A TRIBUTE TO THE BIBLE.
"The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of
man, the way of salvation, doom of sinners, and hap¬
piness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts
are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are
immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe,
and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct
you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.
It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's
compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter.
Christ its grand subject, our good its design, and the
glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule
the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequent¬
ly, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of
glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you.in life,
will be open at the judgment, and be remembered for¬
ever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards
the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its
holy contents."
The church of Christ has need of many more workers
made wise to bring men from the world back to God.
Not the minister's alone, but also the laity must be
trained in the soul-saving service. Minute men are
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wanted, thoroughly equipped and ready at the king's
command to go anywhere, any time, to do anything,
and always doing readily and thoroughly the thing at
hand. He who would wield the Sword of the Spirit,
must 'first be "trained to handle that weapon, which is
sharper than any two-edged sword or he may do harm
in trying to do good. Thus there arises on all sides a
demand for a simple course of Christian training to
furnish personal workers into every good word and work.
To meet this need, there has developed the Bible Train¬
ing Class, the purpose of which is to train men and
women to use the word in personal work for the salva¬
tion of souls.
This little manual is presented to Bible students and
personal workers for use as a text book in Bible Training
Classes. The purpose of it is to arouse and stimulate
a greater and deeper interest in the study of God's word
which is ever a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our
path. We make no pretensions to originality, but only
give what we have endeavored to follow out for a quarter
of a century in studying the Book, which is like an in¬
exhaustible gold mine, the more we dig, the more there
is to be dug and more precious are the nuggets.
The first part of the book is devoted to a critical
study of the word, the last part to a practical applica¬
tion of the word to personal work.
LESSONS
LESSON I—RULES FOR BIBLE STUDY.
(1.) Search. John 5:39.
(2.) Compare. I Cor. 2:13.
(3.) Meditate^ Psalm 1:2.
What Are Necessary Characteristics op a Success¬
ful Bible School.
(1.) Earnestness. Act. 17:11; Jer. 29:13.
(2.) Obedience. James 1:21-27.
(3.) Prayerfulness. Psalm 119:18.
(4.) Faith. Hebrews 11:6.
What Benefits Will Follow Earnest, Obedient,
Believing Study.
(1.) Spiritual growth. I Peter 2:2; Acts 20:32.
(2.) A cleaner life. Psalm 119:9-11.
(3.) Knowledge and wisdom. Psalm 119:104; II
Tim. 3:15.
(4.) Satisfaction. Jer. 15:6; Psalm 119:103.
(5.) Moral courage. Joshua 1:8, 9.
(6.) Victory over evil. Psalm 119:1-7; 17:4.
(7.) Answered prayer. John 15:7.
(5)
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Bible Manual
LESSON II—TITLES.
The Book. Rev. 5:9.
The Law of the Lord. II Chron. 34:14-15.
The Law of Moses. Ezra. 6:8.
The Commandment. Deut. 17:20.
Fear of the Lord. Psalm 19:9.
Judgment of the Lord. Psalm 19:9.
The Law. Jer. 2:7
Moses and the Prophets. Luke 16:29-31.
Oracles of God. Rom. 3:2.
Thy Precepts. Psalm 119:91.
Thy Righteousness. Psalm 119:159.
The Scriptures. Luke 24:27.
The Holy Scriptures. Rom. 1:2.
Thy Truth. Psalm 25:5.
The Word of Truth. II Tim. 2:15.
Thy Way. Psalm 119:37.
The Word. Psalm 68:11; Mark 4:14.
The Word of Christ. Col. 3:16.
The Word of Faith. Rom., 10:8.
The Word of God. Luke 11:28.
The Word of Life. Phil. 2:16.
Words of Eternal Life. John 6:68.
Figurative Terms Descriptive op the Nature and
Offices of the Word.
Seed to beget—I Pet. 1:23.
Strong meat—Heb. 5:14.
Milk—Heb. 5:12.
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7
Honey—Psalm 19:10.
Bread—Mark 7:27.
School-master—Gal. 3:24.
Rod.—Gal. 6:9.
Mirror—James 1:25.
Laver—Eph. 5:26.
Lamp and Light—Psalm 119:105.
Gold—Psalm 119:105.
Sword—Heb. 4:12.
Fire—Jer. 23:29.
Hammer—Jer. 23:29.
Seed to sow—Luke 8:11.
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LESSON III—DIVISIONS. OLD AND NEW
TESTAMENT.
During about four centuries and a half between the
part of the Old Testament writers and the first of the New,
the Holy Spirit was silent, obviating any possibility of
collusion between those who wrote the prophecies and
those who recorded their fulfillment.
In the Old Testament, the new lies hid; in the new the
old lies open. "Do" vs "Done" this do and thou shalt
live," vs. "live and thou wilt do." In the old, we find
Jehovah; in the new Jesus. The old 'is the herald,
glittering with the promises of the coming Messiah;
the new is the pageant blazing with the personal presence
of the king. Dawn vs. Noon-day. Law vs. Grace.
Seed vs. Fruit. Hebrew vs. Greek. Local vs. uni¬
versal. Good vs. Better.
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Bible Manual
Law—5
History—12
There are sixty-six separate books divided into- two
main sections called the Old and the New Testaments.
The Old Testament is divided into four parts (1) Law,
(2) History, (3) Poetry, (4) Prophecy.
f Genesis, Exodus
1 Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I and II
Samuel, I & II Kings, I & II Chronicles
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther.
Poetry—5 j Job, Psalms, Proverbs,
1 Ecclesiastes, Songs of Solomon.
Greater Prophete-5 ( Mah, Jeremiah, Lamentations,
I Ezekiel, Daniel.
Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah,
Jonah; Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk,
Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah,
Malachi.
The New Testament is divided into four parts (1)
Biography (2) History (3) Letters, (4) Prophecy.
, [ Matthew, Mark,
Biography—4 | Luke_ John
History—1 Acts.
Minor Prophets—12
Pauline Letters—14
Romans, I and II Corinthians,
Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians,
Colossians,I and II Thessalonians,
I and II Timothy, Titus, Philemon,
Hebrews.
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9
General Letters—7.
Prophecy—1
James, I and II Peter, I, II, III
John, Jude.
Revelation.
LESSON VI.
These sixty-six books have a common origin—and a
common theme, man and his relations to God and his
fellow-men as they have been and ought to be. The
main purpose of the Book is to teach men of God, and
how to please Him, and thus accomplish their own high¬
est good. We should receive the Book as a personal
message from Almighty God.
Evidences of Variety of Writers.
The number of writers is unknown. There were at ■
least thirty, both Jews and Gentiles.
Occupations—Land-owner and cattle herder; prince,
shepherd, and law-giver; brick maker and general;
priest, prophet and judge; shepherd, musician, soldier,
poet and king, seer, counsellor, cup-bearer and scribe;
sage, herdsman and husbandmen; door-keeper and ruler;
tax gatherer; physician; fisherman; tent-maker, scholar
and apostle; evangelist; carpenter and Bishop, etc.
Preparation—They were prepared for writing in the
schools of Egypt, at the court of Pharaoh and in the
solitude of the wilderness, among brick-kilns; tutored
by Eli; in the schools of the prophets; serving in cap¬
tivity, in a political office; in the fisheries; at a trade; in
professional schools, etc.
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Bible Manual
Circumstances under which they wrote—At home, on
the march, in the midst of conquests, in the seclusion
of the temple, in the courts of kings, in caves, in a palace,
amidst persecution and in captivity, during a reforma¬
tion, in prison, in exile, etc.
Countries in which they wrote—Arabia, Canaan, As¬
syria, Greece, Asia Minor, Patmos, Italy, and Egypt.
Time during which they wrote—About sixteen hundred
years. The Old Testament about eleven hundred years
or from 1500 B. C. to 400 B. C. The New Testament
from about 60 to 95 A. D.
The Old Testament was written almost wholly in
Hebrew. The New Testament in Greek. The Bible
has come to our time by means of carefully written
copies of the original documents. There are now in
existence several hundred manuscript copies more or
less complete, a few going back to within 200 years of the
death of the last writer.
The first English translation was made by John
Wycliffe about 1380 A. D. It was a translation of the
vulgate of Latin version which goes back to 385 A. D.
The first complete copy in English was that by Cover-
dale, published in 1535.
The so-called King James version, was completed in
1611 A. D.—the one now in common use, and the revised
version in 1885.
Bible Manual
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PRINCIPLE DATES IN BIBLE HISTORY.
Creation,—B. C. 4004.
Deluge,—B. C. 2348.
Dispersion,—B. C. 2233.
Call of Abraham,—B. C. 1921.
Descent into Egypt,—B. C. 1706.
Exodus from Egypt,—B. C. 1491.
Passage of the Jordan,—B. C. 1451.
Kingdom instituted,—B. C. 1095.
Dedication of the Temple,—B. C. 1006.
Division of the Kingdom,—B. C. 975.
End of the Kingdom of Israel,—B. C. 721.
Babylonian Captivity,—B. C. 606.
Destruction of the Temple,—B. C. 588.
Restoration of the Jews,—B. C. 536.
Second Temple Completed,—B. C. 517.
Rebuilding of the Temple (Herod,)—B. C. 17.
Birth of Christ,—A. D. 4.
Ascension of Christ,—A. D. 30.
Conversion of Paul,—A. D. 37.
Council at Jerusalem,—A. D. 50.
Destruction of Jerusalem,—A. D. 70.
LESSON V—GENESIS.
The name is derived from the Greek "Beginning" as
suggested by the contents. It was written by Moses
who availed himself of earlier documents and traditions.
