BS 2401 .W47 Copy 1 w testament lmer H B J. E WHITE ■ I888ffB ^ laaaaaal ■^ Class _ BS^MO. Book l_W17 Gopyright N°_ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. *s THE NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER "Suffer the little children to come unto Me "—JESUS. By JAMES EDSON WHITE Author oj Coming King, Gospel Primer, Best Stories from the Best Book, etc. The Southern Publishing Association Fort Worth, Texas NASHVILLE, TENN. Hickory, N. C. & UBRARY of CONGRESS Two Copies Received DEC F( 1906 /7r -Copyrt2ht Entry CLASS A XXe„No. /(o 7 h Drawing and Stick Laying * ftp *"*'* 12 NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER The Mustard This herb grows wild in Palestine. The seed is very small, but the plant is large, and the birds light on its branches to eat the seeds. Jesus uses the mus- tard as an emblem of faith in Matthew 17:20. Read also the parable in Matthew 13:31. The Lily Grows wild in Pal- estine. Jesus said that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of them. Tares Look so near like wheat that the difference cannot be seen until the wheat ripens. The Saviour compares the righteous to wheat and the wicked to tares. Slate Exercise The mustard. The lily. Tares. Writing Lesson jO- X> XV jCu JJu JJu Drawing and Stick Laying IV H N X /AKZVVIVI Sheep and Wolves Many sheep were raised 1 in Palestine. Shepherds were men who cared for the sheep. They would lead them to water and good pastures. Wolves often attack these nocks of sheep, and unless the shep- herd protects th( ar Jesus is called the Good Shephed. The Deer In Bible times many deer lived in the mountains of Palestine. The roe is a small deer, sometimes called a goat. The venison which Jacob prepared to deceive his father was from this animal. Slate Exercise Sheep and wolves. Oxen. Writing Lesson x> _x> S3uo ' Xhju jJojuU cu As As (13) *4 NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER Oxen Abraham and his children had many cattle. In Palestine oxen were used in most of the farm work. Even the thresh- ing was done by oxen. They were driven aronnd over the wheat until it was beaten out The Camel There are great deserts near Palestine. In hot, desert countries many camels are used in- stead of horses. In crossing great deserts the camel is used because he can travel longer than any other animal with but little food and water. He is sometimes called the ship of the desert. In large num- bers, called caravans, they carry great loads across the hot sands. Slate Exercise Oxen are used in farm work. Writing Lesson Xj Xj Xj xjyvu x^a/mxl/ Aj xL xL Drawing and Stick Laying ^ NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 15 The Mouse There are many kinds of mice in Palestine. The field mice are tne worst of all. They go into the fields and destroy much of H the grain. Turn to 1 Samuel 6 : 1-9 and read the story of some golden mice made by the Philistines. They were sent back to the Jews with the ark of God which they tt^teG had taken in battle. The Serpent Serpents are nu- merous in Palestine. Some are very poison- ous. The serpent de- ceived Eve in the Garden of Eden, and caused her to sin. Slate Exercise Drawing and Stick Laying The Garden of Eden. Mice. Serpents. Writing Lesson L Jb JOj Jv JOj Mj Ms The Eagle This is a picture of the short toed eagle. In Palestine there are twice as many of these as there are of all other varieties. They live mostly on snakes and frogs. The eagle is called the king of birds. Hen and Chickens Hens and chickens are found every- where. If any danger comes, the chickens run and hide under the wings of their mother. Jesus wanted to save Jerusalem. He said that He would have cared for them "as a hen gather- eth her chickens under her wings." But they would not let Him care for them. Slate Exercise Jesus wanted to save Jerusalem, Writing Lesson t J^U/rv xx/yxxL XM^AX^fWYl/^. SUy Drawing and Stick Laying *A r j I IL \ (16) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER The Owl i7 The owl has a large head and great round eyes. Owls can not see well in the day time, so they usually keep in shelter until night. Then they fly out to catch small animals for food. The Turtle Dove The turtle dove is smaller than the pigeon y and very shy. • It is the emblem of love. When Mary brought an offering for Jesus, it was "A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons." The Sparrow Sparrows were so plentiful in Palestine that two were sold for a farthing. Yet not one could fall to the ground without the notice of our Father. If God cares for the little sparrows, He certainly will not forget us. God is our loving Father. Slate Exercise Drawing and Stick Laying God cares for the sparrows. Writing Lesson Mj OnAy xvu>u yv \ ©f tl&e The Locust Many of the locusts of Palestine are very large. Some are two and a naif inches long. They eat everything green, and some- times the bark of trees. Locusts were used for food by the Jews. See Leviticus 11:22. The Arabs still roast and eat them. The Hornet VERY common in Palestine. Used as symbol of warrior. When the Israelites went into Canaan the Lord said, "I will send hornets" before them," to drive out their ene- mies. Exodus 23:28. They build large nests in trees that look as though made of brown paper. Writing Lesson. J> J> P P Drawing and Stick Laying. (18) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER *9 The Butterfly The butterfly is found everywhere, but especially in warm coun- tries, like Palestine. Their life is very short, yet they sometimes fly long distances. The Scorpion The scorpion looks like a lobster, and its sting is very poisonous. When curled up it looks like an egg. Read about it in Luke 11: 11, 12. Jesus said, " Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt 3'OU." Slate Exercise There are many kinds of butterflies. Writing Lesson J^ J Oy yov DUyttt/b XL> Xp XV Drawing and Stick Laying □ Aituiwiiim/ fa/iwn/'/ 11/". ryr**A... ANY Hundreds of years ago a babe was born in a stable, in the little town of Beth- lehem, in the land of Judea. His mother had no cradle for Him, so He was laid in a manger where cattle were sometimes fed. This babe was Jesus, the Son of "*V X God. Before He came to the earth His '/irilik I home was in heaven, where His father dwelt. In heaven He was equal in power with God, His Father. There He was commander of the hosts of heav- enly angels, who delighted to obey Him. But He had a great love for the people of earth, who had all become sinners. So He left the riches and glory of His home in heaven. He came to this earth to live with sinful men, and to help them. Through all His life Jesus was very poor. On earth He had no home of His own. He said, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where 'to lay His head." Matthew 8 : 20. He finally died on the cross so that sinners might be saved in His kingdom at last. In all this He showed how much He loves us. (20] NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER. 21 Jesus is now in His heavenly home, where He is pre- paring homes for all who are good and true. Just before His death He said to His disciples, "I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a "His mother had no cradle for Him, so He was laid in a manger where cattle were sometimes fed," place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto My- self; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14: 2, 3. He lived His pure life on earth so that we, if we fol- low His example, may live with Him by and by in this beautiful home which He is preparing. Our Father in heaven loves us too. ~ The Bible says, "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believe th on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3 : 16. The apostle John said, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God." 1 John 4: 11, 7. HEN Jesus was born, the news was sent first to some humble shepherds near \ \ Bethlehem. As they were watching their sheep by % night, an angel from heaven came to them. He was covered with the bright glory of heaven, and the shepherds were afraid. L But the angel said to them: — "Fear not; for, behold, I ^r% (22) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER. 23 bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10, 11. The angel told them to go to Bethlehem and they would find the "child lying in a manger. And that was to be a Bethlehem, the Birthplace of Jesus. sign to them that the babe was really Jesus, the Messiah for which they had been so long looking and praying. So they went to Bethlehem in haste, and found the babe lying in the manger as the angel had said. There they saw Mary, the mother of the babe, and Joseph by their side. Then the shepherds went out and told about it to the people around. And they all wondered what it meant. But Mary kept all these things in her heart, and thought much about them. HEN Jesus was six weeks old He was taken to the temple at Jerusalem. Here an offering was made for Him according to the law of the Jews. Joseph and Mary were very poor and could not bring a lamb for an offering. So they were allowed to bring, instead, "a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons." At that time there lived in Jerusalem an old man whose name was Simeon. He was waiting and praying for the coming of the Saviour. He came into the temple while the infant Jesus was there. Simeon was a prophet, and as soon as he saw the babe he knew it was the Messiah. "Then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word. "For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people ; " A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel. "And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary His (24) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 25 mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel." Lnke 2:28-34. A prophetess named Anna came in just at that time, and knew at once that the babe was Jesus, the Son of God. She then went out and told all in Jerusalem who were "Then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God." looking for the coming of the Saviour, that the babe in the temple was really Jesus, the long promised Redeemer of the world. When Mary, the mother of Jesus, heard these things, she remembered what the shepherds had said. As she looked at the child in her arms her heart was filled with joy and hope. Surely her babe must be the long expected Saviour who was to bring salvation to the world. F THE- HE Jewish priests and rulers ought to have been the first to know of the birth of Jesus. But they were proud men, and expected the Re- deemer would come as a mighty king. They were not ready to receive Him as the helpless babe of Bethlehem. So His coming was first announced by the angel to the shepherds. Afterward the Lord told the good news to Simeon and Anna in the temple. -In the far East, also, there lived some honest wise men. These men were not Jews, but were careful students of the Word of God. They knew that the time was near for Christ to come. These wise men studied the stars in the heavens. They learned of God as they saw His wonderful works. It was revealed to them that when they should see a new and very bright star they should follow it, and it would lead them to the infant Jesus. One night, as they were studying the stars, they saw a large and beautiful star which they had never seen before. They believed that it was the sign they had been waiting for, and that the Saviour had come. So they followed it until it led them to Jerusalem. On arriving at the city gate the star became so dim that they could not follow it. (27) 28 NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER As the wise men entered the city they inquired, "Where is He that is born king of the Jews ? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him ? " The Wise Men Before King Herod. When king Herod heard of this he sent for the wise men. He did not like to hear of another king who might some day take his throne. , Herod learned from the Jews that Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem. So he directed the wise men to go to Bethlehem, and said to them: — " Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also." NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 29 Then the wise men started again on their journe}'. And the star appeared to thern as before. This time it led them to the place where the young child was. And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him, and "presented unto Him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." " They presented Him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." Then the wise men prepared to return to Jerusalem. They wanted to tell Herod where he could find Jesus. But an angel came and told them to go home another way. Herod had not been honest when he told the wise men that he wanted to worship Jesus. He wanted to find the child so he could have Him put to death. FTER the wise men had gone an angel appeared to Joseph and told him to "take the yonng child and His mother, and flee into Eg3 T pt, . . . for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him." Joseph started at once. He was poor, but the presents which the wise men had brought to the child Jesus paid all the expenses of the journey. Herod was very | angry because the wise men did not come back and tell him where the child was. So he sent his — " T1 x # * X Painting by Poussin, front English Bible of 1S1S. Slaying of the Children of Bethlehem. (30) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER. 3 1 1 soldiers and had them kill all the children in Bethlehem who were not more than two years old. In this way he was sure that the child Jesus would be destroyed with the rest of the children. But God had cared for the babe, and He was al- ready in Egypt, safe from the anger of the wicked king. Herod soon died a terrible death. Then the angel told Jo- seph to return to his home, for "they are dead which sought the young child's life." Then Joseph took Mary and the child Jesus and returned to his old home in Nazareth, in the land of Palestine. 1 ij as? " Take the young child ^and His mother, and flee into Egypt. EDHOOD OF |ESUS was the Son of God, and conld have made His home among the rich of earth. Bnt He chose to live among the poor. Dnring His childhood He lived in a little town called Naza- reth. Jesns wants the poor to know that He under- stands all about their trials. He was poor Himself. He can sympathize with them and help them when they ask Him. In His home His ways were simple and childlike. He grew in mind and body as other children grow. Of His early years the Bible says : — " The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him." "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:40, 52. Jesus early learned to pray to His Father. In prayer He received help to do right. His mother taught Him from the Bible, and He soon learned to read and to study it for Himself. Jesus also loved to study the wonderful things which God had made. He learned useful lessons from all He saw in the earth and in the sky. He studied the flowers (32) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 33 and trees, the animals, the sun, and the stars. He loved the birds, and loved to listen to their beautiful songs. Holy angels were with Him, and helped Him to learn from these things about God. Every child may gain knowl- edge as Jesus did. We should spend our time in learning only which is true. Falsehood and fables will do us no good. Only the truth is of any value, and this we may learn from God's Word and from His works. As we study these things the angels will help us to understand. We shall see the wisdom and goodness of our heav- enly Father. Our minds will be strengthened, our hearts will be made pure, and we shall become more like our Saviour. The youth who try to please God in all that they do, who do right because it is right, will be useful in the world. By being faithful in a humble place they are fitting themselves for a higher position. 