Barton W. Stone and four fellow ministers publicly dissolved their Presbyterian judicatory, surrendering titles and authority so the congregation at Cane Ridge and its partners could simply be known as "Christians."
Preface
“For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. — Heb. 9:16.”
“We, the Presbytery of Springfield, sitting at Cane Ridge, in the county of Bourbon, being, through 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:”
Articles of the Testament
- 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 exercise their gifts to the edification of the church whereunto they shall be called; but no more to presume to lord it over God’s heritage, as a peculiar class of privileged order.
- 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 choose; 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 has become of it, betake themselves to the Rock of Ages, and follow Jesus for the future.
- Item. We will that the Synod of Kentucky examine every member who may be suspected of having departed from the Confession of Faith, and Catechism, or from the Presbyterian government, which is said to be the standard of the Church.
- Item. We will that the Presbyteries of Cumberland, Transylvania, and West Lexington, read their Bibles carefully, that they may see their danger, and find a better guide than the Westminster Confession.
- Item. We will that all our sister bodies read their Bibles with equal diligence, that they may see their danger, and find their standing sure; for there is danger, otherwise, of their falling.
- Item. We will that Zion’s watchmen, while they are upon the walls, cry aloud and spare not, one more time; for a little while, and they shall hear the voice of our beloved.
- Item. We will that the difference of names which has so long separated brethren, be forgotten; and that the whole church of God one more choose, and be known by, the name Christian.
- Lastly. We will that our last Will and Testament be subscribed with our own hands; done at Cane Ridge, Bourbon County, the 28th day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four.
Benediction
“Testifying and protesting that we intend this as a reformation of manners only; and not as the introduction of any new form of government, or figure of speech or style, nor of any new modes of worship; but only to deliver ourselves from sinful contentions, and unscriptural combinations, which have been oppressive to ourselves, and injurious to the cause of truth.”
Signers
- Barton W. Stone
- John Dunlavy
- Richard McNemar
- Robert Marshall
- John Thompson