Author E.H. BROADBENT
Publisher GOSPEL FOLIO PRESS
The fact that this book is still in print and available new after almost ninety years since the first edition indicates its enduring quality. It is a history of the church written from an almost unique viewpoint. The author traveled extensively in various parts of Europe, Russia and North Africa in his effort to gather information about those church groups he wished to focus his readers upon. He also read the more conventional church histories in order to gain perspective. He was a believing Christian minister who wanted to trace the history of those individuals and churches that endeavored to live together and form congregations closer to the simplicity of the Christian life and the basis of meeting, worship and ministry laid down in the New Testament. Here we trace the pilgrimages of those who, in varying degrees, attempted to pattern everything they did on the Word of God and were often forced to withdraw from the varying church traditions that had arisen.
So, we do not find the usual church history approach here. E.H. Broadbent looks for those believers who, in their congregations tried to carry out the teachings of Scripture more perfectly. He takes us through the centuries showing us a view of church frequently regarded as sectarian and on occasions was persecuted for the testimony by the mainstream Church of the day. A vital message recurs again and again in these pages. How much do we, in the churches, walk in the simplicity of Christ and the church life established by His apostles? Have we wandered far from that Biblical pattern that allowed the Risen Christ to be known as Head of His church and to feed His flock through the varied gifts and ministries that come from the Holy Spirit? The pattern laid down in those early days minimized organization and maximized dependence upon the Living Christ. Such churches are able to survive and even thrive in days of opposition and persecution. Perhaps such days of difficulty are coming again, maybe worldwide the well oiled machinery of church and mission will be compromised far too easily and a return to the more Biblical patterns of church life will be forced upon those faithful to the testimony of Jesus Christ.
