
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
Mar 3, 2019
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1861–1948
A preacher, editor, and teacher in the Churches of Christ, this Kentucky-born writer helped shape Restoration Movement thought through practical books and years of religious journalism. His work reflects a plainspoken, instructional style aimed at everyday readers and church members.
View all books
by Order of the Eastern Star. General Grand Chapter

by John Gibson Paton

by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps

by John Henry Newman

by Henry Adams

by Stephen Charnock

by S. O. Susag