STEREOTYPED AT THE FRANKLIN TYPE FOUNDRY, CINCINNATI.

      It is difficult, after the lapse of forty-five years, to realize the commotion consequent on the first work of Scott and his associates. So novel, so bold, and to the candid listeners, so plain and scriptural! The enthusiasm was unbounded. The "zeal," though usually guided by knowledge, sometimes overstepped the limits of prudence; yet it is surprising so few errors became incorporated in the teaching, and that the work was marred by so few cases of indiscretion. The interest in the public mind had swelled to a torrent, whose impetuous rush bore away all before it.

      News of all that was going on was constantly transmitted to Bethany, and Mr. Campbell, whose careful and sagacious eye surveyed the movement in all directions with the mind of a general, had some fear lest the impulsive zeal of his ardent and able friend Scott might, in this quarter, wreck the vessel of reformation. At his instance, his father, the venerable Thomas Campbell, saddled his favorite sorrel, and made an extensive tour of these battle-fields. He visited first, New Lisbon, then Fairfield, Warren, Braceville, Windham, Mantua, Mentor, and other places. Nothing could have been more opportune; just such a man was needed; and none who never saw him call well appreciate the great effect of the presence, counsels, and addresses of this noblest of men. Uniting the simplicity of a child with the dignity of a senator, agreeable almost to playfulness, with a piety so pure, sweet, and unostentatious as to command the respect and admiration of all around him, the newly forming churches felt in his presence [147] the timely aid, encouragement, and counsel which could be imparted by no other one so well. His fame and abilities, as a scholar and as a speaker, drew large audiences. Seeing the work before him to be but an advance step in the great plea of the restoration which he had himself initiated and advocated twenty years before, after examining the ground with his usual caution and candor, he gave to it his full sanction, and entered upon its advocacy with all his great influence and powers. Soon after his arrival on the ground, he wrote to his son Alexander from New Lisbon, under date of April 9th, 1828, as follows:

      "I perceive that theory and practice in religion, as well as in other things, are matters of distinct consideration. . . . We have spoken and published many things correctly concerning the ancient gospel--its simplicity and perfect adaptation to the present state of mankind, for the benign and gracious purposes of its immediate relief and complete salvation--but I must confess, that, in respect of the direct exhibition and application of it for that blessed purpose, I am at present, for the first time, upon the ground where the thing has appeared to be practically exhibited to the proper purpose. 'Compel them to come, saith the Lord, I that my house may be filled.'

      "Mr Scott has made a bold push to accomplish, this object, by simply and boldly stating the ancient gospel and insisting upon it; and then by putting the question generally and particularly to males and females, old and young: Will you come to Christ and be baptized for the remission of your sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit? Don't you believe this blessed gospel? Then come away, etc., etc. This elicits a personal conversation; some confess faith in the testimony--beg time to think; others consent--give their hands to be baptized as soon as [148] convenient; others debate the matter friendly; some go straight to the water, be it day or night; and, upon the whole, none appear offended."

      He spent the month of May, (1828), in Braceville, Windham, and that region, adding strength and members to the cause, and teaching piety and pure religion from house to house. He preached in Windham, Lord's day, the 8th of May, and baptized Rev. Reuben Ferguson, a Methodist preacher of great moral worth, who began immediately to preach the faith as proclaimed by the apostles at the beginning.

      The travels of EIder Campbell were very extensive, and his labors abundant. He visited Chardon, Hamden, and Huntsburg; the latter of which were new and weak churches. He was among the infant churches like Barnabas of the apostolic days. No record can convey a proximate estimate of the blessings of his presence and labors at this juncture. There was probably no man within the reformation who possessed such authority of personal influence; of noble mien and manly form; grave and serene of countenance; courtly in manners, his discourses always religious and instructive, he impressed his hearers always favorably and permanently. The young disciples and inexperienced preachers, who were now springing up, needed such a model; and it was delightful to see the quiet and profound deference yielded to him wherever he came.

      It was during this period of his travels on the Western Reserve that he fell in with Aylett Raines. Bro. Raines may tell his impressions in his own words:

      "Not long after this period I made the acquaintance of Bro. Thomas Campbell. He interested himself in my [149] favor, and had me travel and preach with him several months. This I view as a merciful interposition of my Heavenly Father. By day and by night, publicly and from house to house, he was my teacher. I feel that I was greatly benefited, but how much I can never tell. Not only by word, but by example, he deeply impressed my warm and susceptible heart. He was, emphatically, a godly man. He was greatly addicted to private devotions. Often have I seen him, when he had no reason to believe that any eye saw him but that eye before which all things are naked and open, in his closet, prostrate on his face, pouring out his soul in prayer to God. I thank God that I ever made the acquaintance of that great and good man; and I look forward with bright and cheering anticipations when we may meet to part no more, in the brighter and better world." [150]

[Early History of the Disciples in the Western Reserve, Ohio pp 147-150.]

      The extract of Thomas Campbell's letter to Alexander Campbell (April 9, 1828) was first published in A. S. Hayden's Early History of the Disciples in the Western Reserve, Ohio (Cincinnati, OH: Chase & Hall, 1875), pp. 148-149.

      A. S. Hayden's narrative has been included to provide historical context and continuity. Pagination in the electronic version has been represented by placing the page number in brackets following the last complete word on the printed page. Emendations are as follows:

            Printed Text [ Electronic Text
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 p. 147:    euthusiasm [ enthusiasm
 p. 148:    Do n't [ Don't
 

      Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik
Derry, PA

Created 6 January 1998.
Updated 8 July 2003.