R. CAMPBELL endeavored to keep his family aware of his goings, but some of the letters that deal with the things of the Synod and of the journey to his new place of labor in Washington County, Pa., failed to reach their destination. However, the family learned of his appointment and the early satisfaction he had in his ministry.

      The "Minutes of Chartiers Presbytery" contain no formal notice of the entrance of Messrs. Campbell and Dickie into its boundaries and fellowship. It is naturally concluded that he was present for the first time at the Presbytery session held at the Harmony Meeting-house, June 30 and July 1, 1807. Though Mr. Campbell's name does not occur as listed among those present, he is given assignments as follows:

"Mr. Campbell at Buffaloe on the 2d and 3d sab. of July, at Mt. Pleasant on the 4th, at Pittsburgh on 1st sab. of August; at Squire McKees on the 2d; at Cannamaugh on the 3rd and 4th, at Squire Smith's on 5th, at John Templeton's on the 1st sab. of Sept'r, at Upper Piney Creek in John Sloane's on the 2d, at Mercer's on the 3rd and 4th, at, John Hammel's on the 1st of Oct'r, at Breakneck on the 2nd and at Buffaloe on the 3rd and 4th" (p. 122). [31]

      In Memoirs of Elder Campbell, Alexander Campbell offers selections from his father's diary, acquainting us with his habit of keeping such a book. These extracts bear dates in the year of 1800 only. Unfortunately there is no diary, nor are there letters extant that cover the period of life with which we are dealing. How Mr. Campbell went to these appointments, which took him into Beaver, Allegheny and Indiana Counties of Pennsylvania, as well as in his own home county of Washington, we know not. Probably he rode horseback as he surely did some twenty years later; for a writer refers to the old sorrel Thomas Campbell used on trips to Ohio. Stagecoach and canal boat were at times available. Occasionally the preachers in the Chartiers Presbytery failed to meet their engagements, and they were expected to give satisfactory reasons for such failures. Note this extract from the minutes of June 30, 1807:

"Mr. Duncan offered objections against his preaching according to the appointment of last meeting; but his objection not being admitted, it was agreed that after the space of half an hour he should go out and preach a sermon, which he accordingly did."

One can not but wonder whether Mr. Duncan preached to people or cattle and sheep or to a grove of oak trees.

      We will search in vain for any report or intimation that Mr. Campbell failed to meet any of his appointments. But it was the failure of the Rev. Mr. Anderson which brought forth the first detailed heresy trial in the United States. [32] Chartiers Presbytery met at Mt. Hope Meeting-house on Oct. 27, 1807, and Thos. Campbell's name (spelled almost without exception in the Minutes with but one l) is listed among the ministers present.

"Enquiry having been made concerning the fulfillment of appointments, Mr. Anderson acknowledged that he had not fulfilled the appointment to assist Mr. Campbel in dispensing the sacrament of the Lord's Supper at Buffaloe, and gave as his excuse or reason, an account, which he had by such testimony as he judged sufficient for him to proceed upon, that Mr. Campbel had publicly taught the opinions expressed in the two following propositions, viz.: 'That there is all appropriation of Christ to ourselves lit the essence of saving faith, such appropriation belonging to a high degree of that faith; and that we, have nothing but human authority or agreement for confessions of faith, testimonies, covenanting and fast days before the dispensation of the Lord's Supper', and as, Mr. Anderson judged that these propositions were inconsistent with some articles of our testimony, it appeared upon consideration most proper not to join with Mr. Campbel in the communion till the matter should be enquired into. After some conversation on this subject, it was agreed to put this question, Whether upon supposition that the testimony upon which Mr. Anderson proceeded was sufficient, his conduct in declining to fulfill his appointment was excusable? Which question being put, was carried in the affirmative."

Continuing the quotation from page 124:

"It was then agreed to [33] enquire what testimony Mr. Anderson proceeded upon; and the testimony of Mr. Wilson, a member of this court, declaring that he heard Mr. Campbel utter the aforesaid propositions in his public discourses at a late sacramental occasion at Cannamaugh,^{1} having been produced, the question was proposed, Whether this testimony was sufficient for Mr. Anderson to proceed upon in declining to fulfill his appointment? It was carried that it was sufficient. Upon which Anderson's excuse was admitted."

