Writings
Alexander's first exposure to journalism was in his early twenties, when he wrote several moral essays under the pseudonym "Clarinda." The publication of his debate with the Presbyterian John Walker in 1820 convinced him of the effectiveness of writing. He bought a press and built a small print shop in 1823, establishing what proved to be a successful publishing operation.
Campbell edited and published two journals. The first was the the Christian Baptist, which he edited from 1823 through 1830. The second was The Millennial Harbinger, which he began in 1830 and continued to edit until his death in 1866, though his active involvement in the journal began declining during the 1850s. In both, he advocated the reform of Christianity along the lines as it was practiced on the American frontier.
Campbell expanded his printing operation in 1830 for the Millennial Harbinger. The change from the Christian Baptist to the Harbinger was prompted by several concerns. Differences of opinion were arising between Campbell and the Baptists, and in many cases Baptist associations were expelling those who were associated with the Campbell movement. He was concerned that "Christian Baptist" - which he considered to be less appropriate than the biblical term "Disciples" - was becoming the de facto name of the group. He also wanted the new journal to have a more positive tone, promoting reform and preparing the world for the second coming of Christ.
He wrote several books, including The Christian System. He also wrote hymns, including Upon the Banks of Jordan Stood.
Campbell compiled and published a translation of the New Testament under the title The Living Oracles. Published in 1826, it was based on an 1818 translation by George Campbell, James MacKnight and Philip Doddridge, and included edits and extensive notes by Campbell.
Read more about this topic: Alexander Campbell (clergyman)
Famous quotes containing the word writings:
“An able reader often discovers in other people’s writings perfections beyond those that the author put in or perceived, and lends them richer meanings and aspects.”
—Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592)
“It has come to be practically a sort of rule in literature, that a man, having once shown himself capable of original writing, is entitled thenceforth to steal from the writings of others at discretion. Thought is the property of him who can entertain it; and of him who can adequately place it. A certain awkwardness marks the use of borrowed thoughts; but, as soon as we have learned what to do with them, they become our own.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“A people’s literature is the great textbook for real knowledge of them. The writings of the day show the quality of the people as no historical reconstruction can.”
—Edith Hamilton (1867–1963)