We have no system of our own, nor of others, to substitute in lieu of the reigning systems. We only aim at substituting the New Testament in lieu of every creed in existence; whether Mohametan, Pagan, Jewish or Presbyterian. We wish to call Christians to consider that Jesus Christ has made them kings and priests to God. We neither advocate Calvinism, Arminianism, Arianism, Socinianism, Trinitarianism, Unitarianism, Deism, or Sectarianism, but New Testamentism. We wish, we cordially wish, to take the New Testament out of the abuses of the clergy, and put it into the hands of the people. (Christian Baptist, Vol. 1, page 90.)
So thorough did these views accord with his that he determined at the first opportunity to meet Mr. Campbell and learn from him by personal interview more of the new order that he was advocating. During his visit to Kentucky in 1824, to which I have already referred, the opportunity presented itself. Mr. Campbell was to speak at Flemingsburg, and Smith rode twenty miles on horseback that he might see and hear him. He reached the town on the day that Mr. Campbell was to preach. Shortly after his arrival he met William Vaughn, a Baptist preacher, with whom he was well acquainted, when the following conversation took place:
Vaughn--Brother John, have you met Bro. Campbell yet?
Smith--No, sir, I have not. Have you seen him?
Vaughn--Why, I have been with him for eight days and nights, through Mason and Bracken counties, and have heard him every day.
Smith--Do, then, tell me what his views are on doctrinal points. Is he a Calvinist or an Arminian, or Arian, or a Trinitarian?
Vaughn--I do not know. He has nothing to do with any of these things.
Smith--Well, I can tell when I hear him just what he is.
Smith--If a man of sense and takes a position, even though he should not run it out into any ism, I can do it for him, and tell exactly where he would land. But tell me, Bro. Vaughn, does he know anything about heartfelt religion?
Vaughn--Lord bless you, he is one of the most pious, godly men that I was ever in company with in all my life.
Smith--But do you think he knows anything about a Christian experience?
Vaughn--Bless you, he knows everything. Come, I want to introduce you to him.