      In four months' time, he, who had served for several years in the ministry with signal success in Ireland without any intimation either secret or open of heresy, had in America become a heretic, unworthy of having his fellow Seceder ministers assist him "on sacramental occasions." Thomas Campbell, without his full library and depending mainly on his Bible, might have changed doctrinally; but it would seem that the Seceder ministers of the Chartiers Presbytery were less liberal than their Old World Irish brethren. Mr. Campbell had in his parish at Ahorey used the privilege of "occasional hearing," and at night, after his services, had attended meetings in the Independent Church. He had heard some of the great figures of English and Irish Independency, such as Rowland [34] Hill, James Alexander Haldane, Alexander Caron (on the way to becoming an Independent), and John Walker. He had heard much about the Methodism of that day. He had an opportunity to learn of the teachings of John Glas and Robert Sandeman. He had become a member of a missionary society called the Evangelical Society, which sent out many liberal and earliest preachers to convene and preach to the general public (Richardson's Memoirs, Vol. I., pp. 59ff.). Just how much this "hearing" had affected Mr. Campbell's religious convictions we can not determine. He had been a great reader and student, and it may be that almost unconsciously he had grown out of the teachings and practices of the Seceder testimony.

      To return to the meeting of Presbytery at Mt. Hope: At the morning session on the following day, October 28, after the reading of the minutes, Mr. Campbell made a motion which received a second, "To reconsider what respected Mr. Anderson's excuse for not fulfilling his appointment at Buffaloe." The motion was lost.

"Upon which Mr. Campbel gave in a verbal protest and having said that he would not sit any longer in this Presbytery, he withdrew. It was agreed not to admit his protest, as it was without any appeal to an higher court."

      Presbytery continued another day at the Mt. Hope Meeting-house (October 29).

"The Presbytery entered upon the consideration of the case of Mr. Campbel, who according to Mr. Wilson's testimony had taught the erroneous tenets [35] previously mentioned. Agreed to appoint Messrs. Anderson, Wilson, Alison and Ramsay, ministers, with John Hay ruling elder, as a committee to enquire into reports concerning erroneous opinions said to be delivered by the Rev'd Mr. Campbel, and if they judge it necessary to state the charges that appear to lie against him in the form of Libel, and in the meantime, agree not to give him any appointments on account of his disorder by leaving Presbytery.^{2} While the members of Presbytery were attending to this business, they received a letter from Mr. Campbel containing among other things a Protest, which could not be received for the same reason as before."

Messrs. Ramsay and Anderson, by appointment, drafted a reply to this letter, which was approved by Presbytery, and sent to Mr. Campbell.

      We are entirely in the dark as to the contents of that letter. There is no response to our curiosity. Leaving Mr. Campbell without appointments for the next two months, deprived him of income that had been fixed by the Presbytery on July 1, 1807:

"The vacancies shall give ministers that are sent to them by this Presbytery, four dollars for a sabbath and two dollars for a working-day."

In all probability it gave some occasion, for the seventh [36] article of the Libel, which was framed by the committee, as we shall see later.

      The original document corrects the only account of this Libel which is current among those who are interested in Thomas Campbell and the plan for Christian union which he gave forth to the world in 1809. Dr. Richardson, in Memoirs of Alexander Campbell (Vol. I., p. 224), places all responsibility for the charges against Father Campbell upon the shoulders of "a young minister, a Mr. Wilson," who "Felt it his duty, therefore, at the next meeting of the Presbytery, to lay the case before it, in the usual form of 'Libel,' containing various formal and specified charges." As shown before from the Chartiers Presbytery Minutes, a committee of four ministers and one ruling elder was charged with the duty of bringing in the Libel, if they should find it necessary. It is of interest to know somewhat about those four ministers. The Rev. Mr. Anderson (John) had become a D.D., and the Professor of Theology for the Associated Churches in the Presbytery of Chartiers on Apr. 21, 1794. He was small of stature, had the appearance of scarcely having any neck; his voice was weak, and before coming to America Mr. Anderson had found it hard to get a hearing. He was ordained in Philadelphia sine titulo, and itinerated for some time. In 1792 he was installed as pastor at Mill Creek and Harmon's Creek, in Beaver County in the Chartiers Presbytery. Dr. Anderson wrote in 1793 "The Appropriation Which Is in the Nature of Saving Faith." He lectured every day of his seminary [37] session from three to four hours at a time. "He was in temper somewhat irascible, although distinguished for meekness and humility and was very impatient of contradiction, so far as related to matters of principle" (Manual of United Presbyterian Church, p. 201 ). The Rev. Mr. Wilson (William), born 1770, had his literary training in Glasgow; came to America in 1791 or 1792. He was the first theological student of Dr. Anderson, mentioned above, at Harmon's Creek (now Service) in a little log house which was the seminary. He was ordained in 1800 and served at Monteurs, Flaugherty's Run and Noblestown (1). 652 in Manual). Mr. Allison (Thomas), was born in 1771, educated at Canonsburg Academy, studied theology with Dr. Anderson it Harmon's Run, licensed In 1800. He was ordained over Mt. Hope and Cross Creek (Va.) Churches in 1802 (Manual, p. 198). The Rev. Mr. Ramsay (James) was born in 1771, came from the Presbyterian Church into the Associate Churches at Frankfort, Beaver County. He studied classics under his pastor, Dr. Anderson; then went to Canonsburg Academy and later returned to take theological studies under Dr. Anderson. Mr. Ramsay was licensed to preach in 1803, and was ordained pastor of Chartiers Church in 1805. It will be seen that the committee could be of one mind, if the influence and training of a single professor remained long with his students.

