Men and women of deep piety

Introduction

ANOTHER new book? Yes, but a very inspiring one, and this justifies its publication. Biographical sketches of holy men and women come next to the Bible as a wholesome bill of fare for those who desire spiritual food. Here we get new visions and possibilities in the kingdom of grace. Here we take on courage and strength as we behold soldiers battling in the great arena of life. Here we are silently rebuked as we view the self-sacrifice of those who counted not their lives dear unto themselves that they might win Christ and bless humanity. Yes, the reading after eminent saints will broaden, deepen and enrich any soul who will take time to do so.

The writer has known Sister McLeister, the compiler of this volume, for years, and we consider her well qualified for the great task of selecting matter for such a book. At her request we have undertaken its publication. It has been a. means of spiritual profit, though a great task to condense and edit the copy so as to reduce it to its present size, and yet not do violence to the general thought contained in each sketch. While we have furnished some of the matter found herein, the selection of that of our sainted companion was wholly on the part of the author. However, we consider it a valuable asset to the book.

The exhorbitant high cost of printing and making of new cuts from old pictures renders it impossible to sell the book as cheaply as before the war. Nevertheless, we feel sure that those who purchase and read this volume will be well repaid for the investment. We bespeak for it a wide circulation, and for any good that is accomplished our God shall have all the

^^°'^- E. E. SHELHAMER,

January, 1 , 1 920. Harrisburg, Pa.

Preface

CHRISTIAN biography is inspiring and stimulating. Wills are strengthened, sluggish emotions are aroused, fuel is added to devotion's flame, and the clay becomes more plastic in the Master Potter's hands.

To write brief sketches of pious women was the author's first design. This to her seemed an unassuming way of becoming a blessing to her sisters in the Lord who, having many cares and perplexities, hear much more frequently of holy men and their achievements than of pious, successful mothers and hand-maidens of the Lord. It was at the request of the publisher that the writing of sketches of holy men was also undertaken and included in the volume. The field is wide, and it is a task to bring the materials within the compass of one book without too greatly diminishing their interest and value.

The labor involved in gleaning from many sources has had its reward in enriching the author's mental and soul life. The heavenly Boaz bade the reapers let some handfuls fall purposely for her. Her part in the work of the pastorate, together with the duties of a wife and mother, have necessarily claimed first attention. But during ten happy years, gathering up fragments of time lest they be wasted, she has pursued her design, and now desires to share with others, in this concentrated form, some of the honey, wine and oil thus stored.

The sources from which we have obtained our information have been many and varied, ranging through biography, autobiography, memoirs, letters, diaries, encyclopedias, and re-

6 Preface

ligious papers and magazines. It would have added but little to the interest of most of our readers had each author and quotation been listed. Hence we merely indicate a verbatim transcript by quotation marks. We humbly acknowledge our indebtedness to these worthy scribes.

We owe a special debt of gratitude to Rev. E. E. Shelhamer who, as a father in the Gospel, so kindly encouraged us in this work and undertook the publishing of it. He has very helpfully criticised our manuscripts, and abridged them for publication, and in addition has contributed several original sketches. His many fruitful years of labor, as author and evangelist, his holy and unblameable life, his magnanimity of soul, and his God-given insight into human character, lend special weight and value to whatever passes through his hands. We realize that the value of the book has been very much increased by his practical co-operation.

Let us approach holy lives reverently and, drawing aside the curtain to study the secrets of their success and power, may the Holy Spirit breathe upon our hearts, and transform us more perfectly into the image of God's dear Son.

If these pages become blest to the awakening of sinners and the edifying of the body of Christ, may all the glory be ascribed to Him "who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people."

MRS. CLARA McLEISTER.