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 organisation in the past, and of its probable utility in the future. If we have had a part in the work of the organisation, 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. It has been characterised 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 [ix] 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.

      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 permanent records 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 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 our historical works. The originators and compilers of the present work are entitled to the gratitude of their brethren in Christ, and also of the public at large. How well they have succeeded will be determined by the consensus of judgment among their multitude of readers. That this judgment may be most favourable, and that the authors may be abundantly rewarded in every way, is my belief and my earnest prayer.

J. W. MCGARVEY. [x]      

[ITTAMBO ix-x.]

      J. W. McGarvey's "Introduction" was first published in That They All May Be One: A Century's Progress and Brief Historical Review of the Effort to Promote Christian Union and Restore New Testament Christianity, 1809-1909, ed. T. J. Gore (Melbourne: Austral Publishing Company, 1909), pp. ix-x. The electronic version has been produced from a copy of the book held by the Disciples of Christ Historical Society.

      Pagination in the electronic version has been represented by placing the page number in brackets following the last complete word on the printed page. Inconsistencies in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and typography have been retained.

      Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik
373 Wilson Street
Derry, PA 15627-9770
stefanik@westol.com

Created 4 June 1999.