Originally published in 1888 by Kegan Paul, Trench & Co., London.
Although one of MacDonald's lesser-known books, The Elect Lady stands out for the memorable relationship of godliness, trust, honesty, and humility between three children—Andrew and Sandy Ingram and their friend Dawtie—whose growth into adulthood MacDonald follows with simple yet moving power. Their relationships provide the foundation for MacDonald’s wisdom to shine forth on the nature and purpose of the church, climaxing in the memorable pronouncement from Andrew’s mouth: “I don’t believe that Jesus cares much for what is called the visible church. But he cares with his very Godhead for those who do as he tells them.”
Some Scots dialogue
“I am so tried with the wicked things said about God by people who think they are speaking to His pleasure and not in his despite, that I am apt to talk foolishly. I don’t wonder at God’s patience with the wicked, but I do wonder at His patience with the pious!”
Recommended Editions and Adaptations
The Cullen Collection Edition (abridged): paperback and kindle
Hardcover Editions (unabridged):
From WisePath Books
From Johannesen Printing & Publishing
Articles about The Elect Lady
WINGFOLD
Wingfold is a quarterly magazine that restores material by and about George MacDonald, in print since 1993. To subscribe, click here. To request any of the following articles that appear in back issues of Wingfold, contact Barbara Amell at b_amell@q.com.
Spring 2010
“1889 Review”