By 1828, the Campbell system of doctrine had crystalized into a distinct creed which was propagated with great persistence. It was the plan of Mr. Campbell to remain in his relation with the Baptists. He says: "I do intend to continue in connection with this people (Baptists) so long as they will permit me to say what I believe; to teach what I am assured of, and to censure what is amiss in their views or practices".

      Alexander Campbell remained in complete control of the churches in the Mahoning Association until 1829, when the breaking time came, and the result of the separation was carried into Kentucky. This division can when two or three fragments of churches left to the Baptists in the Mahoning body united with the Beaver Baptist Association, a small fraternity located in the "Western Reserve in Ohio." This little Association in session August, 1829, in the Providence Church, near Pittsburg, withdrew fellowship from the Mahoning Association as set forth in the following Resolution: "We believe it to be our duty to the public, and to our brethren in general, to give some information respecting that (Mahoning) Association. It arose chiefly out of the Beaver, and progressed regularly until A. Campbell and others came in. They now disbelieve and deny many of the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures, on which they were constituted." This is shown from the following eight articles:

1. The Mahoning Association maintains "that there is no promise of salvation without baptism."

2. They maintain that baptism "should be administered to all who say that they believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, without examination on any other point."

3. That "there is no direct operation of the Holy Spirit on the mind prior to baptism."

4. That "baptism procures the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost."

5. That "the Scriptures are the only evidence of interest in Christ."

6. That "obedience places it in God's hand to elect to salvation."

7. That "no creed is necessary for the church but the Scriptures as they stand."

8. That "all baptized persons have a right to administer that ordinance."

      This document was printed in the Minutes of the Beaver Baptist Association (OH) and scattered far and wide among the Baptist churches, and wherever received, it was enthusiastically commended.
________________
^* This area is now in the state of West Virginia.
==============

[From Frank Masters, A History of Baptists in Kentucky, 1953, p. 214-15. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]

---

Campbellism Index Page
Baptist History Homepage