3 "He loved the birds, and loved to listen to their beautiful songs." N the spring of every year Joseph and Alary went up to Jerusalem to the feast of the Passover. But they did not take Jesus with them until He was twelve years of age. When this feast was over they started home with their neighbors and friends. They supposed Jesus was somewhere in the company, and did not miss Him until the close of the day. Then they searched carefully for Him, but could not find Him. Joseph and Mary were very sorrowful. They remembered how Herod had tried to kill Him when a babe. They feared that some evil had befallen Him. The next morning the}/ started back to Jerusalem, ^ (34) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 35 hoping the}- might find Him there. They searched for Him three da}-s, and where do 3'ou suppose they found Him? Why, in the temple among the wise men of the city. He was asking them questions about the Scriptures, and answering the questions which the}' asked Him. "And all that heard Him were astonished at His under- standing and answers." Luke 2:46, 47. Jesus seemed to be a learner at the feet of the wise men of the temple,' but He asked them questions about the Scriptures which surprised and perplexed them. And He answered the questions which they asked Him. In it all He was really teaching these men important lessons from the Word of God. These men soon saw that Jesus knew more about the Bible than they did, even though He was only twelve 3'ears old. When Mary had found Jesus, she said to Him, "Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing." And Jesus answered, " How is it that 3-e sought Me ? wist }*e not that I must be about My Father's business ? " Verses 48, 49. Jesus knew what His work on earth was to be. Al- though He was only a child in 3'ears, He felt the respon- sibility of the work He had come to earth to do. He never neglected an opportunity to let His light shine to those around Him. " And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, 36 NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER and was subject unto them ; but His mother kept all these sayings in her heart." Verse 51. * Jesus knew that He was the Son of God, and that He had a very important work to do while He was here on earth. Yet He was always obedient to His parents, and was as a ra} T of sunshine in the home. • In His life He set a perfect example to all other chil- dren, for He always did what was right. Joseph was a carpenter, and very poor. Faithfully and cheerfully Jesus did His part in helping to support the family. As soon as He was old enough, He learned a trade, and worked in the carpenter's shop with Joseph. In the dress of a laborer He passed through the streets of the little town, going to and from His work. He did not use His divine Jesus as a Carpenter. . power to make His life easy for Himself. As Jesus worked in childhood and 3-outh, He grew strong in body and mind. By His example He taught that we ought to be industrious, that we should do our work care- fully and well, and that such work is honorable. All should find something to do that will be helpful to them- selves and to others. ESUS Had a cousin by the name of John. In the Bible he is called John the Baptist. This name was given him because he baptized many people in the river Jordan. John had his home in the wilderness. There God taught him and prepared him for the great work he had to do. As John grew to manhood he became a great preacher. The people traveled from many places to hear him. He told them that Jesus was soon coming among them. John told them that they must put away their sins so that they would be ready to meet Jesus. Many confessed their sins and were baptized by John in the Jordan river. When Jesus was about thirty 3-ears old He left His home to begin His work of teaching the people. He wanted to set a right example to others, so He went to the wilderness, that He, also, might be baptized of John. But John did not feel worthy to baptize Jesus. He said, " I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me ? " Jesus answered, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it be- cometh us to fulfill all righteousness." Then John bap- tized Him in the waters of the Jordan. (37) 38 NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER When they came up out of the water Jesus kneeled down on the bank and prayed to His Father in heaven. As He was praying, the Holy Spirit of God, in the form of a beautiful dove, descended upon Him. Then there came a voice from God in heaven, saying, "Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased." After Jesus was baptized He went into the wilderness, because He wanted to be alone where He could think of the work He had to do. He wanted to fast and pray to His Father for strength to do this work. The Bible says the Holy "-^ Baptism of Jesus. Spirit led Him to go on this journey into the wilderness. Satan knew where Jesus had gone; so he went there to tempt Him. Jesus came to this world to live just as men live, and so He worked as men work, and was tempted by Satan as men are tempted. Yet while on earth He resisted NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 39 every temptation, and never made a mistake in His work or committed a sin. The devil wanted Jesns to sin so that His work on earth wonld be a failure. The Father helped His Son to keep P — . 3 j ^ from sin. Jesus will help us if we ; \// ask Him. Jesus fasted forty days in the wilder- ness. Then, when He was weak from Lm% y ) fasting, and so very hungry, Satan came to Him with his temptation, and said: — __ "If thou be the Son of God, com- mand that these stones be made bread." Men can- not work miracles to help them- selves in trouble. As Jesus was our example, He must live as men live. If He had turned stones into bread, be- cause He was hungry, He could not be our example when we are hungry. Jesus would not fail on a single point, so He answered: — "It is written, Alan shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Pw«, // Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." FTER the temptation Jesus' returned to the Jor- dan. Here He began the selection of His disci- ples. Among the first chosen were Andrew, Pe- ter, Philip, and Nathaniel. Others were chosen from time to time, at different places, until there were twelve. Jesus soon went to Galilee, and began His ministry. At Cana there was a wedding feast, and there was not enough wine. So He told the servants to bring water and pour it into the wine jars. When they drew it out it had turned into better wine than any the}' had had before. Wherever Jesus went Pie healed all the sick people who were brought to Him. He delighted to meet the peo- ple in the valleys and on the mountain sides, and there teach them. At one time a great number came to hear Him. So He went up into a mountain where they could all see Him. There He gave the most beautiful sermon that ever was heard. Among other things, He said: — " Blessed are the poor in spirit : for theirs is the king- dom of heaven." If we are proud and haughty, Jesus can- not help and bless us. " Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be com- (40) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 41 forted." If we are sorry for our sins, the I^ord will forgive us and make us glad. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." If we suffer wrong, rather than do wrong, Jesus will take care of us, and give us a home forever in the earth when it is made new. " Blessed ! are the pure in heart: for they shall see God-." If our words are right, and our lives clean, God will love us, and we shall live near Him " Blessed are the meek " forever in a more beautiful home than you ever saw or imagined. "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Christ is the King of peace. He wants us to help make peace among those whp are around us. Then He will love us and call us His children. ^N JERUSALEM there was a wonderful pool called f Bethesda. At certain times an angel would come ftp!f®|$ down and stir the water. Then the first one who ll^^sfe^ stepped into the pool would be healed of any disease he might have. Many sick people came to this pool, hoping they might be the first to step in and be healed. Among them was one poor crippled man who had been waiting a long time. But whenever the water was stirred some one would step in before him, and he would turn away disappointed. One Sabbath day Jesus was passing by the pool and saw the poor, sorrowful cripple. Jesus knew how long and patiently he had waited, and