministers, a practice not intimated in any part of the Bible (Elias Smith, Life, Conversion, Preaching, Travel, Suffering )

Abner Jones 1772 -1841

Abner Jones • Baptized in Baptist church 1793 • Became a preacher in Freewill Baptist church – Stipulated that he only be called a Christian • Dismayed that Baptist name not in Bible • 1801 Established a church in Lyndon, Vermont with about a dozen - called Christians only • Disturbed in regard to “Sectarian names and human creeds” • Jones and Elias Smith close associates in work

“I felt my mind much tried about what my brethren called the mysterious doctrines of the gospel, viz, election, reprobation, decrees, for I plainly discovered that they preached complete contradictions on the subject, and I read that no lie is of the truth and contradictions must be lies. Thus, my mind was in great perplexity concerning these things, which caused me to review them, and compare them by the scriptures of truth…I found I had embraced many things without proper examination. ” (Abner Jones, Life, Experiences, Travels, and Preaching)

Barton Warren Stone 1772 -1844

Barton W. Stone • Born Dec. 24, 1772 near Port Tobacco, MD • 1790 Heard James Mc. Gready preach in N. C. – Was convicted of his sin – Thought he could not respond – had to wait on God – Later heard William Hodge preach about God’s love and responded. Decided to go into the ministry. • 1796 Received license to preach in Presbyterian Church. Preached in N. C. – Moved to Knoxville, then Nashville – Encountered many dangers including Indians – Went to Kentucky to preach at Concord and Cane Ridge

• At ordination was asked if he accepted the Westminster Confession of Faith as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Bible. He said: “I do as far as I see it consistent with the Word of God” • August 1801 20 – 30, 000 attended the Cane Ridge Revival camping around the building. – Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist preachers – Exercises like “the jerks” occurred. People would be seized by jerks, fall unconscious, wake to praise God.

Cane Ridge Meeting House

Cane Ridge Revival - 1801

• 1803 Stone and four other preachers withdrew from the (Presbyterian) Synod of Kentucky – Came after Mc. Nemar was tried before the synod and charged with being an “Armenian” – This happened because of the Cane Ridge Revival – These five organized their 15 churches into the “Springfield Presbytery” • 1804 “The Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery” marked the end of the Springfield Presbytery

• The group was now without an identity – They had been nicknamed “New Lights” – Rice Haggard suggested they be called “Christians Only” and thus they rejected man-made titles – Rice Haggard had made this same move ten years previous to this when with James O’Kelley • 1807 This group studied and practiced baptism by immersion - almost all were baptized • 1824 Alexander Campbell and Stone met • 1826 Stone began the “Christian Messenger” • 1832 The Stone movement and Campbell movement held a “Unity Meeting” – “Raccoon” John Smith represented the Campbell movement. Campbell was not aware of it.

William Rogers’ Tombstone William Rogers Born In Campbell Co. , VA. July 7, 1784, Removed With His Father To Cane Ridge, Bourbon Co. , Apr. 1798 United With The Church Of Christ At Cane Ridge In 1807 Died Feb. 15, 1862 In The 78 th Year Of His Age

Thomas Campbell 1763 -1854

Thomas Campbell • Born and raised in County Down, Ireland • Reared in the Church of England – Became dissatisfied, joined Presbyterian – Old Light Anti-Burgher Seceder Presbyterian • Preacher and professor in Presbyterian church from 1791 till leaving for America -April 8, 1807 • Arrived Philadelphia May 13, 1807 – Started preaching in Washington, PA – Charges brought against him by his presbytery • Withdrew from Presbyterian Sept. 13, 1808

• Continued to preach independently: – Sinfulness of sectarian division – Need for wider Christian fellowship – Importance of following scriptures, not creeds • Aug. 17, 1809 Organized “Christian Association of Washington” in Washington, PA – Not intended to be a church – Its statement of purpose said it was: “Voluntary advocates for church reformation… formed for the sole purpose of promoting simple evangelical Christianity” – Supported preachers who “Reduced to practice that simple form of Christianity, expressly exhibited on the sacred page”

• Thomas Campbell was authorized to write a formal statement declaring the purpose of the Christian Association • He wrote the Declaration and Address • Sep. 7, 1809 the Christian Association adopted the Declaration and Address and authorized its publication – At this meeting Campbell summarized the association’s purpose when he said: “We speak where the Bible speaks, and we are silent where the Bible is silent” • Thomas was rejoined with his family (including Alexander) just a few weeks after writing the Declaration and Address