There is no preface, the Holy Ghost introduces at once
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Bible Manual
to God in the essential fullness of His being. "In the
beginning" is the extent of the atheist's Bible. The
Creation, Temptation and Fall are set forth; then God's
gracious purpose to have a seed out of the race to serve
H!m is declared; and the writer, wasting no words,
hastens to fix attention upon the people, whom the
Lord takes out of the world as His own, by whom His
truth is to be maintained in the world. Then follows
the selection of the head of the favored line, and the
career of the patriarchs is portrayed, true to life. Every
other thing, person, nation, is touched upon simply as
coming in contact with God's chosen, while seven chap¬
ters treat of the creation etc, including 1656 years,
and four give the history of mankind, during four hun¬
dred and twenty-seven years, thirty-nine chapters are
devoted to the history of Abraham and his immediate
family, through two hundred and eighty-six years—the
whole covering a period of 2369 years.
I. Creation, fall and ante-diluvian history of man,
including the first covenant, I-VII.
II. The deluge concluded; re-peopling of the earth;
dispersion and confusion of tongues. VIII-XI.
III. The call and history of Abraham. XII-L.
It is the Book of Beginnings.
(1.) Heaven and Earth,—Gen. 1, 1.
(2.) Human Race,—Gen. 1:27; 2:7.
(3.) Marriage,—Gen. 2:18.
(4.) Sin and Death by sin,—Gen. 3:6.
(5.) Covenant promises,—Gen. 3:15.
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(6.) Sacrifices,—Gen. 4:3-4.
(7.) Prayer,—Gen. 4:26.
(8.) Nations Tongues,—Gen. 11:9.
(9.) Hebrew race,—Gen. 11:26.
Some of the Patriarchs are—Adam, Cain and Abel,
Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
LESSON VI—EXODUS.
Title from Greek, meaning "Going out." The family
has become a nation of 2,000,000 among the brick kilns
of Egypt about to be emancipated. The book is a
candid, exhaustive journal, covering two hundred and
fifteen years of the history of the chosen nation and con¬
taining the best code of politics for all people in all
time.
I. Enslaved, in Egypt , 2-12.
(1.) The oppression.
(a.) With bondage, 1:14.
(b.) By murdering males, 1:16.
(2.) The Deliverer—Moses. Only biography, dwelt
upon only as touching the nation miraculously preserved;
forty years of education in Egypt; forty years of train¬
ing in the wilderness, where his work was to be; then
forty years performing his great mission.
(3.) The Deliverance. Miraculous plagues;—- '
(1.) Water turned to blood, 7:14-25,
(2.) Frogs, 8:1-15.
(3.) Lice, 8:16-19.
(4.) Flies,—*8;2Q-32,
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Bible Manual
(5.) Murrain,—9:1-7.
(6.) Boils,—9:8-12.
(7.) Hail9, 18-35.
(8.) Locusts,—10:4-20.
(9.) Darkness,—10:21-27.
(10) Death,—11:4-8.
II. Redeemed—from Egypt to Sinai, Chapter 13-18.
Miraculous interpositions:—
1. Parting of the Red Sea,—14:6, 21-31.
2. Curing of the waters of Marah,—15:23-25.
3. Feeding with manna,—16:14-35.
4. Water from the Rock at Rephidim,—17:5-7.
III. Instructed—at Sinai,—Chapters_19:40.
LESSON VII—LEVITICUS.
Title from the Greek, "Concerning the Levites;" the
people being gathered around the Tabernacle, of which
God had just taken possession. The book consists
almost wholly of the words of Jehovah—minute, re¬
peated, imperative,—and covers the history of only
one month. It is a manual of Christian doctrine in
antique drapery.
I. Access to God, Chapters 1-16.
The Sacrifices,—Psalm 51:17.
(1.) Burnt—All on the altar,—Heb. 2:14.
(2.) Meat—Altar and priest,—John 4:34.
(3.) Peace—Altar, priest and pfficer,— Rev. 3;20.
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(4.) Sin—What we are, not do,—II Cor. 5:21.
(5.) Trespass—What we do, not are,—Rom. 5:20.
II. Sanctifying of Israel. Chapters 17-27.
Directions for daily living—food, raiment, houses,
family relations, sowing, reaping, births, deaths, etc.
Lev. 20:26.
The Lord's Feasts:—
(1.) Sabbath, Rest,—Matt. 11:28.
(2.) Passover, Assurance of Faith,—I John 5:13.
(3.) First Fruits, Resurrection of Christ,—I Cor.
15:20-23.
(4.) Pentecost, Outpouring of Spirit,—Acts 2:1-4.
(5.) Trumpets, Testimony of Believers,—Mark
16:15-16.
(6.) Atonement Day, Self-Surrender,—Heb. 9:22.
(7.) Tabernacles, Joy,—John 15:11.
(8.) Jubilee, Millenium,—Psalm 14:7.
LESSON VIII.
Numbers—Title from Greek word, ■' numberings / 'the
sum of the children of Israel being twice recorded—at
the beginning and end of the pilgrimage. Time covered,
thirty-eight years.
I. Preparation for the journey. Chapters 1-10:10.
Pedigree,—1:18.
Place,—2:2.
Work,—4:3.
Holiness,—6:5.
Offerings,—7:2-3.
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Bible Manual
II. On the March. Chapters 10:11-18.
Failure at every step. Heb. 3:15-19.
(a.) The mixed multitude, —11:4.
(b.) God's own people,—11:4.
(c) Faith of Moses,—11:21.
(d.) Of Miriam and Aaron,—12:1.
(e.) Of the ten spies,—13:31.
(f.) Of the whole congregation,—14:1.
(g.) Of the Levites, etc.,—16:1.
III. Preparation to possess the promise. Chapters
19-36.
(a.) The red heifer. I John 1:7.
(b.) Sin, the Cross and Victory. Chapters 20-24.
(c.) Mingling with the world consequences,—Chap¬
ter 25.
(d.) Re-numbered—Chapters 26-34.
(e.) Cities of refuge and marriage,—Chapters 35-36.
LESSON IX.
Deuteronomy,—Title meaning "Second Law."
It is the history of five weeks. In it is developed in
detail the wondrous ecclesiastical, judicial, and political
system of the Jewish nation. Christ puts honor upon
it by quoting from it the three sayings with which he
foiled the devil; 8:3, 6:16, 6:13 (Matt. 4:1-11.) Three
sayings in reference to Christ are contained in it; 18IS¬
IS; John 4:25; Acts 3:22, 7:37); 11:23 (Gal 3:13; 30:
11-14;) Rom. 10:6-J0.
Bible Manual
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I. Recapitulation of history of a forty years'journey,
which might have been made in eleven days—Chapters
1-4.
II. Rehearsal of Law with added motives to obedi¬
ence,—Chapters 5-11.
III. The Statues and Ordinances to be observed in
the land, on all of which may be written, "Holiness to
the Lord,"—Chapters 12-25.
IV. Worship enjoined in connection with the service
of offering the basket of first fruits. Chapter 26.
V. Blessings (Gerizim) and curses (Ebal) Chapter 27.
VI. Temporal mercies and judgments predicted,
with promise of ultimate restoration. Chapters 28-30.
VII. Farewell words, celebrating God's righteousness
and grace in Israel's history, from the flood to the second
coming of Christ. Chapters 31-33. .
Moses could not cross the river, for the law brings
no one into rest (Gal. 3:24); it was left for Joshua (Heb.
4:8) to lead them in; and yet he was but a type of Jesus
Christ. John 1:17.
LESSON X.
Joshua—Title derived from name of author, "The
Lord is salvation." Written in the land of Canaan,
in the midst of conquest; about 1430 B. C. in a memorial
style, from the standpoint of an eye witness by Joshua,
a prince of the tribe of Ephraim, who was born in Egypt
made adjutant to Moses achieved notable victories
over the Amalekites at Rephidim; attended Moses in the
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Bible Manual
Mount; joined Caleb in the minority report of the ex¬
ploration of Canaan; at the age of eighty was made
commander-in-chief, and having filled the post ably for
thirty years died at the age of one hundred and ten years.
It covers the events of about thirty years.
I. The conquest of Canaan,—Chapter 1-12.
II. The partition of the promised land,—Chapters
13-24.
Six cities of refuge established, equidistant on hills—
insuring safety and light, as well as ease and quiet; the
roads kept in perfect cbndition with finger boards point¬
ing "Refuge, Refuge."
Kedesh—"The Holy One our refuge,"—Psalms 7:
7.
Shechem—Shoulder, Isa. 9:6.
Hebron—Fellowship, I John 1:3.
Bezer—Riches, Eph. 1:7.
Ramoth—Exaltation, Acts 5:31.
Golan—Separation, II Cor. 6:17.
*****
Judges.—Title taken from contents, the book being
an account of Israel under judges during nearly four
centuries. Probably written by Samuel about 1060
B. C. after the establishment of the kingdom depicting
ancient manners, and illustrating the union of the Hebrew
faith with the rough heroism of troublesome times among
semi-barbarous people in a period almost anarchic (21:-5)
—in the style of an historical compilation; the whole
being a commentary of Prov. 14:34.
Bible Manual
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I. Introduction,—Chapter 1-3:4.
After the death of Joshua the nation ceased to war
against the heathen tribes, and in the next generation
there resulted decay of faith and corruption of life—
Canaanite idolatry accomplishing what Canaanite
swords had failed to achieve.
II. Main History. Chapters 3:5-17.
Describing a succession of foreign invasions and con¬
quests, cries of distress from Jehovah and His deliver¬
ance of the oppressed through the prowess of the judges.
Oppressors
Mesopotamians
Moabites
Philistines
N. Canaanites
Midianites
Ammonites
Philistines
III. Appendix,
Years Deliverers
8 Othniel,—3:8
18 Ehud,—3:15.
— Shamgar,—3:31.
20 | Deborah
[ Barak,—4:4.
18 Gideon,—6:11.
18 Jephthah 11:11.
40 Samson 13 :l-5.
—Chapters 17-21.
LESSON XI.