His heart was filled with pity for him. So He said : — "Wilt thou be whole?" The poor man answered, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool." Then Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." At once the. man was fully healed, and he took up his bed, or the mat on which he lay, and walked away with it. How the man rejoiced when he walked for the first time in thirty-eight years! What a wonderful act of mercy this was ! (42) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 43 Soon the man met some Pharisees, and in his joy he told them how he had been healed. But these Pharisees were prond and cruel. They had no love for the poor man who had been healed. They pointed to his bed, and said : — "It is the Sab- bath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed." These self-right- eous Jews were an- gry when they learned that Jesus had healed the man on the Sabbath, and had told him to carry his bed on that da}^. They did not love Jesus, because He reproved them for their cruel, wicked ways. "Therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath." Works of mercy on the Sabbath are alwa}^s right. But these Jews would have committed murder, and broken an- other commandment, because Jesus had done a work of mercy in healing a man on the Sabbath. This shows how inconsistent and wicked they were. Another Sabbath, as Jesus was passing along, He saw a man who was born blind. Jesus came close to him, and 44 NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER spat on the ground, made clay of the spittle, rubbed the clay on the man's eyes, and told him to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. When the man had washed, he could see as well as any one. When the Pharisees heard of this miracle, they sent for the man whose eyes were opened, and made him tell them all about it. When they heard it they hated Jesus the more, and said: — "This Man is not of God, becaus< keepeth not the Sabbath day." But others said, "How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles ? " So it was then as it always has been, some believed in Jesus, and some would not. Again, on another Sabbath, while passing through a field of grain, the disciples shelled out some of the grain in their hands, and ate it. The Phari- sees, who were always on the watch to find fault with the work of Jesus, said to Him: — "Why do they on the Sabbath da}' that which is not lawful?" Now, the disciples had been a long time without food, and it was cruel to keep them from eating a little of the grain. Jesus told the fault-finding Jews that "the Sabbath was made for man." It was intended for a blessing, not for a burden. "Go, wash in the pool. NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 45 Then He adds, " Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath." This means that because the Sabbath was made for 7nan, the Son of man is Lord of it. It be- longs to Christ. Of the work of Christ in creation, John says, "All things were made by Him ; and withont Him was not any- thing made that was made." And again, "the world was made by Him." John 1:3, 10. The word spoken by Jesns is all-power- ful in heaven and earth. -Paul says that He "is the im- age of the invisible God." Also, that "by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth." Colossians 1 : 15, 16. So, if Jesus created the earth, it was He who, after six days of work, rested on the Seventh day and made it the Sabbath, and so it is called the Lord's day, in Rev. 1 : 10. Moses, in writing about this work of creation, says : — "The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath." 46 NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the Seventh day God ended His work which He had made ; and He rested on the Seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the Seventh day, and sanctified it." Genesis 2 : 1-3. The Sabbath was given as a memorial of God's great work in creating the earth. As we rest upon this day we will think of all He has made for us. Thus it will draw us nearer to the great Creator, and be a blessing to us. Jesus did not break the Law of God when He was on earth, as the Pharisees had accused Him. He said, "I have kept My Father's Commandments." In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus took His position regarding the Commandments, and said : — "Think not that I am come to destroy the law. . . . For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matthew 5:17, 18. The Pharisees, by their teachings, had made it hard for the people to keep God's law. Jesus upheld the law, but condemned the. wicked ways of the Pharisees. This was because they had made the way of right doing so hard that the people could not follow it. Through all these miracles Jesus was teaching the Phari- sees how they should keep the Sabbath. This is an object lesson to every one. THE 'ESUS loved the little children. He delighted to 155, have thern near Him. Many times He took them in His arms, and blessed them, and healed them when they were sick. Jesns wants us to obey Him, and trust Him, as a child obeys and trusts his father and mother, so He said to the dis- ciples : — "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." The beautiful story on the next two pages tells how a tired mother took her children to Jesus. No one is ever turned away that goes to Jesus in trouble. Painting by B. West, from English Bible 0/1818. ' (47) 4 8 NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER P=S 'IV : s£l Hannah and the Children. OhI HK Master has come over Jordan," Said Hannah, the mother, one day, " He is healing the people who throng Him, With a touch of His finger, they say. "And now I shall carry the children — Little Rachel, and Samuel, and John, I shall carry the baby, Esther, For the Lord to look upon." The father looked at her kindly, But he shook his head and smiled ; "Now, who but a doting mother Would think of a thing so wild ? " If the children were tortured by demons, Or dying of fever, 'twere well, Or had they the taint of the leper, Like many in Israel." 11 Nay, do not hinder me, Nathan — I feel such a burden of care ; If I carry it to the Master, Perhaps I shall leave it there. 11 If He lays His hand on the children, My heart will be lighter, I know, For a blessing for ever and ever Will follow them as they go." NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 49 So over the hills to Judah, Along the vine-rows green, With Esther asleep on her bosom, And Rachel her brothers between, ' Mong the people who hung on His teaching, Or waited His touch and His word* Through the row of proud Pharisees listening, She pressed to the feet of the Lord. "Now, why shouldst thou hinder the Mas- ter," Said Peter, "with children like these? Seest not how, from morning till evening, He teacheth, and healeth disease ? ' ' Then Christ said, " Forbid not the children — Permit them to come unto me." And He took in His arms little Esther, And Rachel He set on His knee ; And the heavy heart of the mother Was lifted all earth- care above ; And He laid His hands on the brothers, And blest them with tenderest love. As He said of the babes in His bosom, " Of such is the kingdom of heaven," New strength for all duty and trial That hour to her spirit was given. 