      Chartiers Presbytery assembled at Monteur's Run Meeting-house, Jan. 5, 1808 (the secretary wrote 1807 and some one later put in the proper [38] year). Mr. Campbell's name is among those who are listed as present.

"The minutes of the former meeting being read, Mr. Campbel offered as correction of that minute with regard to the motion he made at that meeting for the Presbytery's reconsidering their decision concerning Mr. Anderson's not fulfilling his appointment at Buffaloe; that it ought to have as a distinct motion that he should have leave to state his grievances to this Presbytery."

But Presbytery refused the correction, holding "that Mr. Campbel made only one motion at the time, not two."

      In the evening of the next day at a meeting in the home of Mr. Hay, it was "agreed to receive the report of the committee appointed to make enquiry concerning erroneous tenets said to have been taught publickly, by Mr. Campbel." Upon which a Libel was produced, the tenor whereof follows:^{3}

      "1. It is erroneous and contrary to the Holy Scriptures or our subordinate standards to teach that a person's appropriation of Christ to himself as his own Savior, does not belong to the essence of Saving Faith; but only to a high degree of it. 1 Cor. XV. 3: 'I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures'--compared with v. 11, 'so we preach and so ye also believed.' Ps. XXXI. 14: 'I trusted In thee, O Lord, I said thou art my God.' Acts V. 11: 'We believe that through [39] the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved.'

      "Larger Catechism, Quest. 72: Justifying Faith is a saving grace whereby a sinner assenteth not only to the truth of the promise of the Gospel: but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness therein held forth for the pardon or sin; and for the accepting and accounting his person righteous in the sight of God for salvation.

      "Declaration and Testimony, Part II., Art. XIII., Sec. 6: We testify against all who deny that any persuasion, assurance or confidence that we in particular thro' the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved, belongs to the nature of saving faith.

      "But you, the Rev'd Thomas Campbell, have publickly taught this error at Conemaugh and Mt. Pleasant. Witnesses: Rev'd Wm. Wilson, Alex'r Murray, student in divinity, Patrick Douglas.

      "2. It is erroneous or contrary to the Holy Scriptures and our subordinate standards to assert that a church has no divine warrant for holding Confessions of Faith as terms of communion.

      "[Quotation^{4}: (1) Scriptures, 2 Tim. 1:13; Acts 16: 4; Jude 3. (2) Confession, Chap. 31, See. 3. (3) Declaration and Testimony, Art. 4, See. 1.]

      "But you, the Rev'd Thomas Campbell, taught this error at Conemaugh and Buffaloe. Witnesses: [40] Rev'd Wm. Wilson, James Brownlee, Hugh Allison, Wm. Brownlee.

      "3. It is erroneous or contrary to the Holy Scriptures and our subordinate standard to assert that it is the duty of ruling elders to pray and exhort publickly in vacant congregations.

      "[Quotations: (1) Scriptures, 1 Tim. 4:13, 14; 1 Tim. 4:17; Heb. 5:4. (2) Westminster Confession in 'Office of Pastor.' (3) Larger Catechism, Question 158].

      "But you, the Rev'd Thomas Campbell, taught the above error at Buffaloe. Witnesses: James Brownlee, Walter Maxwell, Hugh Allison.

      "4. It is erroneous or contrary to the Holy Scriptures and our subordinate standards to assert that it is warrantable for the people of our communion to bear ministers that are in a stated opposition to our testimony (that is to the truths of God's word for which that Testimony is maintained).

      "[Quotations: (1) Scriptures, Prov. 19:27; Rom. 16; Heb. 11: 23; 2 John 10. (2) Larger Catechism, Ques. 108. (3) Declaration and Testimony, Part 3, Art. 1.]

