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In 1818 a church in New York sent a letter to “the churches of Christ, scattered over the earth,” asking them for a statement of their views and practices. These letters were later printed in The Christian Baptist, a paper edited by Alexander Campbell (1788-1866). Since denominational preachers often claim that Campbell was the founder of the “church of Christ,” I thought it would be interesting to examine some of these letters. Before printing the circular from New York, Campbell explained the importance of the correspondence between these churches: “The faults and blemishes of those who have attempted a better order of things, are not without benefit to us who inquire after the ancient order of things. Many of these societies have progressed well, all things considered: and their attempts and efforts, however they may be disapprobated, are of more real importance to be known that the doings of Luther and Calvin, and other reformers from ancient popery.”

In the letter sent out by the church in New York, it was stated they would bind only those things“ which can be clearly adduced from the

New Testament.” Following the pattern of the early Christians they met together every Lord’s day. The services started with a public prayer, after which the congregation sang a hymn, led by one of the elders. Then they would have a scripture reading, observe the Lord’s Supper and give of their means (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 20:7). One of the elders or brethren would then give “exhortation from the word of God.” After a period of praise, a prayer would be offered and the congregation dismissed. In accordance with the law of Christ they required “that all whom we receive into fellowship should believe in their heart, and confess with their mouth, that Jesus is the Christ; that he died for our sins, according to the scriptures; and that upon such confession, and such alone, they should be baptized” (cf. Acts 8:35-39). The letter was signed on March 1, 1818 by the congregation’s two elders and three deacons.

“The Church of Christ meeting in Morrison’s Court, Glasgow” was established somewhere between 1772 and 1782. They had 180 members in 1818. This group also worshipped each Lord’s day. As to the order of services, they followed the pattern of Acts 2 where “they continued in

the apostle’s doctrine, and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Realizing the importance of doctrinal purity, they explained, “It is necessary to guard both against too much and too little forbearance; and especially in respect to the external order of the society.”

“The Church of Christ assembling in Leith Walk, Edinburgh” was planted around 1798. In 1818 they numbered 250, including three elders and four deacons. At one time they only observed the Lord’s Supper once a month. After careful examination of the New Testament, they returned to the “apostolic tradition” of a weekly observance (cf. Acts 20:7). During the services on Sunday morning “the names of those who had applied for fellowship are also read, and the result of the conversation which the elders and two or more of the brethren have had with them, is stated. If the church be satisfied, they are baptized in the course of a week, and received next Lord’s Day.” This delay was longer than was practiced by the New Testament church (cf. Acts 16:33). They also met each Wednesday and Friday evening for prayer and public teaching. Modern churches could learn a lesson from this congregation. “From comparing the various passages on this subject, we learn that in partaking of the Lord’s supper, we are not to satisfy our hunger, and that the place for doing so is our own houses, where we may exercise hospitality to our brethren, but that the church ought not to come together to eat and drink.” Paul said, “But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home” (1 Corinthians 11:34).

“The Church of Christ at Tubermore” first met in May, 1807. Their 250 members met together every Lord’s day to worship. Concerning fellowship they said, “We do not plead for forbearance as a useful scheme left to our own discretion, or justify it, as some have done, fromthat pleasing variety found among the works of God. Such language we hold in utter abhorrence. Variety in the works of creation is a beauty; but God is the author of that variety. Difference of sentiment upon every thing revealed by God is an evil, because it is the sinful ignorance of men. Can God command all his people to know his will, and shall it be a perfection to be variously ignorant of this?”

This small congregation was established in 1810 with only three members. Elders and deacons were appointed in 1817. The next year they numbered 33. Aside from three meetings each Lord’s day, they also met twice during the week for prayer, scripture reading, and teaching. They attended to the observance of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday afternoon.

The Stephen Street congregation in Dublin was established in 1810 and consisted of 100 members in 1818. Their order of services was almost identical with the church in New York. They had not yet appointed elders because they could not agree upon the necessary qualifications. While explaining why they were more tolerant of differing opinions on Bible themes, they said, “that all blindness, as to apostolic precepts, is chargeable on the folly and slowness of our hearts. The same folly and slowness of heart prevented the apostles from receiving many truths at the mouth of Jesus; but as their folly and slowness of heart was not indicative of a rejection of Christ, so neither in these days do we apprehend that in the folly and slowness of professors to receive many truths in the apostolic records, is in all cases indicative of a rejection of their authority; and as the Lord bore with the apostles, we see not but his example was recorded for our imitation.” -- Morris Bowers

