This two volume set, first published in 1826, takes the reader from the birth of Christ through the 1700's. The two volumes cover the persecution of the early church under the pagan Emperors of Rome. The author tells of Emperor Constantine (who professed to be a Christian) undertaking ...to convert the kingdom of Christ into a kingdom of this world, by exalting the teachers of Christianity to the same state of affluence...in the empire, as had been enjoyed by Pagan priests. What followed was the kingdom of the clergy, supplanting the kingdom of Jesus Christ.The author goes on to explain the power play which arose among the clergy over a period of several hundred years, and how this ultimately resulted in the first Pope.These two volumes of Church History which are authenticated by direct quotes from early historians, enlighten our understanding of the condition of the Christian Church today. Kivar Covers, tougher and longer life than leather.