Ruth—Title taken from name of chief character.
Authorship somewhat doubtful, is ascribed by Jewish
tradition to Samuel, written about 1200 B. C.; a sweet
pastoral tale, tender and natural to the end.' An appendix
to the book of Judges, it is also an introduction to the
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Bible Manual
books of the kingdom giving the origin of David's family
4:18:22.
It may be regarded as a lovely picture of a redeemed
family hung in the Old Testament gallery in representa¬
tion of Ephesians 3:3-6, representing the calling of the
Gentile church and the final restoration of God's
ancient people after the marriage supper of the lamb.
It is full of spiritual doctrine and instruction' concern¬
ing the Lord Jesus as the Lord of the harvest, supplier
of wants, Kinsman-redeemer and Bridegroom of the
church.
I. Ruth deciding.
II. Ruth reaping.
III. Ruth resting.
IV. Ruth rewarded.
*****
I and II Samuel—The books are called after Samuel
by whom I Samuel (Chapters 1-24) was written about
1060 B. C. The remainder by Gad and Nathan, (I
Chron. 29:29) during the period B. C., 976-640.
It traces the transition from the Theocracy to the
Kingdom covering a period of one hundred and fifty-
four years from B. C. 1171-1017. Its style is bio¬
graphical, historical and prophetical. Samuel stood first
in the line of prophets which continued almost unbroken
to the days of Malachi.
I. The magistracy of Eli, —I Sam. Chapters 1-4.
II. The administration of Samuel,—I Sam. Chap¬
ters 5-8,
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21
III. The Kingship of Saul,' I Sam. Chapters 9-3.
IV. David's reign over Judah at Hebron,—II Sam.
Chapters 1-5:5.
V. Enthroned in Jerusalem over Israel and Judah,—
II Sam. Chapters 5:6-24.
LESSON XII.
I and II Kings—Named from the contents being
a history of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel from
David's death to the Babylonian captivity. The
authorship is attributed to Jeremiah (or Ezra) who
probably availed himself of the public records written
about 590 B. C., in plain narrative. The history covers
four hundred and twenty-seven years; Israel continues
two hundred and fifty-four years, under nineteen kings
of nine different families; Judah three hundred and
eighty-eight years under twenty kings, all except Atha-
liah of the line of David.
I. Reign of Solomon over all Israel. I Kings—Chapters
1-11.
II. The co-existing kingdoms of Judah and Israel.
I King 12 to II Kings 18:12.
III. History of Judah after the extinction of Israel.
II Kings Chapters 18:13-25.
4: * 4c ♦ 4s
I and II Chronicles—Named from the character of
the writing. Compiled probably about 588 B. C. by
Ezra, in part at least from the same sources as kings;
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Bible Manual
It contains much of the same matter, but has a distinct
character and particular purpose with a view to the
wants of the cities returned from Babylon, the writer
aims:
(1.) To fix the genealogy of the Hebrew, that the line
of the Messiah might not be involved in confusion.
(2.) To describe the original distribution of the lands
among the tribes and families that to each the ancient
inheritance might revert.
(3.) To facilitate the re-establishment of religious
worship by detailing the genealogies of the priests and
Levites.
The whole period covered is not less than 3468 years.
The history of Israel is significantly omitted save as
essentially connected with the kingdom of Judah. An
ecclesiastical history here begins which continues un¬
broken to the end of the book of Nehemiah.
I. Genealogical tables and settlements of the various
tribes. I Chron. Chapters 1-9.
II. Saul's reign ended, preparatory to the translation
of the kingdom of David. I Chron. 10.
III. The history of David's reign. I Chron. 11-29.
IV. The reign of Solomon. II Chron. 1-9.
V. History of the kings of Judah and Israel, ending
in captivity. II Chron. 10-36.
LESSON XIII.
Ezra—Named after its author; written partly in
Hebrew, partly in Chaldee (4-7) by Ezra, scribe and
Bible Manual
23
priest, son of Seraiah, the High Priest and lineal des¬
cendant of Phineas, grandson of Aaron about 457 B. C.
in Jerusalem in a genealogical professional, subdued
styles, covering seventy-nine years.
I. Return under Zerubabbel,—1-2:67.
II. Rebuilding and dedication of temple,—2:68-6.
III. Return under Ezra,—7-8.
IV. Reformation of the people,—9-10.
* * * *
Nehemiah—Named from its author, written by
Nehemiah, son of Hachaliah of the tribe of Judah, cup¬
bearer to Artaxerxes Longimanus about 446 B. C.;
probably in Jerusalem, an unreserved personal narrative
supplementing Ezra's record covering about thirty years.
I. His mission to Jerusalem,—1-2:11.
II. Rebuilding of the wall in fifty-two days and set¬
tlement,—2:12-7.
III. Observance of the Feast of Tabernacles and the
renewal of the covenant,—8-10.
IV. Abuses rectified,—11-13.
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Esther—Title from the leading character; written
probably with the aid of Persian records by Mordecai
in Babylon about 452 B. C. A simple narrative of an
episode in the history of those Jews who voluntarily
remained in captivity; covering the events of ten years.
I. The evil anticipated—in the elevation of Esther
to the throne,—1-2.
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Bible Manual
II. The evil threatened—by the advancement of
Haman and his plot to destroy the Jews. Chapter 3.
III. The evil averted—through the defeat and exe¬
cution of Haman. The Jews manifested their trium¬
phant joy in the feast of Purim,—4-10.
LESSON XIV.
Job—Written possibly by Job, who is thought to
have lived contemporary with Abraham in the North¬
eastern port of Arabia Deserta about 1890 B. C. It is
an antique, religious drama, ethical, psychological and
scientific.
I. Introduction in prose, narrating the cause and ex¬
tent of Job's suffering and his patient endurance,—1-2.
II. A five-fold argument in poetry—the theme be^ng
the cause of human suffering,—3-42:6.
(a.) Eliphaz appeals to experience,—4-7:8.
(b.) Bildad appeals to history,—8:8.
(c.) Zophar appeals to legality,—11:13.
(d.) Elihu appeals to the Spirit, 32:8-18 and the
Word,—37: -4.
(e.) "Then the Lord answered Job," accomplishing
the result— I have heard of thee by the hearing of the
ear, but now mine eye seeth thee; wherefore I abhor
myself and repent in dust and ashes,—42:5-6.
III. Conclusion, in prose, describing Job's close of
life in peace and prosperity,—42:7-17.
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25
Psalms—The composition of these one hundred and
fifty lyric poems extending over about one thousand
years of the national history belongs to David besides
Moses, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Heman,
Ethan, and perhaps others whose writings were com¬
piled from several smaller collections by Ezra about
450 B. C. in Jerusalem. Exultant, penitential, plaintive
and liturgic in style, constituting a sort of Pentateuch,
each of the first four books of which ends with doxology
and a double "Amen," the last with a grand hallelujah
chorus.
I. The composition of David,—1-41.
II. Levitic, compiled for the temple worship in the
time of Hezekiah of which twenty-one are David's—
42:72.
III. Compiled in the time of Josiah for the same
purpose,—73-89.
IV. Compiled during the Captivity,—90-106.
V. Miscellaneous—seventeen Davidic, fifteen Levitic,
two pentential, one Mosaic,—107-150.
LESSON XV.
Proverbs—Named from the character of the contents;
composed of a part of the three thousand wise sayings
(I King 4:32) of Solomon, about 1000 B. C., together
with the instructions of Agur to his friends and of King
Lemuel's mother to her son. It was compiled probably
in the time of Hezekiah, about 700 B. C. in Jerusalem;
26
Bible Manual
a pithy, practical, regulative code of rules. It divine
authority is attested by its being quoted in the New
Testament,—Rom. 12:20; Heb. 12:5-6; I Pet. 4:8;
I Thess. 5:15.
I. Introduction—the value of wisdom,'—1-9.
II. The proverbs of Solomon (strictly so-called,)
-10-22:6.
III. Another introduction on the study of wisdom,—
-22:7-24.
IV. A second volume of separate maxims, collected
by Isaiah, Hosea, and others,—25-29.
V. An appendix, containing the words of Agur and
Lemuel's mother,—30-31.
Ecclesiastes—Named from the manner of its delivery,
probably as an address to an assembly; written by Solo¬
mon near the close of his life in Jerusalem; a vivid, re¬
alistic, somewhat scientific description frorri personal
experience of the futile attempts to find true happiness
"under the sun."
I. Preface,—Dissatisfaction with human life—1:1-11.
II. Series of experiments,—1:12 and Chapter 2.
III. Observations,—3-8:15.
IV. Solution,—8:16 to 12:7.
V. Epilogue,—12:8-14.
* # * * *
Songs of Solomon—One of the one thousand and
five songs written by Solomon, about 1000 B. C., in
Jerusalem; a mystical allegory representing under the
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27
figure of wedded love, the covenant between Jehovah
and the Jewish people with further reference to the
union of Christ with His church (Eph. 5:23-27.) identi¬
fying the Old Testament idea "Thy Maker is thy hus¬
band (Isa. 54:5), with that of the new, "The Bride, the
Lamb's wife" (Rev. 21:2, 9.) It was forbidden to be
read by the Jewish youth before the age of thirty.
Various scenes are described:—
A rural landscape,—Chapter 2.
A nuptial procession,—3:6-11.
A night scene,—Chapter 5.
A garden scene,—Chapter 6.
A colloquy,—Chapter 8.
The poetical books indicate the five steps of sanctifica-
tion in a redeemed soul which must be taken in the
divine order. The death of self, as in Job; the resurrec¬
tion life, "hid with Christ in God," as in Psalms; a daily
guidance by divine wisdom, as in Proverbs; dissatisfac¬
tion with all things "under the sun," as in Ecclesiastes;
and then to be raised up and made to "sit in the
heavenlies in Christ Jesus," as in the Song of Solomon.