Original Tombstone Thomas Campbell New Tombstone

Alexander Campbell 1788 -1866

Alexander Campbell • Born Sept. 12, 1788 in Antrim county, Ireland to Thomas and Jane Campbell • Trained from a youth in scripture and critical thinking by his father • Departed Ireland with mother and siblings to go to America Oct. 1, 1808 at 21 years of age. – – Shipwrecked in Scotland Oct. 7 Devoted his life to preaching while awaiting rescue Entered Glasgow University Nov. 8 Influenced by movements of James and Robert Haldane, John Glas, and Robert Sandeman

• Alexander was required to be examined before the elders of the Seceder Presbyterian church before he could partake of the communion while in Glasgow. – He passed the examination and was given a token as proof – He placed his token in the communion plate and walked away – This was his break from Presbyterianism • Departed Scotland Aug. 4, 1809 and landed with his family in New York on Sept. 29 • Thomas left his home in Washington, PA to meet them as they traveled • Neither father nor son knew of the other’s departure from Presbyterianism and desire to restore New Testament Christianity until they met again in America.

• Upon reading the Declaration and Address Alexander devoted himself to preaching the principles it contained. • Alexander told his father that he would retire for six months to carefully study the Bible, and that he would devote his life to preaching without receiving financial compensation. • Preached first sermon to Christian Association July 15, 1810 in an outdoor meeting • In first year of preaching preached 106 sermons • Christian association built church building at Brush Run - Became the Brush Run church

• March 12, 1811 Married Margaret Brown, daughter of John Brown • Birth of his first child, Jane, caused him to question infant baptism, which he rejected • His study of baptism convinced him to be baptized. A preacher named Matthias Luse agreed to baptize him. • Wed. June 12, 1812 Alexander was baptized in Buffalo Creek – Seven others including Thomas and Jane Campbell were baptized. • This caused the Baptists to take an interest • The Redstone Association of Baptists invited the Brush Run church to join them. They did.

• The Brush Run church drew up a statement of its beliefs to put before the Redstone Assoc. – It remonstrated against all human creeds – Expressed willingness to cooperate under condition that the church could preach and teach what it believed the Bible taught • Brush Run was admitted to Redstone Assoc. in 1813 with only small objection from minority • The members of the Brush Run church moved together to Zanesville, Ohio - Alexander Campbell stayed when John Brown offered to give him is mansion and farm. • Campbell and others established a church in Wellsburg – They were opposed by Baptists.

Campbell’s home with study on the left Exterior and interior views of Campbell’s study

• Campbell gave his famous “Sermon on the Law” before the Redstone Assoc. in 1816 – Denominations did not distinguish between the two covenants – Campbell argued law of Moses not binding on Christians – Caused him to be charged with heresy • Jan. 1818 started “Buffalo Seminary” in his home, tuition $5 a quarter – It was short lived • Campbell’s first debate was June 1820 with John Walker (Presbyterian) on the subject and mode of baptism (infant baptism, sprinkling) – Walker likened baptism to circumcision and argued that infants had a right to it – Campbell stressed distinction between O. T. and N. T.

• Aug. 1823 the Wellsburg church left the Redstone Assoc. - Joined the Mahoning Assoc. which was closer to restoration principles • Aug. 3, 1823 Campbell began ”The Christian Baptist” • October, 1923 Campbell debated W. L. Mc. Calla near Washington, KY on subject and mode of baptism – Sidney Rigdon was his moderator – In this debate Campbell argued that baptism is for remission of sins and infants have no sins

• The Christian Baptist paper ceased publication at the close of 1829 – Campbell feared “Christian Baptist” would be used as a party name for those favoring restoration – The spirit of the paper had been contentious • Jan. 4, 1830 Campbell began publishing the Millennial Harbinger – Campbell believed in a millennium when “The nations of this world are all to become the kingdoms of our King” – Campbell said of the Millennial Harbinger that: “It shall have for its object the development and introduction of that political and religious order of society called THE MILLENNIUM”

“Some religious editors in Kentucky call those who are desirous of seeing the ancient order of things restored, “the Restorationers, ” “the Campbellites, ” and the most reproachful epithets are showered upon them because they have some conscientious regard for the Divine Author and the divine authority of the New Testament – This may go down very well with some; but all who fear God and keep his commandments will pity and deplore the weakness and folly of those who either think to convince or to persuade by such means. ” (A. Campbell; Christian Baptist, Nov. 6, 1826)

