The Kingdom, Parts 1 through 3 Summary and Analysis

Part 1: Black servant Isabella Van Wagenen received Matthews and brought him to meet Pierson. In the book, Pierson is portrayed as weak-willed and gullible, while Matthews is portrayed as strong and opportunistic. Matthews realized Pierson was well-moneyed, and able to be influenced. Matthews stated that Pierson "prophethood" was the result of Matthews' own actions. Matthews had "commissioned" the Prophet Elijah, and had now come to guide Elijah to God's truth. Elijah believed Matthews. Elijah turned his pulpit over to Matthews and never preached again.

Matthews took up residence in the home of one Sylvester Mills, an associate of Elijah's. Matthews conducted "fire-and-brimstone"-type sermons from that point on, to about fifty people. The evangelical sermons are quite anti-woman in their tone and content. Matthews damned the enemies of the Jews, which included "Christian devils." Matthews...