4 HEN Jesus was once standing on the shore of the lake of Gennesaret, the people pressed around Him to hear the word of God. Jesus wanted to be where all could see and hear His words. Simon Peter was near by, with his fishing boat. So He stepped into the boat and sat down. The boat was a good place from which to teach the people who were on the shore, of the lake. When Jesus had finished speaking, He told Peter to row his boat out into deep water, and then let down his net to catch some fish. But Peter said, "Master, we have toiled all night, anc have taken nothing." Peter was discouraged, but he had faith in Jesus. So he said, "Nevertheless, at Thy word I will let down the net." And when Peter drew in the net, it was so full of fishes that the net began to break. Then Peter called James and John, who were his partners, to come with their boat to help him. And when they got the fishes in, both boats were filled with them. The fishermen were amazed and frightened, but Jesus told them not to be afraid, for He would make them fishers (50) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 5* of men. Then these men left their boats and all they had and followed Jesns. One morning, after the resurrection, Jesus again met the same disciples by the sea. As before, they had fished Painting by Raphael^ from Bible of 1818. all night and had caught nothing. Jesus told them to cast in their net on the right side of the ship. They did so and caught one hundred and fifty-three great fishes. When they reached the shore they found that Jesus had made a fire. The disciples baked some of the fishes in the fire and ate them for breakfast. HEN Jesus was at Capernium the officers of the Jewish synagogue came to Peter and asked, "Doth not your Master pay tribute?" Peter said, "Yes." Jesus ought not to pay tribute, for He was a teacher in Painting by Rubens, from English Bible ofiSio. Israel, but He- sought to avoid offending the Jews. So He told Peter to go to the sea and cast in a hook. He soon caught a fish, and when he opened its mouth he found a piece of money. So Peter took the money and paid the tribute. (52) \|0R three 3'ears and a half Jesus taught ' the people and healed the sick who came to Him. He then went with His disciples to Jerusalem, and ate with them His last Passover supper. Then He went with them to the garden of Gethsemane. Here He en- dured great suffering as He thought of the sins of the world. Three times He prayed earnestly to His Father for help for the great trial and suffering which He knew was before Him. While He was yet praying a mob from the priests and rulers came to take Him. Judas, the traitor, was with them, and betra}-ed his Master with a kiss. From ' Gethsemane they took Jesus to the rulers of Israel, and then He was taken to Pilate, the Roman gov- ernor. Here He was condemned to death. Then they took Him to Mount Calvary where He was nailed to the cross and crucified between two thieves. The agony of Jesus on the cross was terrible, but it was the thought of the sins of the world that caused Him the greatest sorrow and suffering. After His death, Joseph came to Pilate and gained per- mission to take the body of Jesus. Then he and Nicodemus laid Him in Joseph's new. tomb. (53) fcjWpESUS died on the afternoon of the sixth day of the rm¥ wee ^> which is Friday. After the body was laid fBk I in the grave the women who believed in Him /4®f i/X returned to Jerusalem, and "prepared spices and ^^MiT ointments; and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment." (This refers to the com- mandment found in Exodus 20:8-11.) "Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre: And they entered in and found not the body of the Lord Jesus." See Luke 24. Then two angels appeared, and said, "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here but is risen." What a joy filled the hearts of the holy women! They had come to embalm their Saviour's body with costly spices. But they met angels who told them that their Lord lived. They ran to the disciples with the good news. Their Jesus is not dead ! " He is risen," is their glad cry. But the disciples could not believe them. After these women had gone, Mary Magdalene returned to the grave of Jesus. She had not been there with the other women. At the grave she wept because she thought that men had taken her Saviour away. Soon she heard a voice saying : — (54) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 55 "Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?" Her eyes were so blinded by tears that she did not see that it was Jesus who was speaking to her. She thought it might be the gardener, so she answered: — "Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away." Then Jesus spoke the one word, "Mary." She knew the voice of Jesus then, and in her joy answered, "Rabboni," or Master. Later in the day Jesus met two of the disciples on their way to Em- maus. They did not know Him until He sat with them at supper. As He blessed the bread their eyes were opened, and they knew Him. Then Jesus disappeared from their sight. Painting by Raphael Mengs,from English Bible of jSi8. 56 NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER The two disciples ran back to Jerusalem and told the news to the others. As they were talking, Jesus Himself came among them, and said: — "Peace be unto you." At first they were afraid, but when He showed the prints of the nails in His hands and feet they rejoiced. From this time their watchword was, " Jesus is risen." Jesus had said, "I am the resurrection and the life." The resurrection of Jesus broke the bands of death and made possible the final resurrection of all the righteous. The Christian's hope for the future is the resurrection. Paul says that if there is to be no resurrection "our preach- ing is vain," "our faith is vain," and "they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished." 1 Corinthians 15 : 12-18. But thanks be to God, the faithful dead will be raised from their graves when Jesus comes. Paul tells about this in the following beautiful words: — "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [precede] them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18. JsT the pages of this book we have been reading how Jesus left His home in heaven and came to live on this earth. We have read abont His beantifnl life. We have read how He healed the sick, and helped the suffering. Did you ever think that this same Jesns is coming back to the earth again? As the Saviour was taken up from the disciples, they stood gazing into the cloud where they had seen Him dis- appear. They were so busy looking up, tr}ung to see Jesus, that they did not notice two angels standing by their side, till they said to them: — "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from 3 7 ou into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." Acts 1:11. These words were ver} r comforting to the disciples whose Lord and Saviour had just been taken from them. The angels said that "this same Jesus" would come again. Jesus had said to His disciples, " I will come again." John 14:3. Paul writes, " and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time." Hebrews 9:28. The angels also said that Jesus would come "in like manner" as He went away. (57) 58 NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER The disciples saw Jesus as He was taken up from them. John says that when He comes again " every eye shall see Him." Revelation i : 7. When He went away, "a cloud received Him out of their sight." John, speak- ing of the scene of His second coming, says, " Behold, He cometh with clouds." Revelation 1:7. His second coming will not be secret, or seen by only a few. It will be in a blaze of glor}r, in sight of the whole world. Jesus Himself said, "As the lightning Cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matthew 24 : 27. This same Jesus shall so come in like manner." He will not come as a helpless babe, to live a life of sorrow because of the sins of the world. He will come as a conquering King. NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 59 John says of this coming, "His name is called The Word of God. . . . And He hath on His vestnre and on His His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." Revelation 19:13, 16. Jesns will appear in peace "unto them that look for Him." That is, not to punish, but to save all those who have prepared for that great event, and are ready to receive their Lord. When the righteous shall " see the sign of the Son of man in heaven" (Matthew 24:30), they will rejoice and cry out, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him." Isaiah 25:9. But the wicked will not be able to endure the glory of Jesus as He comes to the earth. They will hide themselves "in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains." They will call to the mountains and rocks to fall on them and hide them from the glory of the face of Jesus. See Revelation 6:15, 16. Jesus is coming soon. Paul, writing to those who are looking for and expecting the coming of the Lord, said, " For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come