When our attention is fixed on a large body of men banded together for some great purpose, we instinctively inquire, When and where did it originate, and what has been the history of its progress? We wish this information not merely through curiosity, but in order that we may form a judgment as to the utility of the organization in the past, and of its probable utility in the future. If we have had a part in the work of the organization, we have a similar desire to perpetuate the remembrance of any important achievements with which it may have been credited. It is to these desires that historical writing owes its existence.

      The body of people distinctively known in our day as Disciples of Christ have had a remarkable history, one that has in very recent years challenged the attention and excited the wonder of all thoughtful observers of religious affairs in our great country. It has been characterized by a rapidity of growth in numbers, in intelligence, and in spiritual power unprecedented in this age of wonderful movements among men. The new generation now confronted by it would be stupid indeed if no general interest were felt in its history. A few men yet living have taken important parts as actors in its earlier scenes, and thousands are living whose valiant services have contributed largely to its triumphs in later years. To all of these the anticipation that their achievements in the service of God and humanity may be forgotten is most unwelcome. They hail with delight the prospect of having them embalmed in history.

      Apart from the last-mentioned desire, which may be regarded as in some measure a selfish one, the natural and benevolent wish that posterity may profit by the experiences of the past, furnishes another, and perhaps a nobler motive, for making a permanent record of passing events. If history, as the sages have told us, teaches by example, the most effective of all kinds of teaching, the lover of his race and of the God who employs human instrumentalities to guide and govern the race must wish that all the good deeds of men shall be transmitted from age to age, as helps to every rising generation.

      These considerations fully justify the attempt which has culminated in the Publication of this somewhat peculiar historical work. Furthermore, [ix] the fact that the unexampled growth of the people of whom it treats is made up of an equally surprising growth of individual congregations of Disciples scattered here and there over the whole area of this continent, justifies the special form which this history in the main assumes, the history of individual churches, of groups of churches in certain localities, and of the rise and progress of educational and benevolent institutions which are the natural offspring of religious zeal and consecration. The originator and compiler of the work is entitled to the gratitude of his brethren in Christ, and also of the public at large, for an undertaking which involved a vast amount of labor on his part, and which has appeared from the beginning very hazardous from a financial point of view. How well he has succeeded will be determined by the consensus of judgment among his multitude of readers. That this judgment may be most favorable, and that the author may be abundantly rewarded in every way, is my belief and my earnest prayer.

J. W. MCGARVEY. [x]      

[COC ix-x]