Civil Government: Its Origin, Mission, and Destiny, and the Christian's Relation to It

David Lipscomb (1831-1917) was one of the most influential gospel preachers in the South during his lifetime – mostly through his work as the editor of the Gospel Advocate, a work he did for over fifty years. In addition to his editorial writings and gospel preaching, he taught daily Bible classes at the Nashville Bible School which he founded in 1891. He also served as the President of the Board of Trustees of the Fanning Orphan School from its establishment in 1884 until his death. In Civil Government, Lipscomb challenged the views of many brethren in his day regarding human government and the Christian’s relationship to it. He saw brethren dividing over various issues – including the American Civil War – and appealed for unity among brethren in the kingdom of God. This material was originally published in the Gospel Advocate in 1866-1867. As it did then, Lipscomb’s teaching on this topic will challenge the popularly held views of brethren today and is worthy of careful consideration.