Campbellism exposed, in an examination of Lard's Review of Jeter

Front matter

So. Bap. fheo

CAMPBELLISM EXPOSED,

I)

Introduction

A brief history of the controversy which has given birth to the present volume, seems to be proper. Campbellism, in its various stages of development, had been before the world for a period of more than thirty years. It was extremely difficult to decide what it was. All Mr. Campbell's opponents had been charged with misunderstanding or misrepresenting his views. Several " ministers and members of Baptist Churches," being deeply impressed with the importance of " a succinct and popular treatise upon the rise, progress, character, and influence of the sect of Christians called Disciples or Campbellites," requested the writer to prepare it. With this request he considered it his duty to comply. Campbellism Examined was written with the hope that it would tend to promote harmony between the Baptists and the Disciples ; or, at least, to make more obvious and definite the points in controversy between them. It was the design of the author to present a clear and candid statement of Mr. Campbell's peculiar theological sentiments, with a brief history of their development and influence. Of the manner in which he executed the design, the volume itself furnishes the best information. It was his constant aim to avoid all offensive personalities and opprobrious epithets, and to treat Mr. C, his opinions and his arguments, with all due respect. The writer did not hope that his work would be pleasing to Mr. C. and his admirers. The attempt to expose, however kindly and fairly, the errors, inconsistencies, contradictions and sophistries of an author, who had acquired a reputation for learning, and dialectic skill, aud who had so many admirers and eulogists, could hardly fail to create some

VI INTRODUCTION.

irritation; and the degree of irritation would, of course, be proportionate to the success of the attempt. He did hope, however, that Mr. C, if not led to confess his errors — a duty which a polemic finds it hard to perform — would, at least, be compelled to see, and gradually to abandon them.

So soon as Campbellism Examined made its appearance, all the journals in the interest of the " current reformation," commenced a furious attack on it. The vials of their wrath were mercilessly poured on the head of the devoted author. In this onslaught the Millennial Harbinger, edited by Mr. A. Campbell, took the lead. Everything was said to disparage the book and its author. It was represented as being false in its statements, feeble in its arguments, mean in its spirit, and, on the whole, unworthy of notice. As the work, however, had been respectably indorsed, it was deemed necessary to review it. Mr. Campbell undertook the task himself, not thinking it wise to commit it to feebler or less practiced hands. He commenced his review with the promise of the speedy and utter refutation of the volume, and even thankful for the opportunity of exposing its errors. There was no indication of the lack of zeal, or of time, for the redemption of the pledge. Through nine tedious numbers, and many other extended articles, in the Harbinger, did he labor to discredit the statements, refute the arguments, and disparage the author of Campbellism Examined. Suddenly new light broke upon his mind. He became dissatisfied with his review. He was writing it under great disadvantages. The exigencies of the case demanded that he should prepare a book. That he had failed to redeem the promise, so vauntingly made, his most partial friends could not but perceive. They were all satisfied, however, that what was not done in the prolix review in the Harbinger, would be thoroughly done in the forthcoming book.

One long accustomed to notice the tactics of Mr. Campbell, should surely not be judged uncharitably for suspecting that the promise of a book was a mere ruse to cover a retreat from the contest. The writer had no expectation that he would publish a book in reply to Campbellism Examined. The Introduction to the proposed volume, appearing at full

INTRODUCTION. VH

length in the pages of the Harbinger, did not satisfy the incredulous that it would ever see the light. So well convinced was the author of Campbellisni Examined, that the promise would not be fulfilled, that he proceeded at once to reply to the review published in the Harbinger, in a pamphlet entitled Campbellism Re-exaniined.

This pamphlet was received by Mr. Campbell and his friends with the silence of contempt. So it is inferred from the language of Mr. Moses E. Lard. "The reader," he says, " will doubtless feel curious to know why it is that Mr. Jeters's second book — 'Campbellism Re-examined' — has been treated so cavalierly. The writer's reply is simply that he has seen and read the little swaggering thing : should a more elaborate reason be demanded, that reason must be sought in the character of the silence with which the work is passed." One must be endowed with supernatural power so to discuss " the character of the silence." Mr. L. would have us think that it was the silence of contempt. Perhaps it was. But we are still left to conjecture whether the contempt was real or feigned. Perhaps it was the silence of discretion. There are certainly some things in the pamphlet which Mr. Campbell ought to answer; but it is presumed that he never will. Whatever other characters his silence may have, it will pretty certainly be profound and perpetual.

