An epitome of the history of the Christian Church during the first three centuries; and of the Reformation in England

AN EPITOME OF THE HISTORY

OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

DURING THE FIRST THREE CENTURIES:

AND

OF THE REFORMATION IN ENGLAND:

WITH EXAMINATION QUESTIONS.

SECOND EDITION.

BY W. SIMPSON, M.A.,

QUEENS' COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE.

Cambridge-MACMILLAN & CO.
London-G. BELL, 186, Fleet Street.

MDCCCLI.

110. d. 323.

NAYLOR AND CO., PRINTERS,

CAMBRIDGE CHRONICLE" OFFICE.

PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION.

The compiler's object in the following pages is to present facts in a convenient form for the use of candidates for the Ordinary Degree in the University of Cambridge. He aims only at being of service to those for whom his labours are chiefly intended; and bespeaks indulgence for a baldness of style and an occasional abruptness of arrangement, which would appear to be almost inseparable from the nature of a work like the present.

It would have been a much easier task to write a large book, than to include all that is necessary within the compass of this small one: but the compiler trusts that he has left few material facts unnoticed. Those, however, who desire to pursue the subjects treated in the following pages in some more attractive history, are referred to History of the Christian Church, by Dr. Burton, (J. W. Parker, West Strand); Sketch of the Reformation in England, by Professor Blunt, (John Murray, Albemarle Street); The English Reformation, by F. C. Massingberd, second edition, (J. W. Parker, West Strand); or Burnet's History of the Reformation of the Church of England, edited by Professor Corrie, (J. W. Parker, West Strand).

CAMBRIDGE, October 10, 1848.

PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION.

The general use of this little book in the University of Cambridge shows the compiler of it that his labours are appreciated. In the present edition, the text of which has been carefully revised, he has introduced examination questions at the foot of each page, and a full index, two additions which he thinks will increase the value of the book to those for whose use it is principally intended.

CAMBRIDGE, October 10, 1851.

CONTENTS.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.

CHAPTER I.

PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS.

Ecclesiastical History. Church-Ecclesia.

PAGE

Sources of Ecclesiastical History. Political state of the world at

Christ's birth

Religious state of the world at Christ's birth. Herod the Great

Jewish Sects

Political state of Judæa at Christ's birth