"That this volume with its rich lessons of faith in God and His Son, the Saviour of the world, and the stories of His providence in the lives of great men and women of Old Testament times may deepen the religious experience and enlighten the minds of all who read its pages is the sincere wish of the Publishers and PK 10.3"
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
Both passages discuss the purpose of scripture for learning and hope. EGW's statement about the book's purpose echoes the sentiment in Romans 15:4.