That I May Know Him

Foreword

Those who are familiar with the Ellen G. White writings and who have treasured the devotional books from her inspired pen in the past will welcome this new volume from the same rich source. It will be particularly prized because it consists largely of material not otherwise available to the average reader. Only a few pages duplicate what is found in the current Ellen G. White books. More than half of the book is drawn from the wealth of inspired material in the articles from her pen that appeared during her long lifetime in such periodicals as the Review and Herald, Youth's Instructor, and Signs of the Times. About one third is drawn from unpublished manuscripts and letters in the custody of the Trustees of the Ellen G. White writings, under whose direction the volume has been prepared. Many of these unpublished items are from personal heart-to-heart messages sent to individuals—messages that come to us today with the same earnest appeal, the same tender admonition and encouragement, as when they were written. Of special interest are several pages which contain extracts from early morning entries in Ellen White's diary, and give the reader significant glimpses into her personal prayer life. TMK 5.1

In order to bring each reading into the compass of a single page, frequent deletions have been necessary, and these are indicated in the usual way. Great care has been exercised to preserve without distortion the thought and intent of the writer. It should be noted that when lines from a hymn or a poem appear they were quoted by Ellen White herself. The daily memory verses have been chosen to harmonize with the message of each day. TMK 5.2

“That I May Know Him” goes forth with our hope and prayer that it may truly help its readers to become better acquainted with our Lord and Saviour, to have a deeper appreciation of His amazing sacrifice for lost mankind, to gain clearer views of the beauty and perfection of His character, and to understand better the heights we may reach in our own character development, as clothed in the garments of His righteousness we strive to become “complete in Him.” TMK 5.3

The Trustees of the Ellen G. White Estate

Washington, D.C.

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.... That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”—Philippians 3:7-11. TMK 6.1

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”—John 17:3. TMK 6.2

“Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace.”—Job 22:21. TMK 6.3

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“It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit.”—The Desire of Ages, 83. TMK 6.4