Articles
Last Will and Testiment
The Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery
In the early 1800s, Barton W. Stone, Richard McNemar, and a few other Presbyterian preachers in Kentucky began to preach that sinners were capable of hearing the simple gospel, and choosing to receive it and obey it from their hearts. This was contrary to the “Westminster Confession of Faith” which Presbyterians held as their governing creed. The Confession said that sinners were totally depraved, incapable of coming to Christ, and must have a miraculous salvation experience of the Holy Ghost. The Synod in Lexington had authority over different presbyteries (associations of the Presbyterian congregations) in Kentucky. In 1803 the Synod charged McNemar with heresy, and these preachers knew they would all be suspended, so they gracefully withdrew from the authority of the Synod and formed their churches into an independent association – the Springfield Presbytery. They determined to use the Bible as their only rule of faith and practice. Within one year, realizing that the Bible does not teach anything about organizing churches into governing regional “presbyteries”, they decided to disband the organization. They wrote the “Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery” to explain their reasons, and to plead with all Christians to throw away everything but their Bibles. They went on to discard the Presbyterian name and called themselves simply “Christians”. This was probably the first written and circulated declaration of the “back to the Bible” plea of the restoration movement. Remember their background as you read these sections selected from that document, and be uplifted by their courage and faith. Larry Walker
“The Presbytery of Springfield, sitting at Cane Ridge, in the county of Bourbon, 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…”
“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 of faith, acquaintance with experimental religion, gravity and aptness to teach; and admit no other proof of their authority but Christ speaking in them…”
“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 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 wot not what is now become of it, betake themselves to the Rock of Ages, and follow Jesus for the future…”
“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 }
- Last_Will_and_Testament_SP.doc (65.54 kB)
