by Jerry Senn
F D Srygley (d. 1900), an editor of the Gospel Advocate w David Lipscomb, from “The New Testament Church,” pp 193, 194:
“We have not proposed or desired to unite Christians in any institution that is too narrow to allow them to differ in opinion or argue with each other. We are in favor of giving everyone room to think and liberty to speak for himself…. The basis of our union ought always to be as broad as the conditions of salvation. No man has any right to make his plea for union narrower than this. It is wrong to make anything a condition of fellowship which is not essential to salvation.”
John Mark Hicks
The above statement is consistent with the message of Thomas Campbell’s important work, “The Declaration and Address.” Our brethren have remained united when this principle is carried forward in accord with Jesus’ clear command:
“A new commandment I give to you,
that you love one another;
even as I have loved you,
that you also love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another."
— John 13:34, 35, RSV