The Book provides a comprehensive coverage in relation to History of Bible,
and of Churches. It includes sequential timelines, Biblical facts, and
overviews of History of both BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini). The
Author encircles this phenomenal account of History in two different
phases. The First phase is the summation of writings enshrining Bible
History. This phase covers the historical account in Five Eras ranging from
4004 B.C. to 1 A.D. The First Era talks thoroughly on the process of the
`Creation of the World' to the `Dispersion of Mankind'. The Second Era
brings out the year's witnessing the `Call of Abram' to the `Birth of
Moses'. Then, in the Third Era the whole picture, till the `Death of
Solomon' unfolds. The Fourth Era starts up with the `Death of Solomon' and
ends at the `Babylonian Captivity'. The momentous period of BC is covered
in the Fifth Era; from the `Restoration of the Jews' to the `Birth of
Christ'. In furtherance of the Christ Birth, there is also a synopsis
highlighting `Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ'.
The Second phase is an elaborate Compendium of Church History by Rev. John
A. Dillon. This Phase covers a vast period, that is to say, Ancient Times,
Middle Ages and Modern Times (A.D. 33 to the then present day, i.e., A.D.
1916). All the respective Times have been detailed by its demarcation in
Epochs. Each Epoch covers a relevant time period, meticulously submitting
History of that particular age. The period of Ancient Times starts with the
`Foundation of the Church' and ends with `Coronation of Charlemagne'.
Period of Middle Ages begins with the `Restoration of the Western Empire'
and elaborates till the `Rise of Protestantism'. Lastly, the then period of
Modern Times exhaustively spells out from the `Rise of Protestantism', the
`French Revolution' and goes upto A.D. 1916.
As Rev. J. L. (John Lancaster) Spalding, the then Bishop of Peoria, himself
concluded in the Preface of the Book, revealing the truth about Author's
sole aim "to supply Catholic schools with a complete text-book of sacred
History". Further, the Author believes that Christianity as a religion
cannot have any right theory and it can be understood only when it is
clearly defined by means of authentic History. This piece of Work is an
endeavor to rightly bring to light the deeds rather than the thoughts of
Christian Religion.
This is an exceptional and a complete Book in itself as it encapsules Bible
and Church History; thereby covering 6000 years of heritage (4004 B.C. to
A.D. 1916). It incorporates the Origin, History, and Development on the
concerned subjects in layman language; also equipped with a quick reference
guide in the form of Pronouncing Vocabulary for beginners and novice
learners. It covers subjects like History, Christianity, Theology in
general, and Biography of Lord Jesus Christ. The Book, is a must read for
Christian Laity, Church Clergies, General Readers, Students and
Researchers.
Rev. B. J. (Benedict Joseph) Spalding (1850?-1887) was the late Pastor of
St. Mary's Church, and Chancellor of the Diocese of Peoria. He had also
authored a 2-vol. work titled `The History of the Church of God from the
Creation to the Present Day'.
Rev. John A. (John Andrew) Dillon (1878?-1926) was the Superintendent of
Parish Schools, Newark, New Jersey. Other than providing a Compendium on
Church History in this Book, he also compiled and edited a Book titled
`Moments with the Consoling Christ : Prayers Selected from Thomas a
Kempis'.
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