The Church, the Falling Away, and the Restoration

The author traces the origins, organization, and practices of the early Christian community, detailing membership requirements, baptism, worship forms, and congregational polity. He then examines the historical decline of apostolic practices, outlining developments such as creedal confession, indulgences, and institutional corruption. A survey of the European Reformation follows, recounting contributions by reformers including Wyckliffe, Tyndale, and Luther and the religious changes across England, Switzerland, and Scotland. The work concludes with a study of the American restoration movement, describing revivalist energy and the roles of leaders who sought to recover early Christian order and simplify doctrine and practice.