Source Book and Bibliographical Guide for American Church History (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Source Book and Bibliographical Guide for American Church History

Through the publication of several source collections, much has been done to assists-{the student of American political, social and economic history. But no corresponding assistance has been given to such as are interested in the more specifically religious history Of our nation. It is true of course, that for the colonial period, political history to a considerable degree resolves itself into the religious and that, therefore, the source books already published contain much material that is serviceable to the church historian. For the national period, however, with its multiplication of church organization, its controversies and divisions, its nation-wide revivals, and its mission ary extension at home and abroad, no source material has been assembled for convenient access. Hence the publication of this volume, which within the briefest possible space embodies the most significant documents for the entire field of American church history.

The compiler wishes to state that the viewpoint from which he has approached the subject is that of regarding the church, not as the custodian of some divinely-revealed deposit Of truth, nor as super naturally detached from an environment that is ever affecting her inner life and organization. In his selection of material he has been guided by the principle of choosing only such documents as most significantly set forth the contribution that the church has made to the progress of American society, and the manner in which from time to time she has adjusted herself to her new and changing environ ment. Denominationalism, therefore, has been relegated to the background. Ardent denominationalists. Will find their respective bodies recognized only in so far as these have played a strategic part in the development of American Christianity as a whole. The only exception is that in the case of some small but significant groups, material has been inserted to remove prevailing ignorance or miscon ception.

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