to reduce so wide a subject within the limits of a popular History. He did not, on this account, lay aside his project of publishing that part of the work which was already completed. But it was not the will of God that he should, himself, carry his object into effect. Those, however, on whom has devolved the duty and privilege of fulfilling (to the best of their ability) his purposes, feel that they are acting in accordance with his wishes, in offering the History to the public, though in an incomplete state, and wanting that careful revision by himself which it would, under other circumstances, have received. This last disadvantage has been, in great measure, remedied by the kind and important assistance afforded by two amongst his most valued friends; by the Rev. J. T. Austen, of West Wickham, in the preparation of the MS. for publication,-and, more particularly, by the Rev. J. A. Jeremie, D.D., Regius Professor of Divinity, in the verification of the references, and the correction of the press; an evidence of regard for the Author, and of affection for his memory, demanding and exciting the deepest gratitude in those who would have been quite incompetent, without their help, to effect the object they had so much at heart. They humbly trust that this History of the Early Church may, by the Blessing of God, be rendered instrumental to the forwarding of those objects which it was the endeavour of the Author, through life, to advance,the promotion of the Glory of God, and the edification of His Church. CONTENT S. CHAPTER I. The Foundation of the Christian Church.-Unity an essential Feature. Indications, in the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles, of Church Discipline and Order not to be found in the Gospels.-Our Lord instructed the Apostles after his Resurrection in things pertaining to the future Government of the Church PAGE 1 CHAPTER II. Apostolical Teaching, Ecclesiastical and Theological.-Epistles of Ignatius.-Early existence of a Creed or Rule of Faith.— The several Orders of the Hierarchy.-The Fund provided for the Church.-Liturgical Services.-The Holy Communion.-Marriage · 15 CHAPTER III. The Apostles' Continuance at Jerusalem.-Their Proceedings. CHAPTER IV. The Apostles' selection of Persons to superintend the Churches, Timothy, Titus, Polycarp, St. Mark, Linus, Epaphroditus, Dionysius.-The manner of Appointment.-The Succession in the Churches at Jerusalem. - Antioch.-Rome.-Alexandria. The early Organization of the Church 43 79 Elements at work in the Spread of the Gospel.-The Kingdom of God springing and growing up as the Seed.—The Im- pression made on the Heathen by the Conduct and Manner of Life of the Christians.-Their Order and Sobriety amid A favourable Report of the Christians circulated chiefly by reason of their virtuous and blameless Lives.-Great Beauty of the Precepts in St. Paul's Epistles.-Picture of the Primi- tive Christian.-Absence of Interference with the World.- PAGE The Obstacles to the Progress of the Gospel.-Hostility of the Jews. Their Hatred of the Christians to be seen in the early Literature of the Church.-Justin Martyr.-Tertullian. -Cyprian.-Origen. Arguments against the Jews from the Hostility of the Gentiles to the Christians.-Excited against them by the exclusive Character of the Gospel.—The Social System of the World affected by it.-Prejudices against the Christians.-All Calamities imputed to them.-Nero's san- guinary Edicts.-Not repealed.-Effect of Private Malignity -Closer Investigation of it by the Church.-Vigilance exer- cised with respect to the Canon of Scripture.-Extravagant Interpretations by the Heretics.-The Church's Declaration of its own Expositions.-Abuse of Tradition by the Heretics. -Proper Use of it by the Church.-Pretensions of the The state of the Roman Empire as affecting the Advance of the Gospel.-Early Spread of Christianity.- Witnesses to the Ex- tension of the Church in the first three Centuries.- Justin Martyr. Theophilus.-Irenæus.-Tertullian. Minutius Fe- lix.- Hippolytus.- Origen.- Cyprian.- Unfairness of Gib- Heathen Persecution first excited by Nero.-Renewed by Domi- tian.-St. John and the Grandchildren of St. Jude.- Condi- tion of the Christians under Trajan.-Pliny's Letter.-Igna- tius. His Condemnation and Journey to Rome.-His Epis- tles. Controversy respecting their Authenticity. - Bishop Pearson's Defence of them.-Syriac Manuscripts.-Examina- Persecutions of the Christians in the Reign of Hadrian.-The Defences of Christianity, or Apologies.-Tertullian's Apology Martyr.-Commodus.- More favourable Condition of the Condition of the Christians under Caracalla.-Heliogabalus. Alexander Severus.- Maximinus. Fierce Persecution under Decius.-Corruption of the Church described by Cy- prian.-His Epistles.-Origen.-Interval of Tranquillity.— Deaths of Origen and Cyprian.-Advance of the Gospel.- Paul of Samosata.-Increased Prosperity of the Christians. -Corruption in the Church.-Diocletian Persecution.-Im- |