On the Government of God

"On the Government of God" is a profound theological and historical treatise written by the 5th-century Christian priest Salvian of Marseilles. Composed during the turbulent final decades of the Western Roman Empire, this work serves as both a moral critique and a vigorous defense of divine providence. Salvian addresses the widespread suffering and chaos caused by the barbarian invasions, arguing that these calamities were not signs of God's indifference but were instead a just judgment upon the moral decay and systemic corruption of Roman society.The work is particularly noted for its scathing depictions of contemporary life, where Salvian contrasts the perceived virtues of the Germanic tribes with the decadence and hypocrisy of the Roman elite. Through a blend of scriptural argument and historical examples, the author explores the relationship between God and His creatures, focusing heavily on the oppression of the poor and the failures of the ruling classes. "On the Government of God" remains an essential primary source for understanding the socio-economic tensions of the late antique world and the development of Christian social thought during a period of monumental historical transition.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Pages: 262, Paperback, Tradd Street Press