This study is important for church members today because of the modernist and liberal sentiment that is in vogue today among most religious people in America (i.e. today’s date: 1-3-2011). Since this is a problem we must teach

a new generation the facts about the origin and doctrine of the New Testamen (i.e. the one found upon the pages of the Bible) …glclair@aol.com

The title of this article is taken from a book by Leroy Garrett, titled "The Stone Campbell Movement". This book, I have purchased and read. The book is called a history of the reformation movement. From the documented cases within the book of statements attributed to both Stone and the Campbells it would seem that the author hoped to tone down the concept of restoration patternism as he considers it divisive and exclusive. I desire to address the concept of Leroy Garrett and others who consider the concept of restoration and patternism to be divisive and unacceptable to the promoters of unity.

Unity is surely desirable among all saints because of the prayer of our Lord (John 17:20-21 - see also HILLIARD BULLETIN, Vol. 5, Number 11, 12), and for peace and happy disposition that it could bring to all religious people. Unity is not impossibility; it may be attained on the basis of what God has said about its attainment. Unity cannot be attained on the basis of feelings, what the reformers have said, or formulas worked out in unity meetings at Nashville, Tulsa or Joplin, etc. Men may have no effect upon the attainment of unity any further than they may deviate from the revealed truth; indeed, they may form some kind of union but to attain unity they must not proceed any less, any further, or suggest anything else than that which the Lord has authorized to accomplish that aim. While unity seekers may find an acceptable formula to everyone concerned in that most desirable aspiration, the only formula acceptable to God is to unify upon that which he has already revealed via the Written Word (Jude 3). Those that seek unity must recognize that those of us who are considered patternists (i.e., the Bible being that pattern) are also interested in unity on that basis, the Divine pattern.

To accuse those of us that make up the church of Christ of being by nature exclusivists is, I believe an accurate description. Indeed, we are convinced that the Written Word of God reveals a pattern for the salvation of the lost. That pattern contains a list of five items. The five items is God's pattern for the salvation of the alien are: (1) hearing -- Romans 10:17 (2) believing -- Mark 16:15-16 (3) repenting -- Acts 2:38 (4) Confession of Jesus Christ as God's Son -- Romans 10:9-10 (5) baptism "for remission of sin" -- Acts 2:38, etc. We are convinced that only those that comply with these conditions from God's Written Word will have their sins remitted. If this concept is divisive who has made it divisive? We did not. It is our sincere desire to see everyone follow this pattern to the saving of his or her soul from sin. Is that divisive?

This concept of salvation from sin is only divisive to that one who refuses to comply with the conditions that God has set forth in His book of authority. No doubt there are a number of abstract and unsound concepts that may deprive one of reason and contribute to an outright refusal to come to God's pattern and be saved, yet if one will consider and accept the conditions of pardon, then unity on this point exists between him and me. I am willing to accept anyone in fellowship who can show from the Divine pattern another way to be saved from sin. I have searched the Written Word for nearly 45 years for another way; there is only the one pattern that has been shown. The pattern for salvation from sin is so clear to one who will search the cases of conversion in the book of Acts, rightly divide them (cf., 2 Timothy 2:15), and apply the conditions to self and be saved. Then fellowship may exist between that one and all others who have done likewise.

Because many refuse to follow the biblical pattern in order to be saved from sin, should we loosen the concept contained in God's Word to include them in the group that God considers saved? Absolutely not. Because I insist upon compliance with the commands of God's Written Word for all, does that make we divisive? If that is to be deducted from my action, I plead that it is totally unreasonable from a scriptural point of view. I plead that it is unreasonable based upon past evidence from the occurrences revealed to us regarding God's attitude toward those that failed to comply with His instruction. Please notice the following:

Ø Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:9, 17; 3:1-24). Adam and Eve knew that God has required obedience. They disobeyed, brought death upon the whole family of mankind, and were cast out of paradise (i.e., Eden).

Ø Cain offered an unacceptable sacrifice and then kills his brother Abel (Genesis 4:3-16). Cain knew that God required a blood sacrifice and ignored it, bringing himself then to kill his brother and cause God to curse him.

Ø Sodom, Gomorrah and the cities of the plain (Genesis 19:23-30). God again dealt with sin. God did not approve homosexuality and the sinners were destroyed.

