INTRODUCTION
By CLARENCE WALKER
Dr. J. M. Carroll, the author of this book, was born in the state of Arkansas, January 8, 1858, and died in Texas, January 10, 1931. His father, a Baptist preacher, moved to Texas when Brother Carroll was six years old. There he was converted, baptized, and ordained to the Gospel ministry. Dr. Carroll not only became a leader among Texas Baptists, but an outstanding figure of Southern Baptists, and of the world.
Years ago he came to Ashland Avenue Baptist Church and brought the messages found in this book. It was then I became greatly interested in Brother Carroll's studies. I too, had made a special research in Church History, as to which is the oldest Church and most like the churches of the New Testament.
Dr. J. W. Porter attended the lectures. He was so impressed he told Brother Carroll if he would write the messages he would publish them in a book. Dr. Carroll wrote the lectures and gave Dr. Porter the right to publish them along with the chart which illustrates the history so vividly.
However, Dr. Carroll died before the book came off the press, but Dr. Porter placed them before the public and the whole edition was soon sold. I want to ask all who read and study these pages to join me in prayer and work that an ever-increasing number shall go forth.
"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,...Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen" (Eph. 3:9-10, 21).