LESSON XVI.
Isaiah—Written by Isaiah, son of Amoz, of the seed
royal 760-698 B. C. at Jerusalem in a peculiarly lofty
and majestic eloquence, which won him the title of the
Fifth Evangelist. In extreme old age he was put to
death by Manasseh—"Sawn asunder" (Heb. 11:37),
28
Bible Manual
it is thought forty-seven of the sixty-six chapters are
quoted directly or indirectly in the New Testament,
in twenty-one of which Isaiah is named as the author.
I. Seven independent prophecies about Judah and
Israel—1-12.
II. Fourteen relating to surrounding nations that were
to be cut off for their sins, to make way for the kingdom
of God,—13-23.
III. Seven, relating mainly to the times of Hezekiah,
anticipating the Assyrian invasion, but assuring the
ultimate safety and triumph of God's people,—24-35.
IV. The historical portion relating to the destruction
of Sennacherib and the sickness and recovery of Heze¬
kiah,—36-39.
Of the Messiah are foretold:—His intention to save
the lost, (59); fore-runner, (40:3); birth and name,
(7:14); family, (11:1, 10); kingdom, (9:6-7, 49:1-3);
three-fold character as prophet (42:6-7, 49:1-3); Priest,
53:12; King 33:1; license to preach 61:1-3; power to
perform miracles (35:5); rejection by the Jews (6:9-12;
8:14; 53:3); acceptance by the Gentiles 49:6; suffering
for sin (53:4-11); death and burial (53:9-12); victory
over the grave (25:8); increase and perfection of His
kingdom (9:7; 11:4-10.)
LESSON XVII.
Jeremiah—Written by Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah a
priest of Anathoth, as well as a prophet who commenced
to prophecy about seventy years after Isaiah and con-
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29
tinued throughout the troublous times of the Baby¬
lonian invasion to the eleventh year ofZedekiah, cover¬
ing about forty-two years, 629-588 B. C. at Jerusalem
except 44 probably written in Egypt. It is written in a
personal, retiring, plaintive, intensely spiritual style
which won him the title of the "Weeping Prophet." He
saw the city besieged and taken, his warning neglected
but fulfilled; his fellow citizens carried captive, and
Jerusalem a heap of ruins. He was put in stocks ac¬
cused before princes by priests and prophets, but ac¬
quitted, repeatedly imprisoned, cast into dungeons,
and at length carried by fugitive Jews into Egypt, where
according to Jerome he was stoned to death. His
prophecies do not stand in chronological order, but
seem to have been re-arranged according to subject.
I. Introduction; Jeremiah and his call,—1.
II. Prophecies relating to the Jews,—2-45.
III. Prophecies concerning the Gentiles,—46-51.
IV. Historical supplement,—52.
Of the Messiah are foretold—his kingdom (33:5-6),
and the efficacy of his atonement (31:31-34; 33:8).
* * * * *
Lamentations—Written by Jeremiah about 588 B. C.,
in a cave overlooking Jerusalem; an appendix to his
prophecy containing patriotic and pathetic funeral
dirges, expressive of the prophet's grief for the destruc¬
tion of the city and the temple; the miseries of slavery
and famine and inculcating the benefit of chastisement'
30
Bible Manual
Each of the five chapters is a complete poem; in the
Hebrew each is an acrostic (every stanza beginning with
a fresh letter of the alphabet). The first two chapters
contain twenty-two verses of three clauses each, the
fourth chapter twenty-two verses of two clauses, and the
fifth, twenty-two verses of one clause, the initial of each
verse being a sucessive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
In the central chapter—the third—the alphabetical
structure has its culmination, there being sixty-six short
verses of one clause. The first three verses commencing
with the first letter of the alphabet; the next three with
the second, and so on throughout.
LESSON XVIII.
Ezekiel—Written by Ezekial the son of Buzi, priest
and prophet who was taken by Nebuchadnezzar, 595-
574 B. C. by the river Chebar in Assyria. It is a diary
containing nine orderly entries covering twenty-one
years. The language is solemn, severe, bold, forcible;
the imagery crowded, magnificent, allegorical, terrific;
the sentiment elevated and full of fire.
I. Ezekiel's Call—1-3.
II. The destruction of Jerusalem,—4-24.
III. Relating to heathen nations,—25-32.
IV. The restoration of the Jews,—33-48.
The Messiah is predicted as shepherd (34:23), and
king (36:24).
* aft * * *
Daniel—Written by Daniel, a prince of the royal
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31
family of Judah, who was carried captive as a youth
;ji the fourth year of Jehoiakim (606 B. C.) made a
eunuch in the palace of the King of Babylon and served
in important positions under the Chaldean, Median and
Persian dynasties covering seventy years (606-534 B. C);
in Babylon. Its style is abrupt, descriptive, minute
and apocalyptic; permeated throughout with hightoned
patriotism and fervent piety. The inspiration of the
book is attested by Christ in Matt. 24:15.
I. The historical portion,—1-6.
II. The prophetical portion,—7-12.
Of the Messiah are foretold his coming in judgment
(7:13, 14) and the time of his appearing (9:24).
LESSON XIX.
Jonah—The earliest of the prophets (856-784). Jonah
son of Amittai of Gath-hapher was sent against his will
to preach repentance to the Assyrians who were to be
used as instruments to punish his own people. A simple
narrative quoted by the Saviour in Matt. 2:39-41;
16:4; Luke 11:29-32, no doubt is left as to its being true
history, but it also contains hidden prophecy of the
burial and resurrection of Christ.
I. The disobedient messenger,—1:1-3.
II. Chastened in preparation for preaching,—1:4 and
Chapter 2.
III. A penitent people,—3.
IV. The repining prophet,—4,
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Joel—Joel son of Pethuel, contemporary with Hosea
and Amos, exhorts Judah in view of an extraordinary-
plague of locusts with extreme drought to engage in a
general fast in hope of God's mercy. The style is copious
and elegantly polished, characterized by regular and
well balanced parallelism and by bold and picturesque
imagery.
I. Prophecy of the Chaldean invasion prefigured by a
plague of locusts and drought,—-1-2:1-11.
II. Exhortation to repentance with promise of the
divine clemency,—2:12-32.
III. Prophecy of the final overthrow of God's enemies
and blessings under the new dispensation,—3.
* * * * *
Amos—Written by Amos, a herdsman of Tekoa, who
prophesied against the ten tribes at Bethel and Samaria
during twenty-five years while Uzziah and Jeroboam II
were contemporary (810-785 B. C.) It contains a mag¬
nificent description of the Deity, and abounds in rural
and agricultural allusions. The book is alluded to in
the New Testament by Stephen (Acts 7:42) and James
(Acts 15:16).
I. Prophecies against nations bordering on Israel
and Judah,—1-2:3.
II. Prophecies against Judah and Israel describing
their iniquities,—-2:4 to 7:9.
III. The prophet's banishment and the destruction
of the Northern Kingdom foretold,—u:10 to 9:10.
IV. Restoration of the true Israel in the reign of the
Messiah,—9:11-15.
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33
LESSON XX.
Hosea—Hosea began under Jeroboam II to prophecy
against Israel and continued sixty years during the reigns
of the last kings of Israel (785-725 B. C). The idolatry
of Jeroboam continued for one hundred and fifty years,
had produced all kinds of vice; the kings were prof¬
ligate; the priests had polluted the groves with licen¬
tious heathen rites. God was forgotten and the rulers
looked to Assyria, or Egypt for help. Hosea compares
their defection to the unfaithfulness of a wife to her
marriage vows. His language is original and difficult;
his style sententious, abrupt and rather obscure; his
illustrations taken from rural and domestic pursuits;
he is quoted by our Lord (Matt. 9:13) and by Paul
(Rom. 9:25, 26).
I. Symbolical representations of Israel's • apostasy,
conversion of the Gentiles, and Israel's final restoration,—
1-3.
II. A series of unconnected discourses,—4-14.
III. The call of the Saviour out of Egypt (11:1) and
His resurrection on the third day (6:2) are predicted.
* * * * *
Micah—Written by Micah concerning both Judah
and Israel. His prophecies uttered at different times
and combined in the present form probably by the author
himself are divided into three sections, each marked by
he formula "Hear Ye," commencing with a denuncia-
ion and ending with a promise. They foretell the
nvasion of Shalmaneser and Sennacherib; the dispersion
Bible Manual—2.
34
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of Israel; cessation of prophecy; destruction of Jerusalem
and also of Assyria, the birth-place of the Christ; His
divine nature and the universality of His kingdom.
His style is vehement and sublime, abounding in rapid
transitions.
I. Jehovah coming in judgment,—1-2.
II. Judgment on Jerusalem with promise of restora¬
tion under the Messiah,—3-5:15.
III. Dialogue between Jehovah and his people with
triumphant song for prospective deliverance,—Chapter
6-7.
One of the most remarkable of the Messianic prophe¬
cies which enabled the Jewish doctors to answer Herod's
question, where Christ should be born occurs in this
book (5:24).
* * * * *
Nahum—'Written by Nahum chiefly as a sequel to
Jonah repeating the denunciations on Nineveh which
had been remitted because of repentance. Then the
largest and wealthiest city in the world, it was cap¬
tured by Cyaxares, B. C. 625, and in the second century
A. D. its very site was lost. The book is a perfect poem
of surpassing sublimity. It is quoted by Paul, Rom.
10:15.
I. Character of Jehovah portrayed,—1:1-8.
II. Death of Sennacherib predicted,—1:9-15.
III. Utter destruction and miserable end of Nineveh
foretold,—Chapters 2 and 3.
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35
LESSON XXI.
Zephaniah—Zephaniah delivered his prophecy early
in Josiah's reign partly before the reformation effected
by that prince. He commences with a general Earning
Judah and the idolatrous worship of Baal and Moloch,
followed by judgments threatening the surrounding
nations with special reproofs to Jerusalem illumii^ted
with promised glory. His expression is very similar to
that of Jeremiah with whom he was contemporary.
