Last Will and Testament, &c.

HE PRESBYTERY OF SPRINGFIELD,sitting at Cane

a gracious Providence, in more than ordinary bodily health, growing in strength and size daily, and in perfect soundness and composure of mind; but knowing that it is appointed for all delegated bodies once to die and considering that the life of every such body is very uncertain, do make and ordain this our Last Will and Testament, in manner and form following, viz.

Imprimis. We will, that this body die, be dissolved, and sink into union with the Body of Christ at large; for there is but one body, and one spirit, even as we are called in one hope of our calling.

Item. We will, that our name of distinction, with its Reverend title, be forgotten, that there be but one Lord over God's heritage, and his name one.

Item. We will, that our power of making laws for the government of the church, and executing them by delegated authority, forever cease; that the people may have free course to the Bible, and adopt the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

Item. We will, that candidates for the Gospel ministry henceforth study the holy scriptures with fervent prayer, and obtain license from God to preach the simple Gospel, with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, without any mixture of philosophy, vain deceit, traditions of men, or the rudiments of the world. And let none henceforth take this honor to himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

C

Item. We will, that the church of Christ assume her native right of internal government-try her candidates for the ministry, as to their soundness in the faith, acquaintance with experimental religion, gravity and aptness to teach; and admit no other proof of their authority, but Christ speaking in them. We will that the church of Christ look up to the Lord of the harvest to send forth labourers into his harvest; and that she resume her primitive right of trying those who say they are Apostles, and are not.

Item. We will, that each particular church, as a body, actuated by the same spirit, chuse her own preacher, and support him by a free will offering without written call or subscription-admit members-remove offences; and never henceforth delegate her right of government to any man or set of men whatever.

Item. We will, that the people henceforth take the Bible as the only sure guide to heaven; and as many as are offended with other books, which stand in competition with it, may cast them into the fire if they chuse for it is better to enter into life having one book, than having many to be cast into hell.

Item We will, that preachers and people, cultivate a spirit of mutual forbearance, pray more and dispute less; and while they behold the signs of the times, look up and confidently expect that redemption draweth nigh.

Item. We will, that our weak brethren, who may have been wishing to make the Presbytery of Springfield their king, and wot not what is now become of it, betake themselves to the rock of ages, and follow Je sus for the future,

Item. We will, that the Synod of Kentucky examine every member, who may be suspected of having depar ted from the Confession of Faith, and suspend every such suspected heretic immediately; in order that the oppressed may go free, and taste the sweets of Gospeł liberty.

the auther of two

Item We will, that Ja letters lately published in Lexington, be encouraged in his zeal to destroy partyism-We will, moreover, that our past conduct be examined into by all who may have correct information; but let foreigners beware of speaking evil of things which they know not.

Item. Finally we will, that all our sister bodies, read their Bibles carefully, that they may see their fate there determined, and prepare for death before it is too late.

ERRATA.

Page 26, line 26, for exercises read exercise.

33,

80,

88,

93,

-108,

ib.

111,

16 from the bottom, for their read his. 26, for by faithful, read by a faithful. 11 from the bottom for of Presbytery read of the Presbytery.

13 from the bottom, for say read says. 18, for his read the.

7 & 8 from the bottom for of universal liberty work, r. for universal liberty to work. 9, for Cushai read Ahimaaz.

Observations on Church Government. 5, line 26, for footman read footmen.

14, 2 from the bottom f.ntolerable r. intolerable 5, for except to die, road except it die.

19,

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