Christ's Object Lessons
Page 7
Preface
Christ the Great Teacher gave much of His instruction as He walked with His disciples
through the hills and valleys of Palestine or rested by the lake of river. In His parable
teaching He linked divine truth with common things and incidents, as may be found in the
experiences of the shepherd, the builder, the tiller of the soil, the traveler, and the
homemaker. Familiar objects were associated with thoughts true and beautiful--thoughts of
God's loving interest in us, of the grateful homage that is His due, and of the care we
should have one for another. Thus lessons of divine wisdom and practical truth were made
forcible and impressive.
In this volume the parables are grouped according to their subjects, and their lessons
are developed and illustrated. The book is full of gems of truth, and to many readers it
will give a richer meaning to the common surroundings of everyday life.
The many printings of several editions of Christ's Object Lessons in the English
and other leading languages have proved the popularity of the book. While preparing the
manuscript the author was led to dedicate the proceeds of its sale to the aid of
educational work. Through the co-operative effort of author, publishers, and church
members a sizable sum has been turned to the interests of Christian education.
For a time after the reset and reillustrated edition was published, in 1923, it was
impossible to secure the book in its original form, which was used by those who prepared
Page 8
the Index to the Writings of Mrs. Ellen G. White. The printing of the volume in
this form will, therefore, be heartily received by those who make frequent use of the Index,
for its paging corresponds to that of the original edition.
Not only in its harmonizing of the pages with the Index will this new edition
prove its worth, but also in its compact form, for convenience in handling. In reducing
the book to a minimum in weight and thickness, full-page illustrations and section title
pages have been omitted. The absence of these deleted pages will account for an occasional
skipping of page numbers. The text, however, remains intact. It will be observed that
modern spelling and current forms of punctuation have been employed in this printing.
That this volume may continue on its mission, drawing the reader to the Saviour through
a better understanding of His teachings, is the sincere wish of the publishers and
The Trustees of the Ellen G. White Publications.