• 1830 The Mahoning Association was dissolved – Preacher named John Henry stood and said: – “I charge you to look out what you are about to do here; we want nothing here which the word of the Lord will not sanction. ” – He then motioned the assoc. be dissolved, it carried • April 13, 1829 Campbell met Robert Owen, champion of atheists, for a debate – Had said he would not draw a bow unless he could shoot at the champion of skeptics himself – 1, 200 people were present on last day of debate

• 1841 Bethany College began with Campbell as president • He was : – – – President of a college Editor of a paper Preacher Debater Lecturer President of a missionary society • Died March 4, 1866 after an extended illness – Often quoted scripture in English, Greek, Hebrew while on his death bed.

Alexander Campbell’s Tombstone

Walter Scott 1796 -1861

Walter Scott • • Born in Moffat, Scotland October 31, 1796 Raised in Scotch Presbyterian home Educated at University of Edinburgh Came to New York July 7, 1818 – Walked with a friend to Pittsburg in 1819 • Became teacher at academy under George Forrester, principal and preacher • Learned from Forrester to take the Bible as his only guide and questioned infant baptism

• Realized the great central theme of Christianity was that Jesus is the Messiah. He called this “The Golden Oracle” • Met Alexander Campbell in winter of 1821 -22 – Each recognized greatness in the other – Both believed baptism was for the remission of sins • Scott convinced Campbell to call his paper “The Christian Baptist” instead of “The Christian” to disarm prejudice among Baptists • Scott became evangelist for Mahoning Assoc. – First sermon as evangelist preached baptism for remission of sins and baptized William Amend

• • Jan. 1832 began paper called “The Evangelist” Scott wrote a book called The Gospel Restored He was appointed an elder in 1844 Started Covington College, a female academy, in Mayslick, KY. Visited there by Tolbert Fanning and Benjamin Franklin July, 1855 • He wrote another book called The Messiahship, or Great Demonstration , not well received • Died April 23, 1861 in Mayslick, KY – Had lost two wives, third marriage hard on him – Greatly in remorse about the Civil War • Campbell said: “I knew him well. I knew him long. I love him much. . . methinks I see him in Abraham’s bosom. "

“Raccoon” John Smith 1784 -1868

“Raccoon” John Smith • Born Oct. 15, 1784 to George and Rebecca Smith in Sullivan County, East Tennessee • The Smiths moved to Clinton County, KY when he was about twelve or thirteen • His parents were Baptists and strict Calvinists • In the year 1801 he became deeply concerned on the subject of religion, but soon went into Universalism and began to sow his “wild oats” • His father died March 20, 1804 and that caused him to take religion more seriously.

• • He joined the Baptist church December 1804 He struggled with Calvinistic ideas He married Anna Townsend December, 1806 He bought land in Huntsville, AL and moved there with his family • One day while he was away preaching a disaster happened that changed his life: – Anna was out visiting a sick person – Their house caught fire with his son and daughter trapped in it – They died in the fire and Anna died soon after from depression

• This event caused him to begin to doubt Calvinism (Total Depravity and Unconditional election) – were his children lost? • After this event he was stricken with the cold plague and lay for months at the point of death • He read Campbell’s Christian Baptist and agreed with the restoration principles • Represented the Campbell movement at unity meetings with the Stone movement: – First meeting at Georgetown, KY Dec. 23 -26 1831 – Meeting at Lexington, KY beginning Jan. 1, 1832 – Lasted four days and ended with unity between the two movements • Smith and Stone shook hands in fellowship

Stained Glass of Unity Meeting Depicting Smith and Stone

John Smith’s Statement at Unity Meeting "Let us, then, my brethren, be no longer Campbellites or Stoneites, New Lights or Old Lights, or any other kind of lights, but let us all come to the Bible, and to the Bible alone, as the only book in the world that can give us all the Light we need. "

Smith’s Cabin in Monticello, KY

Died Feb. 29, 1868

Tolbert Fanning 1810 -1874

Tolbert Fanning • • Born in Cannon County, TN May 10, 1810 Lived in Lauderdale County, AL ages 8 -19 Allowed to go to school 3 -6 months of the year Mother was a Baptist, father was not religious – Methodism was prominent religion in community • Felt he could not understand the Bible without special illumination from God – He was taught “All men are in a total state of darkness and must remain so till illuminated by special communications of the Spirit”

