The Eternal Kingdom by F.W. Mattox (C)1955
The following is a textbook used at Lubbock Christian College
and Harding College (Now Harding University). My cousin used this
book when enrolled at Lubbock. Appreared first in 1955 in a mimeographed
form This book on the early Church and the History of the Church has
Thirty-Three (33) Chapters. This book was written in about 1955, and was
revised in 1961 with two(2) new chapters. This post is for the 1961 edition,
printed for the 1st time in 1961.
You may read more about the author of this book at the following
web address: History of the Restoration Movement He was born in 1909.
This work is a by-product of the American Restoration Movement.
However, this post initially includes just the first three chapters and part of
the fourth. Just started this one this morning. It is based on the PDF File
which is available as a free download at https://gbntv.org.
The book is also available from The Tennessee Bible College at:
The Eternal Kingdom - FW Mattos - 1961.docx
SCROLL DOWN FOR A LIST OF THE TABLE OF CONTENTS BELOW.....
Please note that I will repost updates of this book as I add (gradually) the
rest of the chapters. Hopefully this week. In connection with this book, I
hope to complete Robert Brumback's Book "History of the Church" very
soon. These two books will provide a very good study on the History of
the Church...
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART ONE
DIVINE BEGINNINGS
In the Fullness of Time
I. The Roman Government: moral conditions
II. The Social Order
III. Moral Conditions
IV. Religion
V. The Mystery Religions
VI. Zorastrianism
VII. Mithraism
VIII. Roman Religion
The Sadducees; The Pharisees; The Essenes; The Zealots
XI. Summary
Historical Evidence Concerning the Life of Jesus
I. Josephus
II. Tacitus
V. Conclusions
The New Testament Church
I. Establishment of the Church
II. Definition of Terms
III. The Church in Prophecy
IV. The Church in Preparation
V. The Church in Reality
VI. The Basis of Membership
VII. Rapid Growth
VIII. Early Spread
IX. Organization and Government
X. Worship of the Church
XI. Manner of Life
PART TWO
CONTROVERSY AND DEPARTURE 100-312 A.D.
Uninspired Writings, 100-150
II. Ignatius of Antioch
III. The Epistle of Barnabas
IV. The Didache
V. Papias
VI. Polycarp
VII. Shepherd of Hermas
VIII. Summary
Chapter Five
The Apologists, 185-250
I. Quadratus
II. Aristides
III. Justin Martyr
IV. Tatian
V. Melito
VI. Athenagoras
VII. Theophilus
The State of the Church
I. Marcion
II. Gnosticism
III. Docetism
IV. Montanism
Later Apologists
I. Irenaeus
II. Clement of Alexandria
III. Tertullian
IV. Hippolytus
V. Origen
Chapter Six
Through Persecution to Victory, 54-313
I. Chronology of Persecution
II. Edict of Toleration
III. Edict of Milan
Chapter Seven
The Development of the Canon
I. The Source of Inspired Writings
II. Method of Distribution
III. Early References to New Testament Letters
IV. Tests Applied to Questioned Books
V. Apocrypha] Works
Chapter Eight
Departure From the New Testament Pattern, 100-325
I. Departure in Organization
II. Development of a Priesthood
III. The Growth of Sects
IV. Neoplatonism
V. Manichaeism
VI. The Ebionites
VII. Monarchianism
VIII. Donatists
Further Departure In Doctrine
I. Millennialism
II. Original Sin and Baptism
Departure In Manner Of Life
I. Asceticism and Celibacy
II. Easter Celebration
III. Summary of Part Two
PART THREE
THE INCREASE OF ERROR, 313-787 A.D.