and will not tarry." Hebrews 10:37. When Jesus comes He will bring the reward to the righteous. In the last chapter in the Bible we read, " Be- hold, I come quickly ; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:12. * =5S8^--: JOY OF T DIS FTER the ascension of Jesus, the disciples re- turned to Jerusalem. The people expected them to look sad and sorrowful. Their Master had been crucified. All supposed their hopes were dead. But the disciples were not sorrowful. Their hearts were full of joy. Their faces glowed with happiness. As they entered the city their voices were raised in praise and thanksgiving. Every da}^ they went to the temple, praising God. There they told the story of the resurrection of Jesus. They told also of His ascension to heaven. They told of the wonderful words the angels had spoken to them. Why should the disciples be sorrowful? Jesus was not lost to them. He had risen from the dead. He had gone back to His home in heaven. Before His Father Jesus would be their friend. From His home in heaven He would send them help in every time of need^ He had promised to do so. They knew He would come to earth again. He had told the disciples, " I will come again." The angels on Olivet had repeated the promise. They would some day see their Lord again. This thought filled their hearts with joy. (60) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 61 They had. known Jesus as " a Man of Sorrow." He would come again as a great King. Then He would take them to His home in heaven, to dwell with Him forever. Surely they had good news to tell the people. And as they told this good news, many be- lieved their testi- mony. And as they accepted Jesus as their Saviour their hearts also were filled with joy. Jesus had said to them, " Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name He will give it you." They were eager to pray to the Father in the name of Jesus. They often met together in solemn awe and bowed in prayer. The promises of Jesus were very real to them. The disciples knew that they had a great work to do. They must tell the world about Jesus. They must teach sinners to love the Saviour. They knew that the best way to wait for the coming of Christ was to work for Him. Is they entered VJ%~^ the city their voices \<( were raised in praise and thanksgiving." (62) Every one heard the gospel in his own language.' , TUK BAY O: EN days after the ascension of Jesus was the day of Pentecost. The Pentecost was a feast of thanksgiving to God for the harvest. To this feast came thousands of Jews from all parts of the world. What an opportunity this was to tell the peo- ple the story of Jesus ! But those who came to. the feast did not all speak the same language. They came from many different countries. How, then, could the apostles talk so that all could un- derstand them ? The Lord helped the disciples. He sent the Holy Spirit to them. It came in the form of tongues of fire, and rested upon each of them. And when they began to tell the people about Jesus, one spoke one language, and the others spoke other languages. In this way every one heard the gospel in his own lan- guage. Many people believed what the disciples told them. Of the result of this one day of preaching about Jesus, the Bible says: — " Then they that gladly received the word were bap- tized : and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." See Acts 2. ' (63) HE disciples were very earnest in teaching the people abont Jesns. They went to the temple every day, and . talked to those who came to worship. They told them that Jesns had risen from the dead, and had gone back to His home in heaven. Many of the people were glad to learn the trnth and to know that Jesns had risen from the dead. One day, soon after the Passover, Peter and John went to the temple as nsnal. At the gate of the temple they fonnd a poor cripple. He conld not work, so he sat and begged of those who passed b}\ As Peter and John came near the man, he asked them for money. Peter said to him, "Look on us." When the man heard this he supposed he would receive a large gift. Then Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none; bnt such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up; and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. "And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered (64) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 65 with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and prais- ing God." Acts The people were astonished. T h e y thought that when Jesus died on the cross His miracles had ceased in the earth. But here were men doing the same wonderful things that Jesus did. Peter surprised them still more. He told them that it was in the name of Jesus, and by His power, that the crip- ple was healed. As a result five thous- « HlSG up and walk." and accepted Him as their Saviour. The Lord had given the disciples power to heal the sick. This power was ev- idence to the people that the disciples were doing the same work that Jesus had done among them. Peter had done for the cripple what no physician could do, he had healed him. 5 OTH priests and rulers were very angry with Peter and John, and did not want them to heal the people. Neither did they want them to preach Jesus in the temple. So they took them and put them in prison. The next day Peter and John were taken from prison and brought before the high priest and rulers. The cripple who had been healed was present and stood before the priests. They knew he had been healed by the apostles, so they asked: — "By what power, or by what name, have 3^e done this?" Peter answered, " By the name of Jesus Christ of Naza- reth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand before you whole." So the priests did not know what to do. When they had killed Jesus they supposed His work would cease to be a trouble to them. But here were others doing the very same work. So they threatened Peter and John. They told them that they must not speak or teach any more in the name of Jesus. (66) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 6 7 But Peter answered, ''Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Of course to this the priests could answer nothing; "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye." and they dared not harm the apostles because they feared the people, who all believed in the work of the apostles. The people "glorified God for that which was done." "So when they had further threatened them, they let them go." apostles. FTER the healing of the cripple, the work of the x apostles increased more and more. They preached the gospel boldly in Jerusalem and in the temple. The people heard them gladl}-, and large numbers were add- ed to the church. Wonderful miracles were wrought by the From the cities near Jerusalem the multitudes came bringing their sick friends to be healed. Many were brought into the streets on beds and couches, so that the shadow of Peter might fall on them as he passed by. And all who came were healed. This made the priests more angry than before. Again they took Peter and some of the other apostles, and cast them into prison. But God is stronger than any prison. In the night an angel opened the prison doors and set them free. As they went out he said to them: " Go stand and speak in the temple all the words of this life. And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning and taught." The angel brought the apostles out of prison, but they (68) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 6 9 were not saved from the examination and punishment of the Jewish councils.