Sketches From The Life of Paul
by Ellen G. White
Preface
All who have read the life of Christ as presented in
volumes two and three of "The Great Controversy,"
will welcome another book by the same writer treating
in a similar manner upon the life and labors of the
apostle Paul. Among the many valuable works upon
the life of Paul, this book occupies a field peculiarly its
own. The historical narrative is traced down in a clear
and connected manner, from the time of Paul's first
dealings with the church as a persecutor, until he was
"offered up" as a willing sacrifice for the cause which
he had learned to love more than his own life. Besides
this, from his labors and sufferings, and from the
instruction which he gave to the churches under his
care, practical moral lessons are drawn for the church
of to-day. This is the distinctive feature of the book,
and is that which makes it particularly valuable.
The writer of this book, having received especial help
from the Spirit of God, is able to throw light upon the
teachings of Paul and their application to our own time,
as no other authors are prepared to do. She has not
suffered herself to be drawn aside to discuss theories,
or to indulge in speculation. No extraneous matter is
introduced. Consequently much that is contained in
[p. 8] other books, which is interesting to the curious, and
has a certain value, but which is after all little more
than theory, finds no place in this work.
Of course in a book of this size the vast amount of
instruction contained in Paul's epistles could be considered
only in part. Some of these are not referred to,
others are passed by with a simple mention, and none
of them are fully canvassed. Enough of them are
mentioned, however, to enable the reader to enter into the
spirit which actuated the great apostle. And if the
perusal of this volume shall lead the reader to lay hold
upon the hope which sustained Paul in his labors and
trials, and shall help him to fight the good fight of faith,
the object of its publication will be accomplished.
— PUBLISHERS.
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