THIS series of lessons has been prepared as an aid to those who wish to see the congregations of Christians everywhere developed according to the New Testament order. Many church members are in no sense "disciples"-learners-in the school of Christ, and often those who go off after the ways of the world do so because they have never been instructed in the way of the Lord. The people sometimes regard the preachers and elders as "cranks," and what they insist upon as simply their own bigoted notions; and if such people remain loyal, they do so as a matter of convenience, and not from conviction. It is no unusual thing to hear some members in the best congregations prate against the "cranky," "fogy," "ignorant," "backwoods" way of their leaders. Many who do this would not do it if they realized that these leaders are trying conscientiously to please the Lord and striving jealously to maintain his order.

      There was once a day when the disciples knew the Bible, and any member of the church would detect the slightest digression from the Scriptures in doctrine or methods; but that day has passed, and we need now to teach again the "first princples of the oracles of God."

      Any one who has observed the management of the affairs of a congregation will readily appreciate the need of such lessons as are here given. Those who read the query department of the religious papers know how frequently these questions come up among the churches. These lessons have been prepared for use by those who see the situation as it is, who feel the distress of it, and who are seeking a remedy for it.

      These lessons are put in a form for use as a textbook for classes, and it is hoped that whole churches will study them together. All the members must be trained along these lines if any church would become a "model church." This work will supply a ten- weeks' course of study. Competent teachers or leaders should have charge of the classes, and the work should be under taken in all earnestness. Drills, reviews, and examinations should be held, and no class should suspend work till these lessons are thoroughly learned. All Scripture references should be read, and the more important ones should be committed to memory.

      The author acknowledges his indebtedness to many men and many books. He claims nothing new for this work except the arrangement. May it be used of the Lord to the glory of his name and to the joy of his people everywhere.

[TMC 5-6]