Manappears in Various Sections

It is to men in general that MacDonald addresses his quotes. In addition to his role as audience, however, man is also a regular character in these quotes. Many types of men are included in these quotes. They include the non-Christian, the beginning Christian, those with questions about God and religion, and seasoned Christians. MacDonald writes to these men in hopes of teaching them about the basics of Christianity. MacDonald's goal is to convince the men that he writes about to embrace a relationship with God and accept their duty to Christ.

One of the groups of men that MacDonald addresses specifically is the group that studies natural science. Although these men attempt to understand science by unraveling the things the God created, MacDonald indicates that these men actually move further away from God in their study of science. By dissecting and analyzing the intricacies of God's creation, these men miss the main reason behind God's creation.

Vile men, or those who are unsaved, are another group of men included in these quotes. These vile men are the ones who will be surprised to learn exactly how God views them when they are awakened. Christians should also be careful of being grateful they are not like these vile men because they have the same germ of evil in them that the vile men have.

Godappears in Various Sections

God is a frequent character in these quotes. He is described as being the creator of everything. It is indicated that God created all things that exist including darkness, which is portrayed as being the opposite of God's character. God's most important creation, however, appears to be humans. Although God is part of these humans because he created them, God must intentionally separate Himself from these humans. God's intention is that men will respond to their innate desire to return to God and then initiate and maintain a relationship with Him.

In addition to creating humans, God is also the Father of Jesus Christ. God allowed Jesus to come to earth, and then be murdered as a way to redeem humans from their sins. Jesus was an earthly example of God's qualities and personality. Like God, Jesus was capable of changing His plans without messing anything up. This is shown by Jesus' decision to change water into wine at a wedding at his mother's request. Similarly, God is also able to change His plans when he hears the prayers of His children.

Jesusappears in Various Sections including 10, 14, 120, 196

In Section 10 the Bible leads us to Jesus. In Section 14 Jesus is the opposite of Balaam. In Section 32 MacDonald indicates that even when Jesus is farthest from God, his faith is most strong. Jesus still cries out in faith to His father even though He has no feelings on which to base his faith. In Section 53 MacDonald indicates that although Jesus was completely good, He did not even recognize His own goodness. In section 209 it is mentioned that Jesus died to save people from their sins, not keep them from punishment. In Section 322 it is mentioned that Jesus is the son of God. In Section 120 MacDonald encourages his readers to live as Jesus lived while He was on earth. Jesus is described as being the live truth in Section 196. In Section 322 Jesus is described as the son of God.

Balaamappears in Section 14

Balaam is a character mentioned in Section 14. Balaam is presented as being the opposite of Jesus.

Jobappears in Sections 153 and 154

Job is a character from the Bible who was persecuted by the devil despite the fact that Job was a just man. In the end of the book of Job, Job is allowed to see God face to face. Instead of asking God the questions that he had wanted to ask, all Job can think about in the presence of God is how vile he is.

Judasappears in Section 246

Judas is a character mentioned in Section 246. Judas is well known as the man who betrayed Jesus Christ to the Roman soldiers who wished to betray him. In this section of the book MacDonald indicates that every person has a little bit of Judas in him.

Phariseeappears in Section 316

The Pharisee is mentioned in Section 316. In this section the Pharisee is pictured as praying, but his prayer is compared to the "weary beating of the surf of hell." This comparison indicates the shallowness, and uselessness of the Pharisee and his prayer. The cries of the person in hell bring more pity than those of the Pharisee.

The Hebrewsappears in Section 4

The Hebrews are a group of people studied in Section 4. The Hebrews became fearful of God after they were discovered worshiping a golden calf they had created as a god for themselves.

Paulappears in Sections 181, 225

It is indicated in Section 181 that Paul was one of the writers of the epistles. In Section 225 MacDonald writes that Paul said that, "faith in God was counted righteousness before Moses was born." It is also indicated that Paul's idea of righteousness was a much more pure righteousness than that had by Abraham.

Moses appears in Section 225

In Section 225 MacDonald uses the Biblical character of Moses to describe men in whom long faith in God has been regarded as a good thing. Moses is one of the first saints mentioned in the Bible.

Lilithappears in Section 365

According to legend, Lilith was Adam's first wife. In the legend, Adam's wife Eve, as recorded in the Bible, was his second wife. In Section 365 Lilith is begged by Mara to give away the thing that is not hers, probably either her soul or her life. Lilith instead begs Adam to cut off her hand so that she can sleep.