As was expected, Mr. Campbell's promise to publish a book was not fulfilled. The portico was erected, but the temple was a failure. The man began to build a house, but was not able to finish it. The Introduction appeared, inspiring in many minds the delusive hope that the book would soon follow. Well, what is the excuse for the failure to publish the book? Mr. C. informs us in his Introduction to Mr. Lard's work — "Not being an impartial judge in my own case, and being absorbed in matters of transcendent moment, we found a brother, comparatively young," etc. Mr. C. furnishes two reasons for the failure. First, "Not being," he says, "an impartial judge in my own case." What does this mean? Does his partiality — his want of candor — unfit him for defending his cherished Reformation ? This seems to be the meaning of the language. Or does it contain an intimation

V1U INTRODUCTION.

that the brotherhood deemed it important that the defense of his principles should be intrusted to an "impartial judge;" that is, to one more discriminating, more vigorous in debate, and, especially, less embarrassed by his antecedents than Mr. Campbell? Is the scepter passing from his hands ? Secondly, ''Being absorbed/' he continues, "in matters of transcendent moment ; ' — And were not all these matters fully known to him before he promised to write the book ? His duties as president of Bethany College, as editor of the Harbinger, and as a sub-reviser of the Bible Union, were all, it is presumed; as well understood when he was writing the Introduction, as they were subsequently.

In due time a volume, entitled, Review of Campbellism Examined, written by Mr. Campbell's substitute, Mr. Moses E. Lard, of Missouri, was issued from the press. Mr. Lard is a more discriminating, more methodical, and more vigorous, but less adroit writer than Mr. Campbell; and he is, be}~ond all comparison, more straightforward, clear, and undisguised in the statement of his opinions. It has been impossible to understand Mr. Campbell's views. His language is contradictory. All opinions, orthodox and heterodox — from high Calvinism down to heartless rationalism — may be easily culled from his ponderous volumes. The inability to interpret his words might be ascribed to inattention or prejudice, were it not that his opponents, almost without exception, have fallen under the same condemnation. Not long since, in an article in the Harbinger, he stated, in substance, that Robert Owen, the infidel, was the only man among his opponents to whom he could award the praise of fairness and candor. Where there are so many illusions there must be mist. So many ghosts surely could not be conjured up in daylight. It is almost impossible to misunderstand the views of Mr. Lard. He embraces the most objectionable sentiments of Mr. Campbell, states them clearly, defends them earnestly, and follows them boldly to their legitimate consequences. Mr. Lard's book is a full development of the Reformation as it was understood in the days of what Mr. Campbell styled the " Dover Decree." The review is indorsed, in all its principles and expositions, by the leader of the reformation. Hence*

INTRODUCTION. IX

forth, there need be no doubt as to its principles and practices. We have a clear, stereotyped and authentic statement of them. One effect anticipated from the publication of Campbellism Examined, has been fully realized. The points of difference between the Baptists and the Disciples have been clearly defined. The line of demarcation between the parties has been unmistakably drawn. Whether the Disciples in their future discussions will firmly abide by the landmarks which Mr. Lard, with the sanction of Mr. Campbell, has set for them, remains to be seen. While we deplore the prevalence of these sentiments, we can not but rejoice that they are brought out into daylight, so that they may be understood, guarded against, and refuted.

There were two reasons against our replying to Mr. Lard's book, either of which would have governed us. First, We had discussed the questions at issue with Mr. Campbell himself, the acknowledged head of the reformation, the chief patron of the " Ancient (Bethany) Gospel." We had published our views of the principles of the reformation in Campbellism Examined. Mr. Campbell has made a long-continued and laborious effort to defend these principles, through the pages of his widely circulated Magazine. We had rejoined. Mr. Campbell had enjoyed ample time and opportunity for the vindication of his sentiments. There was no reason that we should turn aside to contend with one of his subalterns, who was vauntingly brought forward as "a brother comparatively young — one of the graduates of Bethany College," to do what Mr. C. had failed to do. We had no wish to be engaged in a perpetual discussion. Our views of Campbellism were before the public ; and we were willing to abide the decision of that tribunal. Secondly, The bitter personalities, and grossly offensive epithets, that darken almost every page of Mr. Lard's Review, forbade a reply from us. We felt, and were ready to acknowledge, that we were no match for him in the use of sucli weapons. He had reached a preeminence in the arts of abuse, to which we did not aspire. Meanwhile, it was obvious, within the range of our observation, that the virulent spirit of the work had neutralized its influence. Even his warm admirers, who extolled the book 1*

X INTRODUCTION.

for its logical acumen and force of diction, were compelled to enter a caveat against its spirit; and impartial men were ready to exclaim, in the language of James, "Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?"

