Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 19
October 5, 1967
NUMBER 22, PAGE 10b

An Early American "Anti"

Earl Kimbrough

The pages of Restoration history are replete with stories of men who would fit well into that class our doctrinally liberal brethren now denominate "Antis." The leaders of the nineteenth century "back-to-the-Bible" movement were in the main men who stood forthrightly for the ancient order of things and against whatever was more or less than this.

After Alexander Campbell began publishing the hard-hitting and sect-shattering Christian Baptist, in 1823, the first of what was to become a profusion of critics against the paper accused him of being "a sort of religious Ishmaelite, whose hand is against every man, opposing almost every thing the christian world has received as being the religion of Christ."

The man who wrote those words was one Thomas G. Jones, a clergyman and a Mason who, ironically enough, claimed "that no other than a Mason can understand the christian religion."

In response to Jones' criticism, Campbell said:

Mr. Jones should have known better; he might have known that I oppose not one item of the christian religion. And I would say, as the Jews once said, "Let my right hand forget her cunning, and my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth," rather than I should oppose one word, one doctrine, or one commandment of the Saviour or his apostles. But this I confess unto thee, Mr. Jones, that I do oppose, and will, by the grace of God, oppose, not only almost, but altogether, every thing received as the christian religion, not found in the New Testament, to the utmost of my ability and opportunity, at the risqu of every thing - of even offending Mr. Jones or any other reverend gentleman. I have counted the cost, and put my hand to the plough, and while the Lord protects and enables me, I will not look back. (Christian Baptist, Dec. 1823.)

No better description of the attitude that prevails today among the faithful brethren who are prejudicially called "Antis" could be penned. I subscribe to it wholeheartedly, and pray that the tribe of those with kindred spirits may increase.

-707 Appletree, Dothan, Alabama