Book Review: Every Life a Plan of God

This book was loaned to me by some members at Lebanon Road. They had asked if I owned Batsell Barrett Baxter’s autobiography. When I said I did not, they let me borrow the book, for they knew and loved brother Baxter and wanted me to see why.

I know why after reading this brief volume.

As an autobiography, there are several anecdotes from childhood and the school years that some readers may not find all that interesting, but there are not many, so the reader does not get bogged down in those. Once we see brother Baxter’s life as a preacher and school teacher, though, we see why he continues to be so respected, even several years after his death.

My favorite part of the book was a section devoted entirely to preaching. Three consecutive chapters have the word “preaching” in the title, and they provide philosophies of preaching, as well as humorous stories from many years in the pulpit.

There is much in the book about the works that were so close to brother Baxter’s heart, including Herald of Truth and David Lipscomb College (now University). These sections show us the heart of a man who truly loved these works.

For those who enjoy reading biographies and autobiographies, this book will prove to be a good read. It is brief, but rich. I’m thankful it was loaned to me.