A Victorian Dissenter

This book introduces the reader to Robert Govett (1813-1901), dissenting clergyman and author, who wrote as a scholar of biblical prophecy, primarily on the subject of the ''exclusion'' of believers in the Millennial Kingdom, an idea of which he conceived. The purpose of the book is threefold: (1) to describe Govett, his life, and his printed work; (2) to analyze Govett’s eschatological beliefs, especially those he originated; and (3) to investigate why a respected theologian in England, who had published over 180 books and tracts, disappeared from dissenting print culture early in the twentieth century.Govett’s doctrine of exclusion was heavily intertwined with most of his writings. It was a topic that he developed throughout his career. Yet, as the center of dispensationalism shifted to America, Govett’s views of the Rapture began to be seen as extreme. The book explains why Govett was eclipsed as the center of the evangelical movement shifted and its theology ossified. Since his death, Govett has been occasionally remembered in scholarship, but with increasing inaccuracies and skepticism. This book seeks to remove the mystery.''In its careful analysis of the writings of Robert Govett, this book uncovers the variety of early dispensationalism, reconstructs the crises in the formation of its eschatology, and uncovers the mechanisms by which evangelical reputations could be made and just as quickly forgotten. David Seip’s new work offers important new insights into the debates out of which emerged the most widespread eschatological system in global Christianity.'' --Crawford Gribben, Queen’s University Belfast''This fascinating study performs a celebratory act of theological archaeology, bringing an important but almost completely forgotten figure in Victorian religious history back into consideration. Given Robert Govett’s enormous output, and the importance to the cultural historian of recovering and understanding ideas and arguments which lost the historical battle, it is of no small significance that Seip has provided us with a sense of the theological and intellectual struggles of this figure which helps fill in a gap in our understanding of a very fascinating period.''--Jarlath Killeen, Trinity College Dublin''The real strength of this book is the prodigious archival research that underpins the account of Govett’s life. Seip’s judicious use of manuscript and primary sources is truly impressive. This study is a rich scholarly account that convinces us of Govett’s relevance to Victorian dissent.''--David O’Shaughnessy, Trinity College DublinDavid E. Seip received his PhD from Trinity College in Dublin. He is the Senior Pastor of Chestnut Hill Baptist Church.