In a bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.  Cut in shortening, using two knives
     or a pastry blender until the mixture has the consistency of coarse meal.  Add raisins and, with a
     fork, stir in enough milk to give a dough that leaves the sides of bowl.
     Turn dough out onto a floured board, knead gently for two or three minutes.  Pat dough out to about
     3/4 inch thick.  Cut out 2 1/2 inch rounds with biscuit cutter.  Place on ungreased baking sheet and
     brush tops with beaten egg.
     Bake in a 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.  Remove from oven and let
     cool on rack.  May also be served warm, if desired.