• Baptized by James E. Matthews in 1827 – Was seventeen years old – At gospel meeting in Lauderdale County, AL • Spent three years in studying the Bible then began preaching – Thousands attended his meetings • Entered Nashville University November, 1831 and graduated in 1835 • While in college he made a preaching tour with Alexander Campbell in Ohio and KY • In 1836 he made another preaching tour with Alexander Campbell through Ohio, New York, Canada, New England, and the eastern cities

• 1837 was married to Charlotte Fall and opened a female school in Franklin, TN • 1840 moved to Nashville and taught another female school there till 1842 • Charter granted by Tennessee to build Franklin College on January 30, 1844 • Franklin College began on January 1, 1845 – Bro. Fanning was elected first president – Resigned presidency to W. D. Carnes in 1861 • Began the Christian Review in 1844 – – Four years later turned it over to J. B. Ferguson changed its name to Christian Magazine Ferguson closed the magazine in 1853 Ferguson deviated into error and denominationalism

• Began Gospel Advocate in 1855 with William Lipscomb, David Lipscomb’s older brother – GA halted publication during the Civil War 1861 • Continued GA after civil war with David Lipscomb as co-editor in 1866 • Used the Gospel Advocate to voice his opposition to missionary societies • Was struck with sickness last of April, 1874 • He died May 3, 1874 – – It was on a Sunday He called for the brethren to break bread with him Asked them to sing songs of worship He died at 12: 30 that afternoon

Fanning Historical Marker Corner of Briley Pkwy. And Vultee Blvd. Nashville, TN

J. W. Mc. Garvey 1829 -1911

J. W. Mc. Garvey • Born in Hopkinsville, KY March 1, 1829 • His father died in 1833 and his mother remarried some time later • 1839 family moved to Tremont, Ill. • Entered Bethany college and was baptized by Prof. Pendleton in April, 1848 – Decided soon after to become a preacher • He graduated with honors from Bethany • 1851 began preaching for the church in Fayette, Illinois

• In 1853 was married to Ottie Hix of Fayette • Moved to Dover, Ill. Where he preached and held five debates with various parties • 1862 started working with the church in Lexington, KY and published his first commentary on the book of Acts which had taken 3. 5 years • 1865 accepted a chair in College of the Bible • He was opposed to Christians being involved in the Civil War • He was opposed to instrumental music but supported missionary societies • He died Sept. 12, 1912

David Lipscomb 1831 -1917

David Lipscomb • Born in Franklin County on January 21, 1831 • Son of Granville and Ann Lipscomb – Granville was a deacon in the Primitive Baptist – He became acquainted with restoration principles through Campbell’s Christian Baptist – He was excluded from the Baptist church when he began to teach undenominational Christianity • David Lipscomb entered Franklin College in 1846 and graduated June, 1849 – Tolbert Fanning was president of the college – Lipscomb became an admirer of Fanning

• Lipscomb became a Christian early in life at the time when Jesse B. Ferguson was popular – Ferguson began to promote false doctrine and eventually went into denominationalism – Many churches were discouraged and many Christians left the church for denominationalism • Lipscomb considered going into the Baptist church at this time – He obtained a copy of the standard of the Baptist church and studied the Baptist doctrine and practice – He was convinced that it was sufficient to just be a Christian – Determined to strengthen his brethren in Biblical doctrine and began making public speeches • Married Margaret Zellner on July 22, 1862

• He did not set out to be a preacher, he was in demand for preaching and came to see the need for his efforts in preaching. • He opposed the Civil War and preached that Christians should not participate in the war – He preached this boldly and uncompromisingly – His life was threatened as a result • In 1866 he became co-editor of the Gospel Advocate with Tolbert Fanning • He founded the Nashville Bible School October 5, 1891 with J. A. Harding – Became David Lipscomb College – At present is Lipscomb University

• Harding stayed with the school for ten years – Harding University in Searcy and Harding Graduate University in Memphis both carry his namesake • He served as editor of Gospel Advocate forty-six years • Used GA to address issues facing the church – Missionary Societies – Instrumental music in worship – The division with the Christian Church • He authored a number of books and commentaries • He served as an elder at College Street • He died Nov. 11, 1917 at the age of eighty-six

T. B. Larimore 1843 -1929

Theophilus Brown Larimore • Born July 10, 1843 • Little known of his parents, he was born into poverty and worked on a farm in East TN • Went to school 10 -12 weeks a year but studied hard at night throughout the year • Entered Mossy Creek Baptist College at 16 years of age and graduated from that college • Sought “religion” while at the college but failed to get it, yet devoted his life to God

