THE following pages are intended as a practical application of the fundamental principles underlying the work and worship of the church revealed in the New Testament--an effort to set forth the characteristic features of an efficient church, such as the model given in the New Testament requires. That greater efficiency is needed among the churches of Christ in order to more successfully prosecute the work committed to them by the Master will not be called in question by any thoughtful person. The eldership, deaconship, and general management of the Lord's business in many congregations is very much below par; and the author of this book has endeavored to point out the trouble, while at the same time suggesting the scriptural remedy. He does not claim for his work the merit of "perfection," as the title would seem to indicate, but merely suggestive and helpful thoughts upon the subjects treated, knowing full well that all human works are subject to criticism and improvement. The author's position on the "manner" in which elders should be set apart is the same as held by many able brethren, and at the same time rejected by others equally as able. To my mind, it is one of those questions about which a man should hesitate to be dogmatic; and if I understand the author, he has endeavored to occupy a conservative ground on the subject. Some may think he assigns too much authority to the eldership; but a careful reading of his book will, I think, dispel that impression.

      The book contains so much that is good, suggestive, and helpful in a large degree that I could wish for it a wide circulation among the churches. The author has given much study to the topics discussed, and he deals with them in a straightforward and forceful way, never leaving you to guess at what he means. May the book be productive of much good, is my sincere and earnest desire.

[TMC 3-4]