1892 GEORGE MACDONALD. Paul Faber, Surgeon. A Tale of Unkind, Divided Christians.

A very nice early imprint of a work by MacDonald which feels perhaps uniquely relevant at the moment.  “Faber represents the classic example of a “good” man by appearance, more kindly and compassionate and loving than many Christians. He perceives within himself no need for God. Yet his very goodness is his downfall. For its darker side reveals a fierce pride which, as the story unfolds, illuminates the spiritual and even moral bankruptcy of mere external goodness. Goodness is a good thing. But without the recognition that goodness is born in the heart of our Good Father, it can never be enough. Priding himself on the goodness of his manhood, Faber judges others while keeping his own sins hidden from view. He even tries to hide them from himself. His hidden sin is a type of all mankind’s fallen nature. Eventually Faber discovers (as must we all) that he is not “good” after all. Not only do we discover here a parable of pride on the individual level, but on the church level as well. Fab