It is easy to see why Thomas Campbell's Declaration and Address has become such a key piece of literature in our movement. The four parts of the document all have a single focus, albeit from different angles. Probably the most important part of document is the address.

Unity is the cornerstone of Campbell's message in this address. He begins by asserting that unity is the part of the very nature of Christianity, and that when it exists, it gives glory to God and promotes the happiness of man. For these reasons, he suggests that to not promote unity when it is in our power cannot be justified. This is a direct attack on the status quo that most of us would, most times, rather live with. It is characteristic of the Declaration and Address; which is a call to action and not just a piece of theoretical work or an armchair commentary.

Campbell makes an astute observation near the bottom of page six, when he notes the two pronged problem that divisions within Christendom present for evangelism; both within the Church saddled with a leadership which becomes so weakened it cannot sent out ministers and a laity which becomes so embittered it will not receive instruction, the result of which is a "Christian" people little better than heathens, and also outside the church where the bewildering number of "choices" that seekers are presented with ends up shutting them out. This is still very applicable for us today as we deal with a society that it increasingly "post-Christian". Unity is not a feel-good issue; it is essential for effective spread of the Gospel!

The address, as a document, is somewhat dated; not in its message, but in a couple of its examples, the first of which appears on page nine where Campbell cites the obviously recent French Revolution. His point remains valid, however, that both hope and despair, such as was seen in, and among the observers of, the French Revolution, can enhance not only the Gospel's expansion, but also the quest for an end to divisions. He rightly goes on to point out that this is our responsibility at all times anyway. The late twentieth century is as ready to hear this as much as the early eighteenth century did. In strong language, Campbell goes on to say that disunity is as dangerous as any other evil.

Although in many ways the Declaration and Address is a call to arms, there is a sense of humility that permeates it. This is exemplified on page fifteen where it is asserted that "Duty then is ours; but events belong to God." This attitude somehow strengthens the message that for unity among those that wear the name Christian, the time is now and the place is here. Campbell, it is obvious believed unity could be accomplished. His emphasis was on first of all attaining and then maintaining that unity. To do this, he asserts again, and again, that Christians must lose the partisan spirit. This also is very applicable as well today. Even some of our jokes it may be feared continue to harbour dissension. The thirteen propositions basically restate the address to this point in a concise, imperative manner. It is, in a way ironic, that they even need to be stated, bearing in mind all that has been said about Scripture only. This was apparently confusing for others as well, since the need is felt in the Appendix to go in to a longer discussion of creed and their use/abuse (although it is made quite clear that this is not a creed).

One final item of interest to the modern reader appears on page thirty-three where Campbell refers to the Napoleonic conflicts. It makes one wonder what he would have thought of our involvement in United Nations operations such as Korea, the Middle East and most recently Somalia. Attitudes in the United States have certainly changed in two hundred years.

The Declaration and Address with its brilliant and unwavering plea for Christian unity remains both fresh and applicable for readers today.