I. Severe judgment against Judah,—1.
II. Call to repentance,—2:1-3.
III. Heavy judgments threatened against certain
enemies of Judah,—2:4-15.
IV. Jerusalem reproved, yet exhorted to rejoice in the
prospect of ultimate salvation,—3.
* * * * *
Habakkuk—Habakkuk prophesied during the cap¬
tivity after having announced the impending calamity
of Nebuchadnezzar's invasion; he remained among the
ruins in Judah foretelling the destruction of the Chal¬
deans, expostulating with God for destroying his own
people by such wicked instruments, and on a re-assurance
of the final triumph of faith, pouring forth a sublime
song of praise with a prayer for redemption. His. style
is highly imaginative, but beautifully clear; his diction
fresh and pure; his rhythm measured, yet free.
I. The prophet's lament for the corruption of the
land in its ruins,—1.
II. Doom of the Chaldeans pronounced,—2.
III. Prayer-song of praise,—3.
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Bible Manual
Obadiah—Obadiah foretold the utter annihilation
of Edom in contrast with the future restoration of Israel,
which should possess also the land of Edom and Phil-
istia. Part of his prophecy was uttered before, part
after the captivity.
I. Destruction of Edom and its causes foretold,—1-16.
II, Judah's possession of Idumea and the glorious
reign of the Messiah foretold,—17-21.
LESSON XXII.
Haggai—Haggai mentioned in Ezra 5:1; 6:14, haying
accompanied Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (520-518 B. C.),
was inspired by God to rouse the people to support
that prince of the house of David and the high priest
Joshua in building the temple after the work had been
suspended fourteen years. His style is plain, straight¬
forward, animated, but not imaginative. The book
is quoted in Heb. 12:26.
I. Expostulation with Zerubbabel and Joshua and
its effect,—1.
II. Re-assurance to the officers and people,—2:1-9.
III. Advice to the priests,—2:10-19.
IV. Address to Zerubbabel,—2:20-23.
Of the Messiah are foretold: the erection of the second
temple more glorious than the first (2:7-9), and the
revolutions which should precede the establishment
of His kingdom (2:21-23.)
* * * *
Zechariah—A young man, Zechariah, comes to the
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37
help of Haggai encouraging the exiles in their under¬
taking. He takes a broader view unfolding the future
of Israel and of Gentile nations down to the coming of
Christ and reaching on into millennial years. The nine
visions vividly portray the destiny of God's people,
culminating in complete triumph with the Christ—both
priest and king—upon the throne. The style betrays
the influence of Chaldaism, and is deficient in rhythm
and grace.
I. A series of nine symbolic visions,—1-6.
II. A colloquy in the temple between prophets and
priest and a deputation from Babylon regarding fasts,—
7-8.
III. Prophecies of the destiny of the church,—9-14.
Of the Messiah, Zechariah foretells more, and that
more plainly than any other prophet except Isaiah;
His divine mission (2:10-11), entry into Jerusalem (9:9),
the sum for which he should be betrayed and the fate
of the money (10:12-13), the piercing of His side (12:10);
desertion by His disciples (13:7).
* * * $ $
Malachi—Last of all, Malachi—contemporary with
the last of the historians, Nehemiah. Chides the chosen
people who, although they kept Up their religious cere¬
monies, brought worthless sacrifices to God and bestowed
their best goods on self. Yet there was a little remnant
that feared the Lord, and spoke often one to another.
Twenty-four times in four short chapters we find "Thus
saith the Lord," and in view of the melancholy record
from Genesis to Malachi, the Old Testament signif-
38
Bible Manual
icantly ends "with a curse." His style is that of a
reasoner, calm, smooth and conclusive.
I. God's fatherly rebuke to His people and priest,—
1-2.
II. Announcement of the coming of the king,—3-4.
The mission of the messenger, John the Baptist, and
the coming of the Messiah Himself are here foretold
(3:11.)
LESSON XXIII.
Matthew—Title taken from the name of the writer;
written by Matthew in Palestine (50-60 A. D.) for He¬
brews and Hebrew Christians; first in Aramaic and
probably afterward re-written by the same writer in
Greek in clear, topical arrangement, dignified yet un¬
adorned.
I. The pedigree, birth and infancy of the king,—1-2.
II. Preparation and entrance upon his public office,—
3-4.
III. His manifesto,—5-7.
IV. The words and deeds of His public life,—8-20:16.
V. Approach to the capital, rejection, crucifixion,
resurrection and ascension,—20:17 to 28.
$ $ $ $ $
Mark—Written by John Mark, prompted by Peter
(II Pet. 1:15); at Rome about 60 A. D. Especially
for the Romans in a concise, chronological, impetuous
style.
Bible Manual
39
I. Preparation for His ministry,—1:1-13.
II. His ministry in Galilee after His baptism,—1:14
and 9.
III. His service in Judea ended,—10-16.
s(: $ $ * jfc
Luke—Written by Luke, a Gentile physician espec¬
ially for the Greeks, probably in sections at Philippi,
Caesarea and Rome, 57-63 A. D. Strictly biographical;"
in the main chronological, copious, minute and elasssial.
I. Birth and childhood of the Son of Man,1—1-2.
II. His manifestation,—3-4:13.
III. His ministry in Galilee,—4:14 to 9:50.
IV. His journey to Jerusalem in detail,—9:51 to
19:44.
V. Closing scenes,—19:45-24.
*****
John—Written by John, at Ephesus, about 97 A. D.
theological rather than biographical, intensely spiritual
and sublime.
I. Prologue,—1:1-8.
II. Public manifestation of the Incarnate word,—
1:19-12.
III. His private manifestation within the circle o
His disciples,—13-17.
IV. His glorification in the crucifixion and resur
rection,'—18-20.
V. Appendix and epilogue,—21.
40
Bible Manual
LESSON XXIV.
Key To The Four-fold Gospel.
From the dawn of history to the time of Christ, the
nations of the world had been trying to solve the great
problems of h nan existence, trying to pro duce a per¬
fect manhood. Grandeur and material riches, phi¬
losophy and art, law and justice; all that earth had
ever produced of wealth, intellect and power had utterly
failed to accomplish the desired result. From all the
world was going up a wail for deliverance when the
Great Deliverer came. He fulfilled His mission and trans¬
ferred the great work to a faithful few who preached
the Gospel to every nation and in time gave it to the
world in written form. Three nations: Jew, Roman
and Greek, from these came the early Christians. For
each a Gospel.
Matthew wrote his Gospel to the Jews to prove that
Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah of the world.
Mark wrote his Gospel to the Romans to prove that
Jesus was all powerful.
Luke wrote his Gospel to the Greeks to prove that
Jesus was a perfect man.
John wrote his Gospel to the early Christians to prove
that Jesus was the Saviour of the world.
Matthew wrote the Gospel of the kingdom; Mark,
the Gospel of action; Luke, the Gospel of sympathy and
good cheer; John, the Gospel of spiritual life. Matthew
deal with the past; Mark with the present; Luke with
the future; and John with eternity.
Bible Manual
41
Matthew records especially sermons to the people
Mark, miracles; Luke, parables; and John, talks with
disciples.
Matthew's principal theme is the Messiah; Mark,
the Almighty King; Luke, the Divine man; and John
the Incarnate God.
* $ * $ $
Acts—The Acts of the Apostles named from its con¬
tents^—more properly called the "Acts of the Holy
Spirit;" written by Luke not later than 63 A. D., begun
probably in Greece, continued in Caesarea, and finished
in Rome. An appendix to the third Gospel and an
introduction to the Epistles; a cheerful and vivid diary
of missionary work, the first church history beginning
in Jerusalem, ending in Rome and covering about thirty-
four years.
I. The founding of Christianity among the Jews
with Peter as the central figure at Jerusalem,—1-12.
II. The spreading of Christianity among the Gentiles,
with Paul as the central figure at Antioch,—13-28.
LESSON XXV.
Romans—Title taken from the church to which it
was addressed; written by Paul probably early in the
spring of 58 A. D. from Corinth for the Christian church,
both Jew and Gentile in the metropolis. A logical
doctrinal, profound and sublime treatise to lay the
foundation of Gospel truth, showing man's lost condi-
42
Bible Manual
tion, God's sovereign plan of redemption, and the
believer's security in him. It belongs in Acts 20:3.
I. Introduction,—1:1-15.
II. Doctrinal treating of justification and the calling
of the Gentiles,—1:16 including Chapter 11.
III. Practical, indicating the result,—12-15:12.
IV. Personal,—16:1-23.
V. Conclusion,—16:24-27.
* * * * *
Corinthians—The title is taken from the people to
whom the letters were written. In Corinth, the vanity
fair of the Roman Empire, re-founded by Julius Caesar
on the bridge between the Ionian ,and Aegean Seas,
distinguished for wealth, art and luxuries, and notorious
for effeminacy and vice, the Lord had much people
to whom Paul a few years before had ministered for a
year and a half. This letter was written from Ephesus
in April 57 A. D. An ethical and ecclesiastical answer
to perplexing .questions concerning various disputes
and evils which spoiled the peace and purity of the
church. It belongs in Acts 19:10.
I. Introduction,—1:1-10.
II. Disorders corrected,—1:11 to Chapter 6.
III. Inquiries answered,—7-16:4.
IV. Conclusion,—16:5-24.
*****
II Corinthians—Written a few months later probably
in the spring of 58 A. D., from Philippi in Macedonia.
The epistle is almost an autobiography, a mine of pas-
Bible Manual
43
toral- wisdom, the unstudied expression of an over¬
flowing heart intended to meet the assaults of judaizing
party and to counteract the calumnies cast upon him by
his detractors. It belongs in Acts 20:3.
