"An Enquiry into the Constitution, Discipline, Unity & Worship of the Primitive Church" by Lord Peter King, 1691 (True 1st Edition)
This distinguished First Edition set of rare books is a 17th Century enquiry into the ecclesiastical structures and practices of the early Christian Church. Authored by Lord Chancellor Peter King and published anonymously in 1691, this work offers a meticulous examination of the foundational principles, unity, and worship of the primitive Church during its formative centuries.
Lord Peter King's enquiry provides a window into the first 300 years of Christianity, a period marked by the Church's decentralized and organic nature. Early Christians often gathered in small, informal assemblies, frequently within private homes, commonly referred to as "house churches." These communities, though diverse in their interpretations and practices, were bound together by a shared faith in Jesus Christ and a collective commitment to their spiritual journey.
The book is not only a testament to 17th-century scholarship but also an invaluable resource for modern readers and historians. It sheds light on the simplicity and resilience of early Christian worship, as well as the challenges faced by these nascent communities in maintaining unity amidst diversity. King's work remains a cornerstone for those seeking to understand the historical and theological underpinnings of the early Church, making it as relevant today as it was in his time.