Ø Aaron's golden calf (Exodus 32:1-32:35). The people knew that they were to worship Jehovah alone. They refused to recognize Jehovah as God, thereby many were destroyed.

Ø The two sons of Aaron knew that God had given instructions for every facet of the worship service, they rejected God's instruction and were struck dead instantly.\

From these Old Testament examples and many others, we are made aware of God's attitude toward following His pattern. It is apparent that long before Leroy Garret and his friends were born God required that man follow the Divine pattern. This insistence of God that men follow His pattern predated the American restoration movement by several thousand years.

Ø Christ tempted by the Devil (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus referred the Devil to the Divine pattern in each of the temptations thusly saying, "It is written."

Ø Peter and John's position (Acts 4:18-20). Peter and John were threatened by the authorities and told not to teach any further about Christ. They presented to the rulers the fact that they had no choice but to reject their order and continue to serve God according to the pattern.

Ø Ananias and Sapphira his wife (Acts 5:1-11). Apparently, these two considered lying. an acceptable substitute for truth, thereby bringing condemnation upon themselves.

Ø Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48). Cornelius was one of the pious unimmersed; yet, he was not saved from sin. He had not complied with the pattern. After he had complied with the pattern, he was saved and accepted into the fellowship of God.

Ø God's rejection of all who sought to follow the Law of Moses for salvation after the law of Christ had replaced it (Romans). God has no regard for those that follow a law (even though He at one time approved it) that has been abrogated or one that conflicts with the Divine pattern now binding.

Ø Man cannot reject the Divine pattern on any issue and expect to be accepted by God (Hebrews 2:1-4).

Ø How can we expect to escape condemnation, having testimony of so many who did comply with the Divine pattern and were thereby made acceptable to God (Hebrews 11:1-40; 12:1-2).

God required that all mankind comply with His conditions as far back as the early New Testament era as seen from the documented evidence thus far shown. Can the concept of compliance today be accurately described as divisive and those of us who insist upon that compliance be justly condemned as pattern followers, etc.? In the scheme of revelation may be found the Divine pattern for salvation of the alien. Those of us who desire to please God have no other choice but to teach, insist, and defend that proposition. If our religious neighbors castigate us for this and call us all manner of adverse names, that still does not change the truth of God's instruction to them. To suggest that by absolutely abiding within the pattern there can be no unity with denominations and that position itself is divisive we admit, yet is that really such a great obstacle to unity? Surely our religious neighbors that teach differently have no greater desire for unity than we do, but our insistence on following the Divine pattern is none the less divisive and God intended it to be so to all who will not conform thereto. We are concerned, we desire unity, and we will fellowship everyone that abides within the confines of the Divine pattern. A good beginning place might be the surrender of the denominational form of faith only and a compliance with the Divine pattern on salvation from sin.

When in the previous paragraph we suggested that compliance with the Divine pattern on the plan of salvation might be a starting point, we did not imply that the accepted ideas found in denomination's circles regarding faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are acceptable to us or to God. I simply imply that the Divine pattern gives the formula for salvation from sin with the right understanding of each item, as baptism (according to the Divine pattern) is for the "remission of sin" (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21), a burial in and a coming out of the water (Romans 6:1-4; Acts 2:36-39), places one in a covenant relationship with Christ (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27), and that there is only "one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5). Any person who is not thusly baptized is not in fellowship with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit and consequently may have no fellowship with me. Since, in reality my fellowship is with the Godhead conditioned upon my faithful obedience to the divine pattern, any fellowship I may have with others is incidental to that fellowship I have with the Godhead. As we have defined baptism, so must we insist upon the proper attitudes, motives, mode for baptism, etc., with regard to all other facets contained in God's pattern for the salvation of the alien.

To the charge that evangelists for churches of Christ (at least this one) teaches patternism, that the compliance to the Divine pattern causes division (i.e., causes some to reject us), I readily admit. To the charge that Stone and the Campbells with others of the restoration period began the concept, that there can be no unity where patternism (an appeal to the Divine pattern) exist, that those of us who insist upon following the pattern are divisive, this I deny.

January 1, 2007 - Today we begin a New Year of hope for the future. I am including a copy of the letter that I have sent to all of the members of the church here on Cemetery Road in Hilliard and to a few good friends in other places.

We are thankful this year for each of you and for the collective good that we have accomplished together in God’s service. The work of the church here has experienced continued peace, growth, and sincerity as each one of you together with us have contributed to the success of the work as a whole. Surely the Godhead is pleased with the work that this good congregation continues to do.

