As to the future—I am only a historian, not a prophet. But I shall be disappointed if this record of the past does not leave with the reader an acquaintance with the essential data upon which, using his own judgment and imagination, he will be disposed to project the curve of a future development far beyond any present attainments in promoting the ends for which the Disciples of Christ came into existence—the unity and purity of the Church, a reasonable and practical religion, and the enrichment of life through fellowship in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. W. E. G. CONTENTS PAGE I. Prelude 9 II. Ideas with a History: Union and Restoration 14 III. The American Scene 28 IV. The “Christians” 41 V. The Coming of the Campbells 60 VI. With the Baptists, 1813-30 76 VII. First Years of Independence, 1830-49 90 VIII. Organization and Tensions, 1849-74 108 IX. Renaissance, 1874-1909 125 X. Growing into Maturity, 1909-45 142 Index 157 CHAPTER I PRELUDE Who are these “Disciples of Christ”? What are these “Christian Churches” or “Churches of Christ” which now constitute one of the major religious groups in the United States? When, where, and how did they begin, and how have they become what they are?