Without any suggestion from us, directly or indirectly, Elder A. P. Williams, of Missouri, undertook to reply to Mr. Lard's book. He resides in the vicinity of Mr. Lard, and has taken the full measure of his abilities. A part of Mr. Williams's reply has been published in weekly numbers in the Western Watchman. The object of the writer has been, not so much to repel in detail the attacks made on Campbellism Examined, as to discuss the important principles set forth by Mr. Lard. The part of the reply which has fallen under our notice is admirable. Mr. W. marches straight forward to his object. His reason iug is clear, strong, and resistless. It is amusing to see with what ease he lifts the vail from the sophistries of Mr. Lard. He takes a comprehensive grasp of his subject, dissects it with a masterly hand, and causes the light of truth to shine through every part of it. He is at home in the Scriptures ; and has evidently drawn his theological views from a careful, independent study of them. He may have occasionally misconceived the meaning of a proof-text; but this defect is abundantly compensated by the variety, force, and originality of the arguments with which he fortifies his positions. The style of the work is concise, clear, and nervous. Its spirit is excellent, and contrasts most favorably with the virulent example of his opponent. It is calm, firm, kind, forbearing. If the latter part of the work is executed in a style corresponding with the first part — of which we have no doubt — it will leave nothing te be desired in the discussion of Campbellism. The system will be laid bare, and its errors and evil tendencies fully exposed. All who wish to view the system in its last and worst phases, should read Mr. Lard's Review and Mr. Williams's reply.

We can not close this Introduction without referring briefly to the present aspects of the Bethany reformation. There are two obvious tendencies in it — one is to evangelicalism, and the other to rationalism. The tendency to evangelic

INTRODUCTION. XI

truth is seen in numerous articles published in the journals devoted to the "Current Reformation," in the discussions on spiritual influence, and in several local divisions which have recently occurred among the Disciples, that have been caused, in part, at least, by conflicting views of the Spirit's influence. We have seen, within the last few years, several statements of the doctrine of spiritual influence, from the pens of reformers, that would be readily indorsed by the Baptist denomination; and their views were placed in direct antagonism to the rationalistic views advocated by one party among them. In short, they are beginning among themselves the very battle which nearly thirty years ago was fought between them and the Baptists. The tendency to rationalism is clearly and sadly manifested in Mr. Lard's book, and, it is to be feared, in a majority of the reformation journals. The inherent depravity of man is not denied ; but it is explained as mere peccability — a liability to sin — an infirmity to which Adam was as much subject as his posterity. The agency of the Spirit in conversion is not formally rejected; but by this is meant that " the Spirit spends on the mind of the sinner in conversion no influence except such as resides in the truth, as divine, as of the Spirit" Not only is the phrase, u Christian experience," repudiated, but the thing which it is employed among evangelical Christians to signify is ridiculed. A man, according to the system, becomes a Christian, by his own unaided powers, without prayer, precisely as he would become an Odd Fellow or a Son of Temperance, except that in the latter case he would be moved by uninspired and the former by inspired arguments. Conversion, instead of being a Divine change, comprehending a new heart — a new life — a partaking of the Divine nature — is a reformation originating simply in the force of truth and ending in immersion. The inevitable result of these opinions, if Divine grace does not counteract their tendency, must be the abandonment of all spiritual religion, and the adoption of a rationalism as heartless and barren as that of the German Xeologists.

The reader will be curious to know what ground Mr. Campbell occupies in regard to these diverging tendencies of his

XH INTRODUCTION.

" Ancient Gospel." Who can tell? Both parties appeal with confidence to the writings of their brother Campbell in support of their peculiar phases of the Bethany system; and both parties are right. Page after page may be quoted from his writings on either side. He is clearly a two-sided theologian — having an orthodox and a heterodox, a spiritual and a rationalistic side. We have looked over the pages of the Harbinger to see if he will define his position ; but we have looked in vain. It is now settled that he will never attempt to reconcile the conflicting statements of his theology. We admire his prudence. Xo human ingenuity can either reconcile or conceal the contradictions of his system ; or rather of his unsystematic speculations. But we by no means envy his position. Standing with one foot on each side of the line, his situation must be embarrassing and painful; but there he is doomed to stand till he falls. He may, as unfortunately he is accustomed to do, continue to denounce as traducers those who expose his inconsistencies; but he does not, will not, can not define his position, without involving himself in fresh complications.

Our hope of the reformation is less sanguine than it was when we wrote Campbellism Examined; but still we have hope. The Disciples hold some redeeming sentiments. As already stated, there are some hopeful tendencies and indications among them. They are held together by the magic of a name, and by a leader whose authority they have indignantly denied, and implicitly followed. It is reasonable to suppose that when Mr. C. shall have been removed from his leadership, by the infirmities of age, or the hand of death, that the diverse tendencies of the sect will be more strongly developed, and disintegration will probably follow. Meantime the course which the Baptists should pursue toward the Disciples is plain. It is utterly impossible that they should, without an abandonment of their principles, and a forgetfulness of their history, look on the sentiments put forth in Mr. Lard's book, except with disapprobation and grief. They must oppose them, firmly, earnestly, constantly, but still kindly, as they reverence the Scriptures, and desire the salvation of men. They should, however, approve and commend

INTRODUCTION. X1H

what is good, and cheerfully give what encouragement they can to every right tendency among the Disciples. Most sincerely should we sympathize with those who are contending for the real, personal, efficient agency of the Holy Spirit, without which there is neither repentance, nor faith, nor piety, nor a well-founded hope of everlasting life.