Please know that we are thankful for your kindness and support while I have experienced serious health problems during this year of 2006. I do not believe that I could have survived this year without your prayers, constant care, and gifts that you have so abundantly bestowed on Barbara and me. There is no way that we will ever be able to repay you for the kindness, mercy, love, and consideration you have shown us.

We will, by God’s great grace continue to work continually together with you to make our calling together and election sure. We will extend ourselves beyond our ability if that were possible to assist in our collective preparation to someday meet our Savior and hear that welcome home my faithful ones.

Let us therefore with renewed appreciation for our relationship together with the Godhead do whatever we can do to promote growth, both in knowledge and numbers. We will not become tired or overburdened with the needs of others but will become renewed each time a crisis arrives that effects one of the faithful ones here. We will rush to the side of the faithful who suffer infirmity or tribulation of whatever kind and aid in whatever way we can.

Galatians 6:9-10, “9 And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.” ASV

2 Thessalonians 3:13-16, “13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing. 14 And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man, that ye have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. 15 And (yet) count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.

God is always good to those that serve Him faithfully. History records the benevolence of God on behalf of the faithful, therefore; the faithful today might have great faith in the final outcome.

The work here at 4840 Cemetery Road continues to prosper. The spirit of good will, cooperation, and faithfulness to the BOOK continues.

Selfishness and personal ambition often destroys more people and their usefulness in society, their home, the workplace, and yes! The church May we each take inventory of our actions and motives often so that we will never fall into a state of selfishness.

Let us do well unto all men, especially unto those who are of household of faith - James 1:27; Galatians 6:10; John 13:35

Seek the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." Never compromise the "TRUTH" for any reason.

Life is good when you are a Christian; you possess hope that the non-Christian does not. Indeed, heaven is your future home - the non-Christian has no good, happy home but can only look forward to eternal torment.

All good things come from God - James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." KJV

The value of a person may not always be appreciated at first meeting. Yet, as one continues to associate with a true Christian they

Phil 2:4, "not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others."

Proverbs 16:31, "The hoary head is a crown of glory; it shall be found in the way of righteousness."

Proverbs 20:29, "The glory of young men is their strength; and the beauty of old men is the hoary head." ASV

There is no time like the present to get your life right with God. This is true because we do not know whether we will be here for another week.

Last month in the year, if there are things that you need to get done this year now is the time to do them.

13 Do Not Boast About Tomorrow Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit";

14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

15 Instead you ought to say,” If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." NKJV

Possibly one of the most neglected facets of true disciples is their lack of appreciation for all the blessings that are theirs to enjoy. In many instances those of us who live here in America do not often count our blessings; we have taken them for granted. Indeed, there are material and spiritual blessings for God’s People if they simply understand the relationship they sustain with God and other people. In our study today let us look at some of the spiritual and some of the material blessings available in the church of Christ [i.e. in our relationship to God].

Living in America, no place else like U.S.A.
Having a degree of health, greatest life span for citizens
Having adequate food and shelter. Adequate food available for population
Having good health care in this country, hospitals everywhere staffed with good doctors and nurses
Having the ability to work and earn an honest living, anyone can get a job many opportunities to work in U.S.A.
Having schools to educate our children and ourselves, one of the world’s best educational systems
Living free from fear and war in our country, many countries constantly torn by war after war

Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly (places) in Christ:” ASV

WE ARE BLESSED BECAUSE WE GIVE WORSHIP TO GOD AND AID OUR BRETHREN AND OUR NEIGHBORS:

Acts 20:35, “In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” ASV

Romans 4:7, “7(saying) Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” ASV

Romans 4:8, “…Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not reckon sin.” ASV

Titus 2:11-13, “11 For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; 13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” ASV

James 1:12-15, “12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which (the Lord) promised to them that love him.13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man: 14 but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is full-grown, bringeth forth death.” ASV

James 1:25, “But he that looketh into the perfect law, the (law) of liberty, and (so) continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing.”

Revelation 14:13. “And I heard the voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.” ASV

We are blessed through so many avenues because we faithfully serve God. We ought to be appreciative of these things and others that we did not list here. To be a faithful Christian is truly a blessing. Will you become a Christian today or will you be restored to faithfulness today? “What a great series of blessings you are missing!”

Garreth has over 50 years experience as a preacher, and is currently the preacher for the church that meets at 4840 Cemetery Road, in Hilliard OH.