Chapter Nine
The Influence of Constantine
I. Support of the Church
II. Council of Nicaea
Chapter Ten
The Growth of Episcopacy
I. Chronological Development
II. The Battle of the Bishops
Chapter Eleven
The Ecumenical Councils
I. Council of Nicaea 325
II. Council of Constantinople 381
III. Council of Ephesus 431
IV. Council of Chalcedon 451
V. Council of Constantinople 553
VI. Council of Constantinople 680
VII. Council of Nicaea 787
Chapter Twelve
The Life, Worship, and Doctrine Under Romanism
I. The Establishment of Catholicity
II. Sacredotalism
III. Baptism
IV. The Lord's Supper
V.Increase of Sacraments
VI.Instrumental Music Introduced
VII.Monasticism
VIII.Controversy on the Human Will
Chapter Thirteen
Theory and Organization of Roman Catholicism
The Theory of Romanism
I. The Teaching Ministry of the Church
II. The Priestly Function of the Church
III. The Kingly Function of the Church
Organization of the Roman Church
I. The Regular Priests
II. The Secular Clergy
III. Powers of Orders
IV. Powers of Jurisdiction:
(1) Parish Priest; (2) Rural Dean;(3) Vicar General;
(4) Bishop; (5) Archbishop; (6) Papal Legate; (7) The Pope
Chart of Undenominationalism Contrasted with Romanism.
Chapter Fourteen
The Rise of Mohammedanism
PART FOUR
THE GROWTH OF PAPAL POWER
Chapter Fifteen
Sources of Support for the Papacy
I. Papal Recognition by Secular Rulers
II. Papal Support From False Documents
III. Papal Support From Hierarchy
Chapter Sixteen
The Strong Popes
Gregory I, Nicholas I, Gregory VII, Innocent III, Boniface VIII.
Chapter Seventeen
The Crusades
Chapter Eighteen
Opposition to the Papacy
I. Opposition Groups
II. Church Succession Through Opposition Groups
III. The Catharists
IV. Arnold of Brescia
V. Peter of Bruys
VI. Peter Waldo and the Waldenses
VII. The Albigenses
VIII. The Inquisition
IX. The True Church
PART FIVE
REFORMATION BEGINNINGS ‘
Chapter Nineteen
The Need for Reformation
I. Celibacy
II. Simony
III. Indulgences
IV. Hagiolatry
Chapter Twenty
Early Reform Movements
I. William of Occam
II. John Wycliffe
III. John Huss
IV. Girolamo Savonarola
V. Ximenes
Chapter Twenty-One
Decline of Papal Influence
I. The Popes
II. The Renaissance
III. Petrarch
PART SIX
THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION — 1517-1800
Chapter Twenty-Two
The German Reformation
I. The Sale of Indulgences
II. Martin Luther
III. Diet of Speier
Chapter Twenty-Three
The Swiss Reformation
I. Huldreich Zwingli
II. Marburg
III. John Calvin
IV. Calvinism versus Arminianism
Chapter Twenty-Four
The Spread of Reform Ideas in Europe
I. Anabaptists
II. Meno Simons
Chapter Twenty-Five
Reformation in England
I. English Humanism
II. Break With the Pope
III. Edward VI
IV. Elizabeth
V. Bible Translations Into English
VI. The Rise of Denominations in England
VII. The Romanists
VIII. The Dutch Reformed
IX. The Presbyterians
X. The Quakers
XI. The Baptist Church
XII. John Wesley and the Methodists
Chapter Twenty-Six
Roman Reaction to Reformation
I. Before Trent
II. The Council of Trent
III. The Society of Jesus
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The Religious Wars
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Denominationalism Transferred to America
I. Roman Catholicism
II. The Church of England
III. Puritans, Separatists, Congregationalists
IV. Presbyterianism
V. The Methodists
VI. The Baptists
VII. Other Religious Bodies
VIII. Proposed Basis for Unity
PART SEVEN
THE RESTORATION MOVEMENT ........ 19th Century
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Early Beginnings Toward Undenominationalism
I. James O'Kelley — Methodist
II. Abner Jones — Baptist
III. Barton W. Stone — Presbyterian
IV. "The Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery"
V. John Wright — Baptist
VI. Thomas Campbell
Chapter Thirty
Principles of Undenominationalism
"The Declaration and Address"
Chapter Thirty-One
The Restoration Fully Launched
I. The Brush Rim Church
II. Association With the Baptists
III. The Campbell-Walker Debate
IV. The Campbell-McCalla Debate
V. The Christian Baptist
VI. Walter Scott
VII. Extent of Agreement with the Baptists
VIII. "The Gospel Restored"
Chapter Thirty-Two
Union of Forces: Stone and Campbell
Chapter Thirty-Three
The Unfinished Restoration
Comments
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Here is an update for "The Eternal Kingdom" by F.W. Mattox:
The Eternal Kingdom - FW Mattos - 1961 - ch1-6.docx
See the previous post for the Cover/Title Page....As the filename indicates, now, this update includes the 1st six chapters.
