In reference to Scott's book, A. T. DeGroot's states "It is scarcely possible to exaggerate the importance of the study of the volume by Ernest F. Scott, The Nature of the Early Church" in his book, The Restoration Principle (p. 85).

Scott describes how the church "was the creation of an ecstasy." When Christ did not return it adapted to the world in which it existed, because it needed to. As a result, the church was able to influence the world in a positive way, even though all of this world are not in it.

Chapters in the book are:

I. The Significance of the Primitive Church
II. The Church and the Message of Jesus
III. The Initial Period
IV. Worship in the Early Church
V. The Organizing of the Church
VI. Teaching in the Early Church
VII. Paul's Conception of the Church
VIII. The Ethical Task of the Church
IX. The Church and the State
X. Conclusion

The book includes a short bibliography. It is indexed.

This is a very readable book that provides much food for thought regrading the early church. It is especially thought provoking for those who believe in the need to restore the church to the ancient order. ( )

INDEX; BIBLIOGRAPHY