      "But you, the Rev'd Thomas Campbell, have publickly taught this error in Buffaloe. Witnesses, Joseph Panter, Joseph Clark, Peter Robinson, John Buchanan, Jacob Donaldson.

      "5. It is erroneous or contrary to the Holy Scripture and our subordinate standards to assert that our Lord Jesus Christ was not subject to the precept as well as the penalty of [41] the law in the stead of his people or as their surety.

      "[Quotations: (1) Scriptures, Gal. 4:4; Mat. 3:5; 5:7. (2) Confession or Faith, Ch. 8, sec. 4. (3) Declaration and Testimony, Part 2, Art. 7, Sec. 17 Sec. 3.]

      "But you, the Rev'd Thomas Campbell, have publickly taught the above mentioned error in Buffaloe. Witnesses: James Brownlee, Walter Maxwell, Jesse Mitchell, Hugh Allison.

      "6. It is erroneous or contrary to the Holy Scriptures and our subordinate standards to assert that any man is able in this life to live without sin in thought, word and deed.

      "[Quotations: (1) Scriptures, Eccle. 7:20; 1 John 1:8; Gal. 5:17. (2) Shorter Catechism, Ques. 82, (3) Declaration and Testimony, Part 2, Art. 19.]

      "But you, Rev'd Thomas Campbell, have publickly taught the above mentioned error in Buffaloe. Witnesses: James Brownlee, Elizabeth Hannah.

      "7. It is contrary y to the Holy Scriptures and to the Rules of Presbyterial Church Government, for a minister of our communion to preach in a congregation where any of our ministers are settled, without any regular call or appointment.

      "There are two ways in which an ordinary minister of the word has a regular call to exercise his office in any congregation. One is when he is sent by a Presbytery to continue for a short time, (Acts 8:14). The other is when a minister is ordained the fixed pastor of a congregation (Acts 14: 23). [42]

      "[Quotations: Scriptures, 1 Cor. 14:32, 33; 16:17.]

      "This practice is contrary to the engagement ministers come under at their ordination to endeavor to maintain the spiritual unity and peace of this church, carefully avoiding every divisive cause.

      "But you, the Rev'd Thomas Campbell, a member of this Presbytery, are chargeable with the above mentioned practice in preaching within the bounds of the Associate Congregations of Chartiers, where the Rev'd Mr. Ramsay is settled, without any regular call or appointment." (End of the Libel.)

      "The several articles were read and judged relevant. After hearing Mr. Campbell on each of these articles, and also reasoning of members, it was agreed to put the Libel into Mr. Campbell's hand; which was done accordingly; and the further prosecution of this affair was delayed until the next meeting, which was appointed to be at Buffaloe on the 2d Tuesday of February next. At which meeting though the Presbytery did not appoint a formal trial, nor summon witnesses; yet they are resolved as far as the parties agree, to make use of the testimony of such witnesses as may be present as well as of reasoning on the several articles of the Libel, in order to bring the affair to an issue at that meeting." ("Minutes Chartiers Presbytery," p. 137.)

      The Manual of the United Presbyterian Church (p. 266) is in error in the following sentence: "And at the next meeting tried Mr. Campbell for error in doctrine in seven different particulars, [43] found him guilty and suspended him." It was not the next meeting after the charge of heresy, for that was occupied with hearing the report of the committee and appointing a next meeting as the above dates show. Moreover, the sentence cited seems to convey the idea that he was found guilty on all charges, which was not the case. [44]

      ^{1} Name of an Associate Church in Indiana County established in 1798. It is spelled in Chartiers Pres. Minutes Cannamagh, Cannamaugh and Conemaugh. Ebenezer was the post office. This is referred to in Richardson's Memoirs as "up the Allegheny River" (Vol. I., p. 224). The trip there was probably made by canal boat, which required two or three days. [34]
      ^{2} Here appears in the " Minutes of Chartiers Presbytery" at page 129 a page cut out of the minute book, showing signs of having been written on to about the middle. Only a few parts of words or short words that begin the line can be read. Moreover, this writing remaining on the margin is in distinctly different handwriting than that of page 129. Might this which was removed have been the draft of the letter which was ordered sent to Mr. Campbell? [36]
      ^{3} The text of the Libel is written in the minutes in a very fine and sometimes ornate hand, seemingly other than the secretary's. The Libel begins on page 132, "Minutes of Chartiers Presbytery." [39]
      ^{4} From this item of the Libel unto the close, for the sake of brevity, only the sources from which citations are made will be given. [40]

[TCSCUA 31-44]