David R. Kenney David R. Kenney This book is a compilation of questions and answers
during the editorial tenure of David Lipscomb and E. G. Sewell
for the Gospel Advocate. The book was edited in 1920 by
M. C. Kurfees who was described by Guy N. Woods as "one of
the most scholarly men ever to write for the Advocate."
As mentioned in reference to Guy N. Woods' two volumes of Questions
& Answers, effort was made not to overlap the work completed
in Questions Answered that makes this volume a complementary
addition for the church library.
This book covers an estimated 600 subjects which
are indexed in the back of the book; however, it does not have
a scriptural index, which makes referencing the work a little
more challenging. Some subjects are dealt with twice, which appears
on the surface to be redundant; however, the editor actually gives
us the answers from both writers since these men wrote answers
to the same question on more than one occasion. So, the research
may have the answer on a subject from both David Lipscomb and
E.G. Sewell rather than just one of the men.
Some of the questions asked and answered include
"If God sees the end from the beginning and knows all that
will come to pass, how can men change that order or be responsible?"
"Were the men who gave us the Authorized (or King James)
translation of the Scriptures immersionistsall or any great number
of them?" "Is there any authority for Sunday School
in the Bible?" "Are there witches, magicians, and such
like, who can call up familiar spirits and talk with them?"
"When was the Sabbath changed to the first day of the week?"
David Lipscomb (1831-1917) served as editor for
the Gospel Advocate for more than fifty years. Speaking
of David Lipscomb in the 125th anniversary issue of the Gospel
Advocate, Guy N. Woods stated "... he did more than any
other person of his day to preserve primitive New Testament Christianity
in Tennessee and the Southland. Wherever the Gospel Advocate
was read in those days the church was sound and true to the Book."
In 1891, James A. Harding and David Lipscomb founded
Nashville Bible School, which evolved into David Lipscomb University.
In 1870, E. G. Sewell (1830-1924) became the co-editor
of the Gospel Advocate (also known as "Old Reliable")
with David Lipscomb. They worked together for fifty years (in
which the questions were originally answered). It is reported
that the relationship between Lipscomb and Sewell was that of
David and Jonathan. What a great example for fellow gospel preachers!
Some of the questions asked involve controversies
that have been largely forgotten about today. These questions
and answers are interesting to students of church history; however,
these answers should be interesting to all of us. Just because
an issue has "died down" for now does not mean it will
not "heat up" in the future. When this occurs, it makes
the writings of those who experienced the controversy in its "hey
day" all the more valuable. This volume is over 750 pages
and is a great storehouse of information that will enrich our
study of the Bible. -29 Flora Drive, Bedford, OH 44146-2011. drkenney@email.com