The second of this three-volume history of the churches in England covers the period from the Glorious Revolution to 1833, the year which marks the beginning of the Oxford Movement. It stands as an independent work, but takes up the story from where the first volume finished, and leads on to the third. Six themes help to give the book coherence and structure. The first is the way in which the English religious scene became increasingly complex with the emergence or consolidation of High Churchmanship, Evangelicalism and Liberalism within the Church of England; the transformation into Nonconformity; the emergence of new denominations such as Methodism, the Catholic Apostolic Church and the Brethren, and the transformation in the status and standing of Roman Catholicism. The second is the extent to which the churches were able to come to terms with unprecedented urbanization and industrialization. The third is the Evangelical revival. The fourth is the extent to which the Protestants in England contributed to the growing sense of Britishness among the population. The fifth is the emergence of overseas missionary work. The sixth is the increasing importance of secularization, rationalism, radicalism, Unitarianism, Socinianism and atheism.

Traces the eventful history of the Church of England from shortly after its establishment in Elizabeth I's reign down to 1640, when it was on the verge of destruction. As well as analysing its principal features he considers the conflicting interpretations that this most controversial of periods has stimulated. Also provides a detailed chronological chart to help students with alternative readings of events and to prompt thoughts about how 'facts shift according to different perspectives'.

Gives a brief overview of the Church of England in the period 1660-89, a focus on unity, a study of its claim for Christian unanimity, and surveys causes of the decay of Christian piety, the attempt to mold the culture, Anglican piety and Anglicanism. Probes results of lay people's getting control of some church finances and the view of "no bishop, no king." In response to the boast of Dissenters that they were the godly ones, Church of England clergy denounced various sins, warned of severe judgment, and called for days of repentance. Only the wealthy or famous had sermons published; a large mine of materials remains available in records of local congregations. Records much diversity and fluidity within the established Restoration Church. When the political structure changed in 1689, at best there resulted a national (not established) Church.

Detailed analysis of the religious policy and ecclesiastical practice of the Church of England in the reign of Charles I. Examines the roles of Charles I and of Archbishop Laud, demonstrating both Laud's essential conservatism in religious matters and Charles's highly personal notion of sacral kingship. As a vital arm in the political apparatus of the state and as the vehicle for Caroline ideology, the established church under Charles I became more highly politicized than ever before. Reassesses the significance of doctrinal arminianism in the seventeenth-century church. Brings to the forefront of the debate constitutional issues.

A wide ranging new history of a key period in the history of the church in England, from the 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688-89 to the Great Reform Act of 1832. This was a tumultuous time for both church and state, when the relationship between religion and politics was at its most fraught.

Takes a new approach to the study of the Reformation in England. Disproves any facile assumption that the triumph of Protestantism was inevitable, and goes beyond the surface of official political policy to explore the religious views and practices of ordinary English people. Sets out to recreate the sixteenth century as a time of excitement and insecurity, with each new policy or ruler causing the reversal of earlier religious changes. Challenges traditional ideas about the Reformation and offers a powerful and convincing alternative analysis.

Examines the moral and religious revival led by the Church of England before and after the Glorious Revolution, and shows how that revival laid the groundwork for a burgeoning civil society in Britain. After outlining the Church of England's key role in the increase of voluntary, charitable, and religious societies, examines how these groups drove the modernization of Britain through such activities as settling immigrants throughout the empire, founding charity schools, distributing devotional literature, and evangelizing and educating merchants, seamen, and slaves throughout the British empire.