Millions of men are in the outlying regions, far off from God and peace; for these we pray, and to these we give warning. But just now we have to do with a smaller company, who are not far from the kingdom, but have come right up to the wicket gate which stands at the head of the way of life. One would think that they would hasten to enter, for a free and open invitation is placed over the entrance, the porter waits to welcome them, and there is but this one way to eternal life. He that is...

This little book in its original form was one of the volumes of the Christian Study Manuals series (1901), and as such was found helpful to many in colleges and elsewhere engaged in the study of early church history. In explanation of its contents it may be stated that the book is based on the extended lectures on early church history given by the author when Professor of Church History in Edinburgh. Although, therefore, necessarily highly condensed, it is believed that few points of impor...