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"It is folly to conclude that a thing ought not to be done because it hurts. There are powers to be born, creations to be perfected, sinners to be redeemed, all through the ministry of pain, that could be born, perfected, and redeemed in no other way." --(George MacDonald)-- |
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Edited by: Michael R. Phillips, Bethany House Publishers, Copyright © 1986 Michael R. Phillips, 251 Pages. Originally published in 1879 as Paul Faber, Surgeon.
"A captivating story of love, suspense, and sparkling truth . . ."
"The Curate's own spiritual awakening had influenced Juliet's admission. But how could she have foreseen the dramatic consequences?"
"A companion volume to The Curate's Awakening (though both stories are complete in themselves), this is the story of the Lady Juliet, now living in the same town as the Curate, Thomas Wingfold. The town doctor, Paul Faber, considers himself an atheist. But he is charming and likable, and he seems to have his life in order without God. Juliet and Paul fall in love and seem to be destined for a life of happiness and service to others. But then Paul discovers a secret from her past he cannot accept . . ." --(Back Cover)--
". . . MacDonald probes still deeper into the essence of sin itself, man's need, and the nature of man's heart in relation to God. [Paul] Faber is the classic example of a "good" man, more kindly and compassionate and loving than many so-called Christians. He sees no need for God. But his very goodness is also his downfall. For with his goodness comes a fierce pride which, as the story unfolds, reveals the spiritual and even moral bankruptcy of mere "goodness." No human being is good enough. We are all sinners. But not only does The Lady's Confession offer a parable of pride on the individual level, but on the church level as well. Pride exists within the human heart to keep individual's from God's salvation. And pride also exists within church bodies, keeping them from unity with each other and God. Faber's perceptive criticisms of Christians are especially disgraceful in that love and unity among them are the trademarks Jesus has given us to demonstrate to the unbelieving world that the gospel is true. In exploring the unbelieving heart of Faber, therefore, MacDonald also brings to light the impact of spiritual pride and division between Christians. If this is a parable of salvation, it is equally a parable of unity in the Body of Christ. Scripturally, the two are intrinsically linked. The only way, according to Jesus, that the world would come to know His Father is through the love Christians demonstrate, toward one another and to the world. When people see division, unbelief is the result. --(Michael R. Phillips, Editor)-- |
| This was a difficult
book for me, personally. In as much as I could look back over my own life
and identify far too closely with Dr. Paul Faber, I formed an immediate
dislike of the man. Indeed, he was, in the eyes of the world, a very good
man. He was kind, compassionate, caring, and charitable. He was among the
first to assist those in need, to give freely to the poor. Yet, Faber,
not unlike the Pharisee at his prayers, saw himself as the very font or
source of this goodness, and it was his smug self-assuredness and self-satisfaction
which alienated me. The woman whom he chose to marry was, in my estimation,
little better. She was shallow and vain and, like Faber, prone to self-pity,
although deeply in love with and devoted to Faber. Of course, when two
such individuals marry there is bound to occur difficulty. They are each
so entranced with their own self-perceived purity, excellence, and divinity—both
of themselves and one another—that there exists no option but the inevitable
fall from grace. They place one another on towering marble pedestals from
which the inescapable fall becomes all the more inglorious, painful, and,
forgiveness, virtually impossible.
It is the dwarf (my favorite character), Polwarth, who stands tall as a shining beacon of light. It is Polwarth, ill-formed and asthmatic, who loves his God above all else and lives this love through his service to others. It is Polwarth who, with subtlety, humility, and self-effacing kindness, leads Faber and Juliet toward the true source of all goodness. Whether they will follow is, of course, their decision, for many who have seen the light prefer the darkness. Will you follow Polwarth, or will pride and self guide you further into the darkness? --(Dr. David J. Thomas)-- |
George MacDonald Titles:
The Gentlewoman's Choice | What's Mine's Mine | Castle Warlock |
Alec Forbes Of Howglen | Salted With Fire | Robert Falconer |
The Peasant Girl's Dream | The Poet's Homecoming | David Elginbrod |
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