• Entered the Confederate army at the start of the Civil War, was captured by Union army • Obeyed the gospel July 10, 1864 – This was his 21 st birthday • Began preaching in 1866 and entered Franklin College the fall of that year – Tolbert Fanning was president of the college – Larimore said Fanning was one of the best teachers he ever had – He graduated with honors in 1867 • After leaving Franklin College he went to North Alabama to preach, later he returned to Tennessee to preach

• Opened Mars Hill Academy in Florence, AL on Jan. 1, 1871 – Became Mars Hill College – Mars Hill College continued until 1887 (16 years) – Hundreds of young men taught in the college • Brother Larimore preached with much power and persuasion in 19 states – He held many “protracted meetings” – Would preach twice every day and three times on every Sunday • His longest meeting was in Sherman, TX – Lasted five months and four days – He preached 333 sermons – More than 200 responded • Died March 18, 1929 in Santa Ana, CA

The Restoration Movement Departures and Divisions

Instrumental Music • Controversy over using instruments of music in worship to God caused much division in the Restoration Movement • Arguments began as early as 1851 in Kentucky – On Feb. 22, 1851, a man who signed his name “W” wrote J. B. Henshall (associate editor of the Ecclesiastical Reformer ) a letter asking his opinion on the use of instruments. “W” stated that the organ would “Cause the hearts of the saints to be raised to a higher state of devotion” and stated “We are far in the rear of Protestants on the subject of church music. ”

• Henshall responded by stating: “In proportion as men become worldly minded , provided they have not entirely lost the fear of God, do they begin to require helps to their devotion” • John Rogers was dismayed that a popular preacher had argued for the use of instruments and asked Alexander Campbell to respond. • In his response, Campbell stated that “All persons who have no spiritual discernment, taste or relish for their spiritual meditations, consolations, and sympathies of renewed hearts, should call for such aid is but natural” and, “To all spiritually minded Christians such aids would be as a cow bell in a concert. ”

• The issue died down for a while until 1860 when Ben Franklin was asked to express his view on the subject of instrumental music. • He opposed the instrument used in worship and accused those who would use it as having lost the spirit of Christ and desiring to be a fashionable society. • L. L. Pinkerton of Midway, KY responded to Franklin in support of the use of the instrument. • The Midway church was one of the first to introduce the melodeon in worship in 1860 – Pinkerton said the singing would “Scare even the rats from worship”

– A practice session for singing was held on Saturdays and the melodeon was used first to get the pitch and eventually to accompany singing – The melodeon was then introduced to Sunday morning worship and caused much friction – An elder named Adam Hibler sent his slave, Reuben, in to remove the melodeon and they chopped it to pieces on the lawn, another melodeon was brought in and Hibler took it and hid it in his barn, a third was brought in and remained • In 1864 J. W. Mc. Garvey stated: – In the earlier years of the present Reformation There was entire unanimity in the rejection of instrumental music from our public worship. It was declared unscriptural, inharmonious with the Christian institution, and a source of corruption.

• J. W. Mc. Garvey preached for the Broadway church in Lexington, KY and served as an elder there until he resigned because of deafness – In November, 1902 a vote was taken to introduce instrumental music into worship – The vote was in favor of the instrument 370 to 202 – Mc. Garvey left Broadway and identified with the Chester Street church in opposition to the instrument – Mc. Garvey did accept invitations to preach at churches that used instruments – Mc. Garvey later regretted his fellowship with those who used instruments and declared concerning such compromise, “It will not work”

• Moses E. Lard said concerning the instrument in worship: – “Did Christ ever appoint it? Did the apostles ever sanction it? Or did any one of the primitive churches ever use it? Never. In what light then must we view him who attempts to introduce it into the churches of Christ of the present day? I answer, as an insulter of the authority of Christ, and as a defiant and impious innovator in the simplicity and purity of the ancient worship. ” • The argument over the use of instrumental music in worship continued • It became a major factor in the division of fellowship between the Christian Church and churches of Christ

The Civil War • On April 12, 1861 the first shots of the Civil War were fired. The ensuing four years of war tested the resolve of the brethren of the Restoration Movement. • The war brought certain issues to surface: – Tensions between the North and South affected many brethren – The question of whether slavery was a sin – The question of whether a Christian may take up arms in a time of war

