
audiobook
by J. W. (James Walton) Shepherd
PREFACE
PART I. The Church. - CHAPTER I. WHAT SHOULD THE CHURCH OF THE PRESENT BE?
PART II The Falling Away - CHAPTER I. THE FALLING AWAY PREDICTED
PART III The Reformation in Europe - CHAPTER I. JOHN WYCKLIFFE
PART IV The Restoration Movement in America - CHAPTER I. SPIRITUAL UNREST IN MANY PLACES
Transcriber’s Notes
This volume surveys the earliest Christian community as it emerged from the teachings of the apostles, then traces how internal and external pressures led it away from its original simplicity. The author maps the series of reform movements in the nineteenth century that sought to reclaim that apostolic purity, offering detailed portraits of the leaders who drove the effort. By grounding the narrative in scripture and contemporary testimony, the book paints a vivid picture of a faith striving to align itself with its foundational ideals.
Beyond the historical account, the work reflects on what the restored church means for today’s believers, urging a fresh commitment to the principles that motivated its forerunners. It highlights the personal sacrifices made by men and women who chose truth over comfort, and invites readers to consider how those convictions might shape their own spiritual journey. The tone remains scholarly yet accessible, making the complex story of apostasy and renewal approachable for anyone interested in the roots of modern Christianity.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (550K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2019-03-03
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1861–1948
A leading voice in the Churches of Christ during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this preacher and writer helped shape the movement through widely read books, sermons, and editorial work. His writing is clear, practical, and deeply rooted in biblical study.
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