There are 33 chapters total. In MS WORD this update has 87 pages. Looks
like it will be a sizeable book (over 400 pages?? ) Hope to have it at least 50%
complete this week. Sorry, got a lot of things going on. Not to mention, that in
converting from the PDF Version I am getting a lot of spaces in some words. To
go through and rectify this, I literally have to "re-read" this file. My apologies on
this. This is easily corrected, but takes some time. Will try and post a major update
by Thursday.........In my previous post I listed two sites where the .PDF version can be downloaded
in it's entire 33 chapters It might be available at other Restoration Movement sites
Mark
https://djmarko53.wixsite.com/churchbooks0 -
Thanks
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You're welcome sir!
Just finished thru chapter Eleven and
will try to post the update tonite,
Mark
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It might be available at other Restoration Movement sites
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I started reading this book shortly after it was published in Logos. I have not finished it yet.
Immediately in Chapter one I found this statement:
Everything else I have ever read said that Herods Temple was expanded and much larger.
There are no footnotes or references. No citations to historical sources. No bibliography.
So I wonder if there might be other historical innacuracies?
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Well, someone went and spoiled it for me. Didn't know that LOGOS had
already beat me to the punch and took this Public Domain work and created
it for LOGOS. Well, since I am getting close to half-way through my version,
I suppose that I will continue on and have the project completed by next week.
So, suppose I will then save the $12 cost. Anyway, I will post what I have done
thru Chapter Twelve (there are 33 chapters....) Then, won't post anymore....If
anyone wants to read the rest you might have to spend the money. I would myself,
but being on Medicare as a retiree I really have to pull in the reigns on my spending.Anyway, here is what I have so far.....
The Eternal Kingdom - FW Mattos - 1961 - ch1-12.docx
Concerning the Herods Temple it has been said, "Everything else I have ever read
said that Herods Temple was expanded and much larger." Larger how? The idea of
it being expanded as proposed by some long dead historian really cannot be proven.
The Romans took care of that in 70 AD when they virtually destroyed Jerusalem, not
to mention the temple. The idea of expanding the Temple kinda reminds one of the
warning in God's Word of "Adding To.." or "Taking From" the Word of God as it is
condemned in the Bible (remember Revelation).Something else... Not that it matters... When Herod built his version of the Temple, it was
almost like he was trying to imitate and rival what God had allowed or ordained. I don't
see God allowing Herod to do that really, which takes us back to the issue raised about
an alleged historical inaccuracy. Is it? What proof is that there is a historical inaccuracy?
No one alive has seen, let alone measured Herod's Temple ("in tact" that is...)Now, I was still in elementary school when F.W. Mattox's book was revised in 1961 with
the addition of two extra chapters. I do know that my uncle who was an infuencial and
faithful gospel preacher in Texas, regarded Mattox highly. He and others thought he was
"above board." The fact that several Christian Colleges and Universities have used the
book in the classroom tells me that any "historical inaccuracies" is perhaps someone
grasping for straws. But.... I will do my own research and really see what bonafide historians
really do say about this. But, all in all, it all boils down to a "matter of opinion" And when it
comes to that "OPINION" doesn't matter, especially on the judgment day. Only the truth will
matter. We may not know it all right now. But in matters of eternity, how big something is or
isn't is not all that important. But I will create my own little bibliography and research, and
if acceptable to any concerned, I will post the results on the Forum here...0 -
Larger how? The idea of
it being expanded as proposed by some long dead historian really cannot be proven.https://app.logos.com/books/LLS%253AFSBINFOGRAPHICS/articles/TEMPLECOMPARISON
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The fact that several Christian Colleges and Universities have used the
book in the classroom tells me that any "historical inaccuracies" is perhaps someone
grasping for straws.Don't get me wrong. I am not saying the book has no value. I believed it did, which is why I decided to read it.