J. B. Jeter.

Richmond, April, 18G0.

Contents

INTRODUCTION.— Bt Jeter.

PAGB

1. History of controversy giving birth to this volume v

Chapter I. Christian Experience

§ 1. Statement of Mr. Lard's position 21

§ 2. Christian Experience defined 23

§ 3. Is it right to give a relation of it before the Church?.. 29

(i.) The Bible sanctions it elsewhere 30

(n.) It furnishes one example 31

(in.) Constructively, it requires it 32

(iv.) It invests the Church with the right to require

it — Makes it necessary for it to do so 33

(v.) Grounds of opposition taken by Mr. Lard 35

\ 4. Mr. Lard's second reason 37

Author's first argument in reply 39

Second argument 41

Third argument 42

§ 5. Mr. Lard's third reason 47

(XT)

XVI CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IT.

THE DITTY OF THE UNBAPTIZED TO PRAY.

PAGE

\ 1. Mr. Lard's position — It is not — Reasons 51

Issue formed — First argument 54

Second argument 57

Third " 59

Fourth " 64

Fifth " 74

Chapter III. The Influence Of The Holy Spirit In Conversion

\ 1. (i.) Mr. Lard's position stated — First argument 77

(n.) Mr. Lard's first argument stated and answered 84

§ 2. Mr. Lard's second argument reviewed 86

I 3. Mr. Lard's third argument stated and reviewed 96

# 4. Mr. Lard's fourth argument stated and reviewed 104

§ 5. Mr. Lard's fifth argument stated and noticed 114

\ 6. Mr. Lard's sixth argument stated and reviewed 115

\ 7. Mr. Lard's seventh argument stated and reviewed 121

\ 8. Mr. Lard's eighth argument stated and reviewed 125

$ 9. Mr. Lard's ninth argument stated and reviewed 130

\ 10. Mr. Lard's tenth argument stated and reviewed 134

\ 11. Mr. Lard's eleventh argument noticed 143

§ 12. Mr. Lard's twelfth argument stated and reviewed 145

§ 13. Mr. Lard's thirteenth argument stated and reviewed... 147

g 14. Mr. Lard's fourteenth and last argument considered... 150

Chapter IV

THE INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN CONVERSION Continued.

\ 1. Review of Mr. Lard's notice of Jeter's objections 154

\ 2. Review of Mr. Lard's objections to Mr. Jeter's views

of human depravity 161

$ 3. Power to sin reviewed, etc 169

\ 4. Mr. Lard reviews Mr. Jeter's second objection with

Mr. Campbell's theory reviewed 171

CONTENTS. Xvii

PAGE

I 5. Mr. Lard's review of Mr. Jeter's third objection to

Campbellism reviewed 183

\ 6. Mr. Lard's review of Mr. Jeter's fourth objection considered 194

Mr. Lard's review of Mr. Jeter's fifth objection considered 199

I 7. Mr. Lard's review of Mr. Jeter's sixth objection considered 205

\ 8. Mr. Lard's review of Mr. Jeter's seventh objection examined 213

CHAPTEK V.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN CONVERSION Continued.

§ 1. Argument in favor based on Gen. vi : 5 ; viii : 21 ;

Psalm xiv: 2, 3" 223

§ 2. Argument based on Matt, xxviii : 19, 20 230

\ 3. Argument based on Acts xviii : 9, 10 234

\ 4. Argument based on Acts xi: 20, 21 235

\ 5. Argument based on Acts xiv: 27 238

Conclusion of First Part 242

Part II, Chaptek VI

BAPTISM FOR REMISSION OF SINS.

Lard's Review of Jeter s Views Examined.

? 1. Baptism identical with Eegeneration considered 247

£ 2. Baptism a part of Conversion considered.. 250

§ 3. Mr. Lard's views of remission of sins examined 254

\ 4. Sins remitted in connection with faith — Argument

first 256

§ 5. Argument second 268

§ 6. Argument third 272

§ 7, Argument fourth 276

XV111 CONTENTS.

PAGH

1 8. Argument fifth 278

§ 9. Argument sixth 280

§ 10. Mr. Lard's first argument examined 290

§ 11. Mr. Lard's second argument examined 295

§ 12. Mr. Lard's third argument examined 310

§ 13. Mr. Lard's fourth argument examined 316

# 14. Mr. Lard's' fifth argument examined 319

§ 15. Mr. Lard's sixth argument examined 328

§ 16. Mr. Lard's seventh argument examined 336

2 17. Mr. Lard's eighth argument examined 342

\ 18. Mr. Lard's ninth argument examined 344