• Efforts to hold meetings and evangelize during the time of war were drastically unsuccessful • Brotherhood periodicals such as the Gospel Advocate ceased publication during the war • As early as 1845 Thomas and Alexander Campbell expressed views that while slavery was an evil, it was one that God had permitted in the scriptures and thus the question was political in nature, not moral • Alexander Campbell felt the greater issue was that the church must not divide over slavery, and it did not • Some prominent brethren held that slavery was not a sin…others preached it was

• The question of a Christian’s involvement in war caused arguments in the brotherhood • Among those who strongly opposed the Christian’s involvement in the war were Alexander Campbell, Tolbert Fanning, W. K. Pendleton, Benjamin Franklin, and J. W. Mc. Garvey • B. W. Johnson argued that the government has divine authority to declare war and it is a Christian’s right to belong to that government • Jacob Creath, Jr. argued that if there was fault in fighting in a war, it was the government’s and not the individual’s guilt

Missionary Societies • The extinction of the Mahoning Association was followed by annual meetings for preaching, edification, and progress reports on the cause of the Restoration Movement • These conferences were opposed by Barton W. Stone but upheld by Alexander Campbell and Walter Scott – Stone acquiesced to the points in defense of these meetings submitted to him by Scott in 1827 • These became forerunners of later societies

• Alexander Campbell was an ardent promoter of cooperation efforts. – He delivered a series of essays on the subject from 1842 through 1848 • He argued the church can do little in the following areas without cooperation: – – Distributing the Bible abroad Missionary efforts at home and abroad Improve and elevate the Christian ministry Restraint of “Irresponsible, plausible, and deceptious persons” who deceived the brotherhood – Concentration of the actions of “Tens of thousands of Israel in any great Christian effort” – Extensive, thorough church organization was necessary for church cooperation

• Church in Nashville, TN examined church organization in January, 1842 and concluded: – That there is positive scriptural authority for every religious work that is well pleasing to God – That the church of Christ is the only divinely consecrated organization on earth for Christian labor – All other organizations through which men propose to perform spiritual labor tend but to obscure, discredit, and subvert the reign of the Messiah • Tolbert Fanning opposed Church Organization and established the Gospel Advocate in part to discuss this subject in the brotherhood in 1855

• The American Christian Missionary Society began in October, 1849 • A four day meeting was held at which 156 delegates were present • The A. C. M. S. was born and A. Campbell was elected president though he was absent – 23 vice presidents were also elected – Two secretaries and a treasurer were elected • Earlier Alexander Campbell argued against the societies, yet he became president of one • Among the brethren who eventually opposed it (though some at first supported it) were: – Tolbert Fanning, Ben Franklin, Jesse Ferguson, Jacob Creath, Jr. , James Mathis, J. T. Johnson

• The Civil War caused more division in the brotherhood concerning the American Christian Missionary Society • The society delivered a censure of the South which promoted the rejection of the society in the South • Tolbert Fanning, William Lipscomb, and David Lipscomb strongly opposed the societies through the pages of the Gospel Advocate • The rift created through the controversies over the society and instrumental music led to a final division between churches of Christ and the Christian Church recognized by federal census as separate religious bodies in 1906

The Restoration Continues • The Lord’s church has been restored to the N. T. pattern, but the principles of the restoration movement must continue • Where there are departures there must be restoration – and departures will come • Unity is desired, indeed our Lord prayed for it, but it must come with a total adherence to every precept of God. • Not one biblical precept may be compromised if we are to continue to be the church of Christ, worshipping according to God’s pattern

Websites Referenced “Restoration Movement” www. mun. ca/rels/restmov “Center for Restoration Studies” bible. acu. edu/crs “Traces of the Kingdom” www. traces-of-the-kingdom. org

Websites Referenced “Disciples of Christ Historical Society” www. dishistsoc. org “Pioneer Preachers” www. pioneerpreachers. com “The. Restoration. Movement. com” www. therestorationmovement. com

Books Referenced The Search for the Ancient Order – 4 Volumes Earl West The Trials of the Ancient Order Earl West Memoirs of Alexander Campbell – 2 Volumes Robert Richardson The Cause We Plead J. M. Powell

Books Referenced The Story of the Restoration Bill Humble Like Fire in Dry Stubble Bill Humble Restoration Roots Lynn Mc. Millon Church History John Cox

“Restoration Movement” Power. Point Presentation by: Michael E. Grooms E-mail: gospelpreacher@charter. net