But a book about history that does not give sources ... and has obviously incorrect statements ... is one to read with critical thinking.
But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;
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We also have to realize that what most people said made Herod's Temple larger
was add-ons and the like. Modifications, Courts for the Gentiles, and so forth. Items
and features not present in Solomon's temple. In that sense, yes, Herod's Temple
was larger in that Herod "expanded" (without divine auhtorization) the design used
by Solomon and those who rebuilt it after the captivity. But then, we all know what
happened to Herod in the New Testament. Which goes to show you that bigger and
more grand is not "better," especially if God is not behind the building. But then, knowing
what happened to Solomon shows that he wasn't much better than Herod in the end.
Starting out, Solomon may have followed in David's footsteps.Also, keep in mind that that Jesus condemned the Jewish authorities, etc.. for turning
his Father's house (i.e. Temple) into a "Den of Thieves" Doesn't matter if a ruler like
Herord builds the biggest and best since the days of Solomon. The idea also come to
mind of the warning from Christ warning about those who "teach for doctrine the commandments
of men." I know the background that Mattox came from, and I think he was more worried
about this. In that he wanted to show through history how men did just that. And it made
those in Rome and Constantinople just that, "those who perverted the original church." This
certainly would account for the religious division we have today. As long as Mattox's book
seems to be accurate as far as history and events, and how Christianity and the church has
been altered by man.Maybe there is an omen here (after the fact, of course) Just as Herod altered the original plan
of the temple and the authorities turned it into a sinful, profit-making endeavor....Even so, man
has taking that which Christ has built and done the same thing through history and time. But
then, the New Testament warns of that happening....."Grievious wolves...not sparing the flock"
I dare say that Mattox's book, and Brumback's "History of the Church" are/were more concerned
with how the distortion of truth has affected the church. Makes me think of Christ's warning(s) at
the end of the Sermon on the Mount.If anything, I realize that in :"man's eyes" Herod's Temple was "BIGGER AND BETTER," but what
about Christ's prediction to his disciples who were impresed by the Grandeur of the Temple and
the buildings in Jerusalem? Something like: "There is not a stone here that won't be undone"
Wonder what He would think of the big churches today that preach a "wealth and prosperity"
gospel and distort the truth.
Sorry, didn't mean to preach to you. This has been on my mind before I started that work by
Mattox.. Guess I will now take a look at the PDF for Brumback's "History of the Church" It is
a large PDF File, so may not be doable.Let us not throw the baby out with the bath water, so to speak.. Or, don't try to discredit the
likes of Mattox, Brumback, and others over a simple matter of the size of the temple. Admitedly,
I haven't seen anything of the LOGOS version of Mattox's work, but the original which I have has
a fair amount "footnotes" Took a peak at preview ("look inside") of the LOGOS book online. Correct
me if I'm wrong, but I didn't note any footnotes in the LOGOS version. The original 1961 revision
which I have been working off of has footnotes. But then, I am not all that interested in all those
"Ibid p. 32" statements.....I don't mind footnotes, but I expect more than a simple "Ibid."On a lighter note, the Brumback "History of the Church" appears to be more or lest "Scanned Images"
So, told my PDF Editor to perform OCR Scanning on the entire document. Hope that doesn't mess
it up. But then, I thought ahead and saved a backup first.
Have a "FANTABULOUS DAY!"
Mark
https://djmarko53.wixsite.com0