I. An account of his ministry,—1-7.
II. On ministering to saints,—8-9.
III. A vindication of the ministry,—10-13.
LESSON XXVI.
Galatians—Written by Paul probably at Corinth
54-57 A. D. for the people of Galatia, a Celtic race
originally from the borders of the Rhine and the Moselle,
who had emigrated to Asia Minor. A rapid sketch
born of deep emotion poured forth like a mountain tor¬
rent. It belongs in Acts, 20:3.
I. Introduction,—1:1-5.
II. Personal, asserting his apostolic authority,—
1:6 and Chapter 2.
III. Doctrinal, declaring justification to be by faith,
not by external observances,—3-4.
IV. Practical,—5-6.
* * * * *
Ephesians—The Epistle to the Ephesians was sent by
Tychicus probably as a circular letter to the Gentile
converts of several churches in the vicinity of Laodicea
together with letters to the church at Colosse and to
Philemon, one of its prominent members. It was writ¬
ten by Paul in the spring of 62 A. D., from Rome in a
44
Bible Manual
glowing, pathetic, profound, sublime churchly • style
of thought. It belongs in Acts 28:30.
I. Doctrinal, treating especially of predestination,—■
1-3.
II. Practical, exhorting to apply the Christian doc-
rine to active life,—4-6.
* * * * *
Philippians—Named after the people to whom it
was sent at Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia
where the Gospel was preached for the first time in
Europe by Paul, 51 A. D.; written 62 A. D. in prison at
Rome. A personal, tenderly affectionate, dignified letter
occasioned by the visit of Epaphroditus with another
contribution from the Philippians. It belongs in Acts
28:30.
I. Introduction,—1:1-11. \
II. Personal, details and messages,—1:12-26;* 2:1316;
4:1-19.
III. Exhortation to unity—1:27; 2:1-16; 4:1-19.
IV. Digression, "warning concerning Judaizing
teachers,—3.
V. Conclusion,—4:20-23.
The letter may be divided freely by chapters:—
The Gospel, and Christ the theme,—1.
Humility, and Christ the pattern,—2.
Earnestness, and Christ the object,—3.
Peacefulness, and Christ the strength,—4.
* * * * *
Colossians—Named after the church to which it was
Bible Manual
45
addressed at Colosse an unimportant city of Phrygia
belonging to the proconsular province of Asia Minor;
written early in 62 A. D., from Rome. A calm, labored,
spiritual, Christly argument, to refute an insidipus
heresy, a sort of incipient Gnosticism. It belongs in
Acts 28:30.
I. Introduction,—1:1-13.
II. Doctrinal,—1:14 to Chapter 3:4.
III. Practical,—3:5 to Chapter 4:6.
IV. Personal,—4:7-17.
LESSON XXVII.
I Thessalonians—'Written from Corinth in the latter
part of A. D. 52 to the church at Thessalonica, the chief
city of Macedonia. It is one of the first writings of the
New Testament, one of the oldest extant communica¬
tions between Christians, gentle, familiar, vivid; in¬
tended to encourage to steadfastness under persecution,
and to comfort by the promise of Christ's second coming,
those who have been bereaved by death. There are no
allusions to the Old Testament, the church being com¬
posed chiefly of Gentiles. It belongs in Acts 28:11.
I. Introduction,—1.
II. Personal,—2-3.
III. Practical and hortative,—4:1-12; 5:12-22.
IV. Doctrinal,—4:13 to 5:11.
V. Conclusion,—5:23-28.
II Thessalonians—Written from Corinth early in
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53 A. D. to the same people; in order to correct disorders
arising out of misapprehension of the former letter in
reference to the nearness of the judgment; direct,
explanatory and conversational in style. The proph¬
ecy of the man of sin began by Daniel and completed in
John is here taken up. It belongs in Acts 18:11.
I. Introduction,—1.
II. Doctrinal and hortative,—2.
III. Practical and authoritative,—3.
*****
I Timothy—The first of the three Pastoral Epistles.
It was written from Macedonia A. D. 66 or 67 to Timothy
(Acts 16:1). Paul's son in the Gospel who had been
left in charge of the church at Ephesus to invest him
with sufficient authority to act as head of the church
during Paul's absence. An urgent pastoral appeal to be
faithful and a succinct guide for the Christian minister.
I. Introduction,—1:1-2.
II. Personal charge to Timothy and claims upon his
allegiance,—1:3-20.
III. Practical regulations for church government,—
2:1 to 6:2.
IV. Doctrinal attitude to be maintained towards
false teachers and their doctrine,—6:3-21.
* * * *
II Timothy—Written from Rome 67 or 68 A. D. an
heroic, sorrowful yet triumphant last will and testament
to utter warnings against insidious errors.
I. Introduction,—1:1-5.
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47
II. Personal encouragement to continue steadfast,—
1:6-18 and personal details,—4:9-18.
III. Practical rules for pastoral conduct,—2.
IV. Doctrinal warnings against the error of latter
times,—3; 4:1-8.
V. Conclusion,—4:19-22.
The following is a more general analysis of the Epistle:
, Paul the prisoner and Timothy aroused.—1.
Paul the soldier and Timothy encouraged,—2.
Paul the witness and Timothy warned,—3.
Paul the martyr and Timothy charged,—4.
LESSON XXVIII.
Titus—Written from Ephesus 67 A. D. to Titus an ,
uncircumcised Greek, Bishop of Crete (Gal., 2:3). An
instructive piece of personal advice drawn from a varied
practical.
I. Introduction,—1:1-4.
II. Practical—directions for appointment of elders;
treatment of false teachers and training of various classes,
—1:5 to Chapter 3:7.
III. Personal advice,—3:8-14.
IV. Conclusion,—3-15.
* * *
Philemon—Written from Rome 62 A. D. to Phile¬
mon a member of the church at Colosse. An affect
tionate, dignified, diplomatic message to bring about
the restoration of a run-away slave. It belongs in. Acts
28:30.
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I. Introduction,—1:1-7.
II. Plea for Onesimus,—1:8-21.
III. Conclusion,—1:22-25.
* * * * *
Hebrews—Written possibly by Paul from Rome 63
A. D. to Jewish Christians. An anonymous, ingenious,
logical, argumentative, classical, thoughtful treatise,
intended to warn against apostasy to Judaism and to
comfort amid persecutions by showing the superiority
of the Christian over the Mosaic dispensation. It is an
inspired commentary upon Leviticus.
I. Announcement,—1:1-3.
II. Doctrinal,—1:4 to 5:10; 7:1 to 10:18.
III. Practical,—5:11 and Chapter 6; 10:19 to Chapter
12.
IV. Personal injunctions and benediction,—13.
LESSON XXIX.
James—Written by James, son of Alphaeus who
became bishop of Jerusalem; the last connecting 1in1<
between the Old and New Dispensations at Jerusalem
probably about 45 A. D. It was written to the Jews
and Jewish Christians of the Dispersion; an Abrupt,
vigorous, practical, pithy "New Testament Book of
Proverbs," containing more reminiscences of Christ
than any other Epistle and echoing the sermon
on the Mount. James takes us by the hand
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49
as we come out of the "Holy of Holies" and guides us
with wisdom through the world.
I. Exhortations to steadfastness under trial,—1:1-21.
II. Right reception of the Word,—1:22-27.
III. Practical religion in evidence of true faith,—2.
IV. Sins of the tongue,—3.
V. The pride of gain and lust,—4-5:6.
VI. Patience and prayer rewarded,—'5:7-18.
VII. Blessedness of winning souls,—5:19-20.
$ $ $ $ jJ:
I Peter—Written by Simon Peter, son, of Jonas of
Galilee, the apostle of the Circumcision at Babylon
about 63 A. D. to Jew and Gentile. Fervid, picturesque,
yet tolerant and dignified, studded with nails of suffering
and embodying the rich experience of riper years.
I. Introduction,—1:1-12.
II. Exhortation to holiness, exemplary citizenship,
social duties and spiritual offices,—1:13 to 5:9.
III. Conclusion,—5:10-14.
* * * * *
II. Peter—Written in immediate anticipation of
death about 65 A. D. gentle yet faithful, the last words
of one of the original twelve.
I. Introduction,—1:1-4.
II. Exhortation to growth in view of the pattern,—
1:5-21.
III. Waning against false prophets,—2, 3:16.
IV. Conclusion,—3:17-18.
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LESSON XXX.
I John—Written by John, "The Disciple whom Jesus
loved," at Ephesus near the close of his life,—96-98 A.
D. A pregnant, tender, yet stern tract, refuting by con¬
structive rather than polemical treatment, the heresies
then prevailing or threatening.
I. Introduction,—1:1-4.
II. The message of an eye-witness as to the means
of fellowship with God;
God is Light,—1:5 to 2:28.
God is Righteous,—2:29 to 3:20.
God is Love,—3:21 to 5:12.
Conclusion,—5:13-21.
4c * * * IK
II John—Written to Cyria, a Christian mother
a casual, unreserved, personal letter. Eight of. the
thirteen verses are found in substance in the first letter
I. Introduction,—1:1-3.
II. Exhortation to resist error by walking in the
Truth,—1:4-11.
III. Conclusion,—1:12-13.
* * * * *
III John,—Written to Gaius, who is supposed to have
been an officer of the church in Asia Minor (Romans
16:23).
I. Introduction,—1:1.
II. Exhortation to continue in the Trath,—1:2-12.
III. Conclusion,—1:13-14.
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51
Jude—Written by Jude (Lebbaeus surnamed Thad-
deus) brother of James probably shortly before the de¬
struction of Jerusalem, but at what place is not known.
A vehement arrangement of godless men who had in¬
sinuated themselves into the church.
I. Introduction,—1:1-2.
II. Exhortation against unbelief, apostasy, sensu¬
ality, lawlessness, self-willed religiousness, invasion of
the prophetic office and blasphemy,—1:3-23.
