Some Of Doctor L. L. Pinkerton's Firsts
In the May 30, 1957 issue of the G. A. is an editorial called "Alexander Campbell and The Kentucky Female Orphan School." The design of the editorial is to show that "those associated with Mr. Campbell and other pioneers of the restoration movement established orphan homes." Dr. L. L. Pinkerton is properly credited with establishing the orphan home at Midway, Ky. I think it will be equally of interest to notice scme of the other things with which Dr. Pinkerton is to be credited. Dr. Pinkerton has the distinction of being the first or among the first to promote many things "among those associated with Mr. Campbell and other pioneers of the Restoration movement."
"Pinkerton's Vision"
Some facts in addition to those given in the editorial can be found in "The Disciples in Kentucky" by Fortune. Mr. Fortune tells us that "one of the first enterprises to challenge the interest of the Disciples of Kentucky was an institution for the education of orphan girls. That institution was the result of a vision of Dr. L. L. Pinkerton, and its development and influence has far surpassed his fondest expectations. - - - That spot made sacred by the sacrifices of a few devoted pioneers has become a shrine which is visited by Disciples from all parts of the country." Under the heading "Pinkerton's Vision," Mr. Fortune writes, "According to John Shackleford the vision of Midway Orphan School came to Dr. L. L. Pinkerton while he was seated in the pulpit of the Old Round Top church in Madison County." Dr. Pinkerton's "liberal" attitude toward the authority of the scriptures allowed him to proceed with his project upon the authority of his vision for in his view his vision would be as authoritative as the visions of John or Paul.
Pinkerton's Attitude Toward The Scripture
This view of the scriptures is another of the "firsts" with which Dr. Pinkerton should be credited. Dr. Pinkerton was "the first to publicly declare himself against the generally accepted views of the scripture." (Attitudes and Consequences by Homer Hailey.) A. W. Fortune writing on some of the "Theological Controversies" of the middle 19th century says that "in this magazine Dr. Pinkerton published an article on 'Bible Inspiration,' in which he denied the old theory of plenary inspiration of the scriptures.' He criticized Milligan's 'Reason and Revelation' and expressed the conviction that young ministers who were taught to accept the ninth verse of the one hundred and thirty-seventh Psalm as inspired by the Lord would 'perpetrate a great many follies in his name.' Knowing Dr. Pinkerton's attitude toward the scriptures I just can't avoid being suspicious of the innovations which he introduced into the church. Surely those who have honest conviction of the inspiration and the adequacy of the scriptures, see that the innovations introduced by Dr. Pinkerton are the logical fruits of his attitude toward the scriptures.
Pinkerton And Open Membership
Open membership is another Pinkerton "first." Writing on the subject in "Attitudes and Consequences," Homer Halley says, "Mr. Carl Ledbetter says of the origin of the question: 'L. L. Pinkerton, it seems, was the earnest open advocate of the practice" (open membership).
Pinkerton And Instrumental Music
Not long ago I visited the Kentucky Female Orphan School at Midway. Among the things shown me was another Pinkerton "first" — the melodeon which Dr. L. L. Pinkerton introduced into the worship of the church at Midway. If the orphan school at Midway in any sense justifies "Childhaven," why doesn't the melodeon at Midway in the same sense justify an instrument in worship today?
Pinkerton And The Missionary Society
It is also interesting to note that L. L. Pinkerton was temporary chairman of the convention which formed the "American Christian Missionary Society." Mr. Fortune wrote, "Among the leaders from Kentucky who were present at the formation of the American Christian Missionary Society were the following: John T. Johnson, Dr. L. L. Pinkerton...."
Thus we see that many practices can be traced back as far as Pinkerton and others associated with Campbell in the Restoration movement. This is of interest to the historian but must not be relied on as authority for these things. The vision of L. L. Pinkerton which resulted in a society through which the church universal could function in benevolent work no more justifies a benevolent society than the sick bed resolution of D. S. Burnet which resulted in a society through which the church universal could function in evangelism justified a missionary society.
If those of our day who are set to the task of promoting human organizations would cite us a vision of Paul or John or some other inspired apostle — give us a "thus saith the Lord" in precept or approved precedent for "Midway Female Orphan School" and "Childhaven," opposition to them will cease, but no lesser authority will do. What we all need is to be less concerned with what the Catholics are doing, 'the practice of the fathers," the dictates of "the spirit of the world" and more concerned to "understand what the will of the Lord is." The will of the Lord can be learned from the scriptures; these did not come by "the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit."