Thomas Campbell (1763 to 1854)
Thomas Campbell left Ireland in 1807 because of poor health and journey to North America.
He was a minister of the Seceder Presbyterian Church in Ireland and when he arrived in America, he introduced himself to the Synod meeting at Philadelphia that year. He was assigned to the Presbytery of Chartiers in Pennsylvania.
The Seceder branch of the Presbyterian- church was very strict in extending fellowship and Campbell’s personality was much too benevolent for his brethren. Campbell sought to be reconciled with the synod, but his determination to unite different denominations was rejected by them. And they closed their doors to him.
He had many friends that were in full sympathy with his efforts. He preach in school houses, barns, under trees and in farm houses. People gathered to hear him preach on how he pleaded for unity on Scriptural teachings.
One of his sermons delivered to these groups has long been remembered for its profound effect. “Speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent.” This method of teaching eliminated the adding of doctrines put together by men. It set forth the principle that would guide him for the remainder of his days.
In 1808, Thomas Campbell was joined in America by his family. His son Alexander united his efforts to restore what the bible teaches in the restoration movement.
On September 8, 1809, Thomas Campbell preached his famous “Declaration and Address,” another of the great documents supporting Christian unity.
Some of the principles stated in this sermon were:
- “There is but one church of Christ.”
- “There ought not be any schisms or divisions.”
- “Nothing ought to be taught as articles of faith or terms of communion, but what is expressly enjoined in the Word of God.”
- “The New Testament is the constitution for the worship, discipline and government of the New Testament Church.”
- “If the Scriptures are silent on a point, no human authority has the right to make laws for the church.”
- “Those who realize they are lost and are willing to profess faith in Christ and obedience to Him according to His word should be admitted to the church.”
- ” That human expedients may be necessary to the fulfillment of a command, but should never be adopted by causing contention nor division in the church.”