Innumerable books have been written on the history of the Church, and it might seem that another is superfluous. Most of these works, however, are out of print and many are difficult to obtain. Not everyone has the time or opportunity to read the number of books necessary to trace the story of the Christian testimony. For these reasons the writer felt that the results of his own study of this profitable and interesting subject, presented in a condensed form, would be welcomed by many.
If the writer succeeds in conveying in any measure to the reader the profit and instruction which he has gained in his own study of this great subject, he will feel amply repaid, and if any who read these pages are stimulated by the faith and example of those who have gone before in the great race, his object will have been attained. May God, to whom be all the glory, add His blessing.
T. W. Carron/