A Life Laid Down

A Brief Memoir Of Fannie M. Arthur

Next to the study of the Holy Writ itself, there is probably no class of literature so stimulating and inspiring as Christian biography. Especially is this true when the person, whose life-story is under consideration, is one who was characterized by genuine piety and fervent zeal for Christ and the salvation of a lost world. The knowledge that a man or woman of like passions with ourselves, has nevertheless been moved upon and energized by the Spirit of God in a manner above that which Christians ordinarily experience, is an encouragement for every reader to count on God for similar grace. Our environments and temperaments may differ widely, but the power that will enable us to act in our special sphere to the glory of Him who has saved us, must necessarily be the same in every case.

And for the unsaved, Christian biography is also not without profit, as manifesting a character and object of life of which the merely natural man is altogether ignorant. “Men may not believe in the doctrines of Christianity until divinely convicted,” said a valued friend to me lately, “but all men can appreciate unselfish service and self-denying devotion, and we must be characterized by these if we would win lost souls to Christ.” I am sure this is true. And I consider the life-story of Fannie M. Arthur a striking illustration of such unselfishness and self-denial. Therefore I have written this book; and because of this, I am anxious, unknown friend, that you should read it thoughtfully and carefully.