* Jesus had told them, "Take heed to your- selves, for they shall deliver you up to councils." ' In the morning the council was called together. They sent to the prison to have the prisoners brought out for trial. The officers, however, soon came back without them. They had found the prison closed and the keepers stand- ing by the doors, but when they entered, the apostles were not there. The angel had led them past the guards who did not see the disciples as they passed out on their way to the temple. *These were meetings in which the priests would decide what the people should be taught as doctrines, and where they would try persons charged with religious off- ences. " The keepers standing by the doors." HILE the council was wondering and ask- ing one another what had become of Peter and the other prisoners, word came that they were again in the temple teaching the people. What could they do with these men? Was there no wa}^ to stop them ? They would continue to preach, and were constantly performing wonderful miracles. The whole country was aroused. And now the priests had learned that even their strongest prisons could not hold them and keep them from their work. Finally they sent the captain and other officers to bring the apostles to them. And they brought them without violence. The people wanted to hear about Jesus. They were the friends of the apostles. The officers did not dare to be harsh with them, for they feared the people would stone them. " And when they had brought them, they set them be- fore the council: and the high priest asked them, saying: — " Did we not straightly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusa- lem with your doctrine.' ' (70) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 71 " Then Peter and tlie other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than man." The angel who released them from prison had told them to go right back to the temple and preach to the "And they brought them without uioience." people. They would not disobey God, no matter what men might do to them. The priests did not dare to kill the apostles, for even they feared the people. So they whipped the apostles, and told them they must stop preaching to the people about Jesus. Then they let them go. Did this discourage the apostles ? O, no ! they went away " rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name." Aud "daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." H|^ TEPHEN was one of the seven deacons appointed $jgg* to look after the business matters of the church. He had a good education, and was very eloquent in telling the people about Jesus. The Lord gave Stephen power so that he could heal those who were sick. The Bible says that he did " great wonders and miracles among the people. " Some of the Jews did not like to have Stephen preach about Jesus, and heal sick people in His name. So they tried to prove to Stephen that he was wrong. But Stephen told them the truth about Jesus so plainly that they could not overthrow his teaching. Then these men, who were very wicked, hired other men to lie about Stephen. The}'- accused him of teaching wicked things. But Stephen did not yield to them. He told the story of Jesu$ to all who would listen. He proved from the Bible that it was only through faith in Jesus that any one could be saved. These words filled the priests and rulers with rage, and "they gnashed on him with their teeth." Then the Lord comforted Stephen, and gave him hope and courage in his trouble. He opened the gate of Heaven (72) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER. 73 and let him see "the glory of God." And he cried out, "Be- hold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." And the face of Stephen shone like that of an angel. This made the Jews more angry than be- fore. They put their fingers in their ears so they could not hear. Then they took him out of the city and threw great stones at him until they killed him. But Stephen did not hold an}' hatred in his heart. He wanted even these wicked men to be saved. And so, he "kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." The Stoning of Stephen* AUL was a Jew, whose home was at Tarsus. He had studied the Bible iu the schools of the Jews. He thought he kuew all about its teachings. But he was like inany other learned Jews, He would not accept Jesus as his Saviour. Saul tried to stop the work of the apostles. He went into the houses of those who believed in Jesus, and arrested them, and sent men and women to prison. He was one of those who consented to the killing of Stephen. At one time Saul went on a journey to Damascus. He had with him some of the Jewish guard from the temple. He intended to search the city for those who believed in Jesus. He wanted to send them to the prisons at Jerusa- lem. But the Lord had other work for Saul. As he came near to Damascus, a great light from heaven suddenly shone around him. Paul fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, — "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me ? " And Saul asked, " Who art Thou, Lord ? " The voice answered, " I am Jesus whom thou perse- cutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." (74) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER /D This meant that the work of Christ would succeed in spite of all Saul could do to hinder it. He would hurt only himself, as any one would who would kick against something sharp and strong. As Saul lay on the ground he remembered the death of Ste- phen. The sermon he had \ preached about Jesus came to his mind. He now understood the truth, and accepted Jesus as his Saviour. But even though Saul be- lieved, he was astonished, and asked trembling, " Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do ? " The answer was, " Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." When Saul arose from the ground, he found that he was blind. "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me ? " The bright light of the glory of God had destroyed his sight. The men who were with him led him into Damascus. "And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink." HESE three days of darkness were spent by Saul in prayer to God. His Heart was very I sad as lie thought of the many followers of ; Jesus he had persecuted. Jesus had said, " Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me." Saul now realized that when he persecuted a child of Jesus, the Lord considered it as done to Himself. The Lord had said to him, "Why persecutest thou Me?" Saul felt that he had been guilty of persecuting the Son of God Himself. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. And the Lord came to him in vision and told him to go to Saul and give him the help he needed. Ananias won- dered that the man who had persecuted the church should now be a follower of Jesus, but he went to him as the Lord had told him. When he came to Saul he laid his hands on his head, and said: — " Brother • Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou earnest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." {76) NEW TESTAMENT TRIMER 77 "And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.' y Then Sanl went into the syna- gogue and preached Jesus Christ to the Jews of Damascus. How differ- ent this was from what both he and the Jews had expected. The conversion of Saul made the Jews of Damascus very angr}^. So, after talking the matter over among themselves, they decided to kill him. They watched the gates of the city day and night, that they might de- stroy him when he attempted to go out. But the laying in wait of the Jews was known to Saul. " Then the disci- ples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket." This was the beginning of the ministry of Saul. Saul w T as his name as a Roman citizen of the city of Tarsus. His name was afterward changed to Paul, because Paul was his Hebrew name given him by his parents when he was presented in the temple, as all male children were, on reaching a certain age. After his conversion Paul be- came the boldest and most successful apostle of Jesus. Z S PETER went from place to place, visiting the *»^ clinrclies, lie performed many miracles. # On one of His journeys He came to Lydda. *f^ There He found a man by tHe name of Eneas, X wHo Had been sick in bed witH tHe palsy for eigHt years. "And Peter said unto Him, Eneas, Jesus CHrist maketH tHee whole: arise and make tHy bed." Eneas was Healed at once. All tHe people around Heard of it, and a great number turned to tHe Lord. THere was a devout woman by tHe name of Dorcas wHo lived at Joppa. SHe was a great Help to tHe cHurcH at that place. If there were any sick, or Hungry, or in need of clotHing, Dorcas was always ready to visit them, and Help tHem. Now, about this time, Dorcas was sick and died. As