The Ancient Church: Its History, Doctrine, Worship, and Constitution

"The Ancient Church: Its History, Doctrine, Worship, and Constitution" by W.D. Killen is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This scholarly work delves into the early Christian church's development, examining its practices, doctrines, and governance during the first three centuries. The author aims to provide fresh insights into the ancient church, particularly focusing on the significant transformations that took place from the time of Christ and the apostles until the establishment of the later ecclesiastical hierarchy. The opening of the work presents a preface where Killen emphasizes the necessity for further discussion on the early church's history, citing recent scholarly debates and discoveries that have emerged. He outlines the critical themes and topics to be covered, including the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the roles of His apostles, the evolution of church worship, and the inherent challenges faced by early Christians, such as persecution and doctrinal conflicts. This initial segment establishes the foundation for a comprehensive exploration of how the Christian faith developed amidst the cultural and theological complexities of the time.