Prophets and Kings
Foreword
The Story of Prophets and Kings is the second in a series of
five outstanding volumes spanning sacred history. It was, however, the
last book of the series to be written, and the last of many rich works
to come from the gifted pen of Ellen G. White. Through her seventy years
of speaking and writing in America and abroad, Mrs. White ever kept
before the public the larger significance of the events of history,
revealing that in the affairs of men are to be detected the unseen
influences of righteousness and evil--the hand of God and the work
of the great adversary.
The author with deep insight in providential workings draws the
curtain aside and reveals a philosophy of history by which the events of
the past take on eternal significance. She expressed this philosophy in
this way:
"The strength of nations and of individuals is not found in the
opportunities and facilities that appear to make them invincible; it is
not found in their boasted greatness. That which alone can make them
great or strong is the power and purpose of God. They themselves by
their attitude toward His purpose, decide their own destiny.
"Human histories relate man's achievements, his victories in
battle, his success in climbing to worldly greatness. God's history
describes man as heaven views him."
This volume, Prophets and Kings, opens with the account of
Solomon's glorious reign over Israel, a united kingdom, with the temple
of Jehovah--the center of true worship. Here are traced the vicissitudes
of a favored and chosen people, torn between allegiance to God and
serving the gods of the nations about them. And here are seen vividly,
through a crucial period of this world's history, the dramatic evidences
of the raging conflict between Christ and Satan for the hearts and
allegiance of men.
The book abounds in fascinating character studies--the wise Solomon,
whose wisdom did not keep him from transgression; Jeroboam, the
self-serving man of policy, and the evil results which followed his
reign; the mighty and fearless Elijah; Elisha, the prophet of peace and
healing; Ahaz, the fearful and wicked; Hezekiah, the loyal and
good-hearted; Daniel, the beloved of god; Jeremiah, the prophet of
sorrow; Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, prophets of the restoration.
Beyond them all rises in glory the coming King, the Lamb of God, the
only-begotten Son, in whom the typical sacrifices find fulfillment.
Patriarchs and Prophets, the first book of the series, spans
world history from creation to the close of David's reign; The Desire
of Ages, the third book, treats of the life and ministry of Christ;
this volume, Prophets and Kings, fits between these two. The Acts
of the Apostles, the fourth, portrays the history of the early
Christian church, and The Great Controversy, the last in the
series, traces the conflict story to our day and then on in a prophetic
vein to the earth made new.
The Story of Prophets and Kings, having enjoyed a circulation
which has demanded many printings since its first appearance, is now
presented to the public in attractive form with type reset, but with no
change of text or pagination. This new edition is embellished with
attractive illustrations, many of them original paintings designed
especially for this work.
That this volume with its rich lessons of faith in God and His Son,
the Saviour of the world, and the stories of His providence in the lives
of great men and women of Old Testament times may deepen the religious
experience and enlighten the minds of all who read its pages is the
sincere wish of the publishers and
The Board of Trustees of the Ellen G. White Publications.
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