But many of the conclusions reached about him are from hearsay and in most cases no effort has been made to examine the man's work at first hand. To determine from his own words who he was and what he accomplished would take the perspective of years.

Nevertheless a small attempt is made here to let the man speak for himself so that a proper estimate of his worth may be made. These few pieces will convince the thoughtful reader that this was no mean man but a man of large stature.

Much of what is learned about the Apostle Paul is found in his letters, notably 2 Corinthians, Galatians and Philippians because the man and his message were inseparable.

The same could be said of T.T. Shields. He was a man of intense faith whose message was part and parcel of him. That is why his own writings must be consulted for a proper evaluation of him.