III. Conclusion,—1:24-25.
* * * * #
Revelation—Named from the contents written by
John of "The Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17), 67-68,
(others think 96-97) A. D., in exile on the Isle of Patmos.
A mysterious, symbolic, triumphant, sublime drama,
prose in form, although in spirit prophetic poetry.
I. Prologue,—1-3.
II. The revelation proper,—4-22:7.
III. Epilogue,—22:8-21.
LESSON XXXI—PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF
THE WORD TO PERSONAL WORK.
I. The Weak Christian.
'I am not sure that I am saved."
But we are not of them who draw back unto per¬
dition, but of them that believe to the saving of the
' soul. Heb. 10:39.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them
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which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing
of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus
3:5.
And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal
life, and this life is in his son. I John 5:11.
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never
perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:28.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which
hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the
day of Jesus Christ. Phil. 1:6.
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life;
and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but
the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36.
"I am frequently falling into sin."
O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou
hast fallen by thine iniquity. Hosea 14:1.
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall
into the condemnation of the devil. I Tim. 3:6.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a
snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which
drown men in destruction and perdition. I Tim. 6:9.
But every man is tempted when he is drawn away
of his own lusty and enticed. James 1:14.
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in
way of evil men. Prov. 4:14.
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Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation;
the Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matt.
26:41.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not
sin against thee. Psalm 119:11.
LESSON XXXII
"My prayers are formal and ineffectual."
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not
hear me. Psalm 66:18.
The Lord is far from the wicked; but he heareth the
prayers of the righteous. Prov. 15:29.
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that
ye may consume it upon your lusts. James 4:3.
But without faith it is impossible to please him; for
he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that
he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb.
11:6.
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him because
we keep his commandments and do those things that
are pleasing in his sight. I John 3:22v
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye
shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
John 15:7.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet,
and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father
which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret
shall reward thee openly. Matt. 6:6.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that
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giveth tcf all men liberally and upbraideth not, and
it shall be given him. James 1:5.
And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily,
verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father
in my name, he will give it unto you. John 16:23..
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for
we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but
the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings
which cannot be uttered. Rom. 8:26.
LESSON XXXIII.
"I do not love the Bible as I ought."
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,
and shall be turned unto fables. II Tim. 4:4.
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous
things out of thy law. Psalm 119:18.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might
understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:45.
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhorta¬
tion, to doctrine. I Tim. 4:13.
Thy words were found and I did eat them; and thy
word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart;
for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. Jer.
15:16.
Neither have I gone back from the commandment
of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth
more than my necessary food. Job. 23:12.
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55
"I cannot make a prayer in public."
Cease ye from man whose breath is in his nostrils;
for wherein is he to be accounted of? Isa. 2:22.
The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth
his trust in the Lord shall be safe. Prov. 29:25.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be
touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was
in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb. 4:15.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in
time of need. Heb. 4:16.
For the Scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him
shall not be ashamed. Rom. 10:11.
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Psalm
56:3.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he
shall lift you up. James 4:10.
LESSON XXXIV.
"Sometimes I feel like working, and at others I do not"
For do I now persuade men or God? or do I seek to
please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the
servant of Christ. Gal. 1:10.
Not with eye-service as men pleasers; but as the ser¬
vant of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
Eph. 6:6.
Wherefore, my beloved as ye have always obeyed
not as in my presence only, but now much more in m
absence, work out your own salvation with fear an
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trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both
to will and to do of his good pleasure., Phil. 2:12-13.
Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts
shall be established. Prov. 16:3.
Be strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak;
for your work shall be rewarded. II Chron. 15:7.
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is
day; the night cometh, when no man can work. John
9:4.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast,
unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain
in the Lord. I Cor. 15:58.
"How to approach unsaved men."
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be
gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient. II Tim.
2:24.
The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned,
that I should know how to speak a word in season to
him that is weary; he wakeneth morning by morning
he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. Isa. 50:4»
Love never faileth, but whether there be prophecies,
they shall fail; whether there be tongues they shal,
cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish awayl
I Cor. 13:8.
To the weak, became I as weak, that I might gain th.
weak. I have made all things to all men, that I migh.
by all means save some. I Cor. 9:22.
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"What must I do to be saved?"
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should
not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous
man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and
he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will
abundantly pardon. Isa. 55:7.
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that
we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and
said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe
on him whom he hath sent. John 6:28-29.
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:31.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is
eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom.
6:28.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man
hear my voice and open the door, I will come unto him
and will sup with him and he with me. Rev. 3:20.
Neither is. here salvation in any other; for there is
none other name under heaven given among men whereby
we must be saved. Acts 4:12.
"I don't know what to believe or how to believe."
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in
thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith,
which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy
mouth the Lord Jesus, anil shalt believe in thine heart
Bible Manual
■rtiat God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt
be saved. Rom. 10:8-9.
But these are written that ye might believe that
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing
ye might have life through his name. Jphn 20:31.
Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost
that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to
make intercession for them. Seek ye the Lord while
he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near. Isa.
55:6.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power
to become the sons of God, even to them that believe
on his name. John 1:12.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord
shall be saved. Rom. 10:13.
For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded
.that he is able to keep that which I have committed
unto him against that day. II Tim. 1:12.
Acquaint now thyself with him, and beat peace; there¬
by good shall come unto thee. Job. 22:21.
LESSON XXXVI.
"I do believe but don't feel that I am saved."
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my
words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when
he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and
of the holy angels. Luke 9:26.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I
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say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot
see the kingdom of God. John 3:3.
And he, casting away his garment, rose and came to
Jesus. Mark 10:50.
That is thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord
Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath
raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Rom.
10:9.
Verily, verily I say unto you, The hour is coming and
now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of
God; and they that hear shall live. He that believeth
on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth
not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God
abideth on him. John 3:36.
The Hesitating.
I will some day, but not now "
And Elijah came unto all the people and said, How
long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God,
follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. The people
answered him not a word. I Kings 18:21.
I will say to my soul, Soul thou hast much goods laid
up for many years ] take thine ease, eat, drink and be
merry. Luke 12:19.
Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest
not what a day may bring forth. Prov. 27:1. -
For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted,
and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee; be¬
hold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day
of salvation. II Cor. 6:2.
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To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
heart as in the provocation and as in the day of tempta¬
tion in the wilderness. Psalm 95:7-8.
And now why tarriest thou? arise and be baptized,
and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the Lord.
Acts 22:16.
LESSON XXXVII.
"I could not hold out."
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not
unto thine own understanding. Prov. 3:5.
Being confident of this very thing that he which hath
begun a good work in you will perform it until the day
of Jesus Christ. Phil. 1:6.
Trust ye in the Lord for ever; for in the Lord Jehovah
is everlasting strength. Isa. 26:4.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be
for us, who can be against us? Rom. 8:31.
For the which cause I also suffer these things; never¬
theless I am not ashamed;for I know whom I have be¬
lieved and am persuaded that he is able to keep that
which I have committed unto him against that day.
II Tim. 1:12.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have
no might he increaseth strength. Isa. 40:29.
I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk
in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments and do
them. Ezek. 36:27.
The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the
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everlasting arms ; and he shall thrust out the enemy from
before thee; and shall say, destroy them. Deut. 33:27.
"I want to enjoy life."
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth
his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. John
12:25.
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the
world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father
is not in him. I John 2:15.
Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee
the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4.
He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I
will be his God, and he shall be my son. Rev. 21:7.
LESSON XXXVIII.
"My companions would laugh at me."
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and
of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation,
of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when he
cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Mark 8:3-8.
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise
of God. John 12:43.
Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the
people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach
of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. Isa. 51:7.
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are
ye; for the Spirit of glory and of Godresteth upon you;
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on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is
glorified. I Pet. 4:14.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteous¬
ness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matt.
5:10.
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men
him will I confess also before my Father which is in
heaven. Matt. 10:32.
"It would interfere with my earthly prospects."
Jesus looked round about and saith unto his disciples,
"How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the
kingdom of God. Mark 10:23.
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole
world and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteous¬
ness ; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt.
6:33.
And he said unto them, verily I say unto you, There
is no man that hath left house, or parents or brethren,
or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
who shall not receive manifold more in this present
time and in the world to come life everlasting. Luke
18:29-30.
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but
righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Rom. 14:17.
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LESSON XXXIX—THE DISCOURAGED.
"I am too great a sinner."
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should
not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners
of whom I am chief. I Tim. 1:15.
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and
saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away
the sin of the world. John 1:29.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to for¬
give us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous¬
ness. I John 1:9.
Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost
that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to
make intercession for them. Heb. 7:25.
Come now, and let us reason together saith the Lord;
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white
as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall
be as wool. Isa. 11:18.
"I have tried to become a Christian but have failed."
Verily, verily I say unto you, He that entereth not
by the door into the sheep-fold, but climbeth up some
other way, the same is a thief and a robber. John 10:1.
I am the door, by me if any man enter in he shall be
saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture. John
10:9. '
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Ye shall seek me, and find me; when ye shall search
lor me with all your heart. Jer. 29:13.
But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God,
thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul. Deut. 4:29.
LESSON XL.
"I have committed the unpardonable sin."
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me,
for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the
ministry; who was before a blasphemer, and a per¬
secutor and injurious; but I obtained mercy because I
did it ignorantly in unbelief. I Tim. 1:12-13.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the utter¬
most that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth
to make intercession for them. Heb. 7:25.
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions
for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Isa. 43:25.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all accepta¬
tion, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners; of whom I am chief. I Tim. 1:15.
"I have been a Christian, but have given it up."
Jesus said unto him, no man, having put his hand to
the plough, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of
God. Luke 9:62.
Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy
backslidings shall reprove thee; know therefore and see
that it is an evil thing and bitter that thou hast for
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saken thie Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee,
saith the Lord God of hosts. Jer. 2:19.
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee because
thou hast left thy first love. Remember there¬
fore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the
first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly and
will remove thy candlestick, out of his place, except
thou repent. Rev. 2:4-5.
For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer; now
the Lord will feed them as a lamb in a larger place.
Hosea 4:16.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they
follow me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they
shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of
my hand. John 10:27-28.
I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely;
for mine anger is turned away from him. Hos. 14:4.
I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions,
and as a cloud thy sins return unto me, for I have re¬
deemed thee. Isa. 44:22.
LESSON XLI—THE INDIFFERENT.
"I don't propose to give up pleasures."
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man; he that
loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. Prov. 21:17.
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap
corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the
Spirit reap life everlasting. Gal. 6:8.
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart
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cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways
of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know
thou that for all these things God will bring thee into
judgment. Eccles. 11:9.
The world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he
that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. I John
2:17.
"J am better than many church members."
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and
going about to establish their own righteousness, have
not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of
God. Rom. 10:3.
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or
compare ourselves with some that commend themselves;
but they measuring themselves by themselves, and com¬
paring themselves among themselves, are not wise.
II Cor. 10:12.
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall
the ungodly and the sinner appear? I Pet. 4:18.
Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?
To his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he
shall be holden up, for God is able to make him stand.
Rom. 14:4.
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever
thou art that judgest; for wherein thou judgest another,
thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest does
the same thing. Rom. 2:1.
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our right¬
eousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf;
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and our iniquities like the wind have taken us^away.
Isa. 64:6.
But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that
the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to
them that believe. Gal. 3:22.
So then every one of us shall give^ account of himself
to God. Rom. 14:12.
LESSON XLII.
"I live a fair life and will take my chances."
And he said unto them, ye are they which justify
yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts
for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomi¬
nation in the sight of God. Luke 16:15.
But the Lord said unto Samuel, look not on his coun¬
tenance or on the height of his stature; because I have
refused him; for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for
man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord
looketh on the heart. I Sam. 16:7.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the
Lord pondereth the hearts. Prov. 21:2.
For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good
and sinneth not. Eccl. 7:20.
And said, verily I say unto you, Except ye be con¬
verted, as little children, ye shall not enter into the
Kingdom of heaven. Matt. 18:3.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not
of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works lest any
man should boast. Et)h. 2:8-9.
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Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing
of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus
3:5.
The Skeptical.
"I don't believe there is a God."
The wicked, through the pride of his countenance,
will not seek after God; God is not in all his thoughts.
Psalm 10:4.
The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They
are corrupt; they have done abominable works; there
is none that doeth good. Psalm 14:1.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.
Rom. 1:22.
But without faith it is impossible to please him; for
he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that
he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb.
11:6.
And ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall
search for me with all your heart. Jer. 29:13.
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firma¬
ment showeth his handywork. Psalm 19:1.
Know therefore this day, and consider it in think
heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and
upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Deut. 4:39.
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LESSON XLIII.
"I don't believe in a hereafter."
And this is the condemnation that light is come into
the world, and men loved darkness rather than light,
because their deeds were evil. John 3:19.
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which
all that are in the graves shall hear his voice. And shall
come forth; they that have done good, unto the
resurrection of life; and they that have done evil unto
the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28-29.
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment :
but the righteous into life eternal. Matt. 25:46.
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy
on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his
finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented
in this flame. Luke 16:24.
But the fearful and unbelieving and the abominable,
and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and
idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake
which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the
second death. Rev. 21:8.
"I believe that Jesus was a great and good man, but not
divine
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee
0 Father, Lord of heaven and earth because thou hast
hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast
revealed them unto babes. Matt. 11:25.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1.
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But these are written that ye might believe that
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing
ye might have life through his name. Jno. 20:31.
He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness
in himself; he that believeth not God hath made him a
liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave
of his Son. I John 5:10.
LESSON XLIV.
"I don't accept the Bible as inspired."
And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not there¬
fore err, because ye know not the Scriptures, neither the
power of God. Mark 12:24.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness. II Tim. 3:16.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will
of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved
by the Holy Ghost. II Pet. 1:21.
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words,
hath one that judgeth him; the word that I have spoken,
the same shall judge him in the last day. John 12:48.
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doc¬
trine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of my¬
self. John 7:17.
And if any man shall take away from the words of
the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his
part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and
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from the things which are written in this book. Rev.
22:19.
"Why should God create and then condemn usl"
May but, O man, who art thou that repliest against
God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed
it, Why hast thou made me thus? Rom. 9:20.
But your iniquities have separated between you and
your God, and your sins have hid his face from you,
that he will not hear. Isa. 59:2.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some
men count slackness; but is long-suffering to. us-ward,
not willing that any should perish, but that all should
come to repentance. II Pet. 3:9.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them
which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit. Rom. 8:1.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn
the world; but that the world through him might be
saved. John 3:17.
Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should
die? saith the Lord God and not that he should return
from his ways and die? Ezek. 18:23.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;
but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark
16:16.
' LESSON XLY.—THE NEW CONVERT.
"I don't see the need of joining a church
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy
and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the
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rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Col. 2:8.
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:
and so much the more as ye see the day of approaching.
Heb. 10:25.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean
thing; and I will receive you. II Cor. 6:17.
And he came to Nazareth where he had been brought
up; and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue
on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. Luke
4:16.
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is
the beginning, the first born from the dead; that in all
things he might have the pre-eminence. Col. 1:18.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter and
upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of
hell shall not prevail against it. Matt. 16:18.
LESSON XLVI.
"I don't seem to be making much progress."
And because iniquity shall abound the love of many
shall wax cold. Matt. 24:12,
That we henceforth be no more children tossed to
and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine,
by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby
they lie in wait to deceive. Eph. 4:14.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord
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and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now
and forever, Amen. II Pet. 3:18.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of
Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again
this foundation of repentance from dead works, and of
faith toward God. Heb. 6:1.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward
you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all things,
may abound to every good work. II Cor. 9:8.
As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word,
that ye may grow thereby. I Pet. 2:2.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to
the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to
give you an inheritance among all them which are
sanctified. Acts 20:32.
LESSON XLVII.
"I don't like to say much in public about my conversion
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my
words, of him shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when
he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's,
and of the holy angels. Luke 9:26.
The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth
his trust in the Lord shall be safe. Prov. 29:25.
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men,
him will I confess also before my Father which is in
heaven.
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I
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also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matt.
10:32, 33.
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light;
and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the
house tops. Matt. 10:27.
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it
is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we
also believe, and therefore speak. II Cor. 4:13.
LESSON XLVIII.
*'I am not fit to take Communion
Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink
this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the
body and blood of the Lord. (
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat
of that bread and drink of that cup.
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth
and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the
Lord's body. I Cor. 11:27-29.
They profess that they know God; but in works they
deny him being abominable and disobedient, and unto
every good work reprobate. Titus 1:16.
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake is
and gave unto them, saying, This is my body, which it
given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
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Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is
the new testament in my blood, which is shed|for you"
Luke 22:19, 20.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken
and a contrite heart O God, thou wilt not despise.
Psalm 51:17.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to for¬
give us our sins, and to cleanse us from all righteousness.
I John 1:9.
LESSON XLIX.
*'I see no harm in worldly amusements."
And that which fell among thorns are they; which,
when they have heard, go forth and are choked with
cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring
no fruit to perfection. Luke 8:14.
But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she
iveth. I Tim. 5:6.
Love not the world neither the things that are in the
world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father
is not in him. I John 2:15.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye
do, do all to the glory of God. I Cor. 10:31.
I beseech you therefore; brethren, by the mercies of
God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
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And be not conformed to this world; but be ye trans¬
formed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove
what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of
God. Rom. 12:1, 2.
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the-
name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the-
Fatherbyhim. Col. 3:17.
And he that sent me is with me; the Father hath not
left me alone; for I do always those things that please-
him. John 8:29.
LESSON L.
" How can I be of most service in my church."
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and'
preach the Gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15.
Wherefore receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken,
let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well'
pleasing to God with reverence and awe. Heb. 12:28.
But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Ghost
is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses both in
Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and unto the-
uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8.
As we have opportunity, let us work that which is.
good toward all men, and especially toward them that
are of the household of faith. Gal. 6:10.
I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the-
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house of the Lord, our feet shall stand within thy gates,
O Jerusalem. Psalm 122:1.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper
that love thee. Psalm 122:6.
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek
after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the
days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and
to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4.
I know thy works: behold I have set before thee an
open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little
strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied
my name. Rev. 3:8.
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
John 13:17.
HOW TO USE THE BIBLE.
When in sorrow, read John 14.
When men fail you, read Psalm 27.
When you have sinned, read Psalm 51.
When you worry, read Matt. 6:19-34.
Before church service, read Psalm 84.
When you are in danger, read Psalm 91.
When you have the blues, read Psalm 34.
WTien God seems far away, read Psalm 139.
When you are discouraged, read Isaiah 40.
If you want to be fruitful, read John 15.
When doubts come upon you, try John 7:17.
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When you are lonely or fearful, read Psalm 23.
When you forget your blessings, read Psalm 103.
For Jesus' idea of a Christian, read Matt. 5.
For James' idea of religion, read James 1:19-27.
When your faith needs stirring, read Heb. 11.
When you feel down and out, read Rom. 8:31-39.
When you leave home for labor or travel, read Psalm
121.
When you grow bitter or critical, read I Cor. 13.
When your prayers grow narrow or selfish, read
Psalm 67.
For Paul's rules on how to get along with men, read
Rom. 12.
For a great invitation and a great opportunity, read
Isaiah 55.
CSelected.)