Joppa was near to Lydda, tHe disciples sent to Peter and asked Him to come to tHem. WHen Peter came He found tHe widows gathered around tHe bed of Dorcas, weeping and lamenting. And they were showing the garments which Dorcas had made for the poor. Then Peter sent them all out of the room, and kneeled (73) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 79 beside the bed and prayed. Then he turned to the dead woman and said to her, "Arise." "And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up; and Painting by Guercino from Bible of 1810. Peter Raising Dorcas from the Dead. when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive." And when this miracle became known, " many believed on the Lord." %^ fpN the city of Caesarea there lived an officer of the Roman army whose name was Cornelius. He loved God, and gave much money to help the poor. He prayed to God continually, but had not learned about Jesus. One day, as he was praying, an angel came to him, and said, " Cornelius. " Cornelius was afraid, but asked, "What is it, Lord?" And the angel answered, "Thy pra}^ers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: ... he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." Then Cornelius called two of his servants, and one of his soldiers, and sent them to Joppa to find Peter. On the next da} T , as these men were coming near to Joppa, Peter became very hungry. And while food was being prepared for him, he went on the housetop to pray. While there, the Spirit of the Lord told him that three men were coming to find him. Peter was instructed to go with them, for the Lord had sent them. Peter was a Jew, and Cornelius was a Gentile. The Jewish laws would not allow a Jew to have anything to do with Gentiles. But the Lord did not make such laws as (80) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 8l this. The Jews were proud and made this law themselves. The time had come when the Lord wanted the Gentiles to know about Jesus. Most of the Jews had rejected the Saviour, and their hearts had be- come hard. The Peter and the three men from Cornelius. Lord knew that many Gen- tiles would believe in Jesus. So the Lord gave Peter a vision. From this vision Peter learned that he was to preach the gospel to all men. Pie was to preach to Gentiles as well as to Jews. When Peter came down from the housetop he found the three men who had been sent to him by Cornelius. He called them in and lodged them, and the next morning went with them to Csesarea. When they came to the house of Cornelius they found a company gathered together to hear what Peter would say. Then Peter preached Jesus Christ to them, and they be- lieved the word spoken by him, and were baptized. 6 i,EROD was a Roman king. He ruled over the land of Jndea. He wanted to please the Jews, so he professed to believe their religion. He knew that the Jews hated those who preached Jesus. So he took the apostle James and cast him into prison. "And he killed James the brother of John with the sword." Some sixteen } T ears before, another king Herod had killed John the Baptist in the same way. Both these kings were very wicked men. King Herod saw that the killing of James pleased the Jews. So, to please them more, he sent soldiers to take Peter and cast him also into prison. He intended to kill him as he had killed James. Sixteen soldiers were appointed to guard Peter day and night. At night his wrists were chained to two soldiers. He could not move without their knowing it. A strong guard of soldiers was placed before the prison doors. Herod did everything he could to prevent the escape of Peter. But the prayers of God's people are stronger than the guards of kings. When James was killed, God's people were very Sorrow- ful. Now Peter was in prison, and Herod intended to kill him the next day. Then the church fasted and prayed to God continually. (32) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 33 These were days of great persecution by Herod. If the king should continue his evil work, all the apostles would be destroyed. They knew that God alone could save them. On the. night before the day set for his death, "Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. "And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. "And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals, and so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out and followed him." Through all this the soldiers to whom Peter was chained did not awake from sleep. "Peter was sleep ing between two soldiers, bound with two chains." 84 NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER The door of the prison cell opens and they pass out. The door closes without noise. The guard standing before the door hear and see nothing. They come to the inner gate of the prison, and this opens and closes of itself. This gate was guarded by soldiers within and without, but there is no sound as they escape. The soldiers do not see their prisoner as he passes. They stand silent and still as dead men. Then Peter and the angel come to the great iron gate which leads into the city. This gate opens also without hands. Passing through, the angel leads Peter to a safe distance from the prison, and then disappears. But Peter stands bewildered. He does not know that it is true which has happened to him. He thinks he has been dreaming, or has seen a vision. But here he is, standing free and alone in the street of the city. Then Peter sees that it is all true and is no dream or vision. He then says to himself: — "Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent His angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews." Then Peter went to the house of Mary the mother of John. A number of his brethren were in the house at that time, praying for him. Peter knocked at the gate, or door, of the house. A young woman by the name of Rhoda went to the door to learn who was knocking. As soon as Peter spoke she knew him. NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 85 How glad she was ! In the house they were praying for Peter. They supposed he was in prison, but here he was knocking at the gate. Their prayers were anwered. Peter was safe. Rhoda forgot that Peter wanted to come into the house. She could remember only that he was safe at the gate. So, instead of open- ing the door for him, she ran in to tell the people who were praying for him. It was too wonderful for them. They could not believe it. They said to Rhoda, "It is his angel." They knew that Peter had been cast into prison, and chained to two soldiers. They knew he must go through three strong iron gates before he could be free. They knew also that all these gates were strongly guarded by Roman soldiers who were known not to sleep while on guard. But they had forgotten that twice be- fore the angel of the Lord had deliv- ered Peter from prison. What the Lord had done He could do again. But Peter kept knocking. Then they opened the door. And when they found it was really Peter, they were astonished. "Peter knocked at the gate.' ( AUL went everywhere preaching Jesus Christ, and churches were raised up wherever he went. Barnabas went with Paul to Antioch, and they preached there for a whole } T ear. At this place " almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God." It was at Antioch that those who believed in Jesus Christ were first called Christians. It was seen that wher- ever they went they were always talking about the Saviour. And to all who would listen they told the beautiful story of salvation through Christ. So the people called them Christ-tans. But the apostles were soon driven out of Antioch. So they went to the city of I/ystra. Here the people worshiped idols. They did not know about the only true God. One day, as Paul was preaching, he saw sitting before him a man who had been lame all his life. Paul saw that, the man believed, so he said to him, with a loud voice: — "Stand upright on thy feet." When the man heard this he leaped upon his feet. He stood upright, and walked for the first time in all his life. The poor heathen of Lystra had never before seen a miracle. They believed that only their gods could do such wonderful things. So they cried out in their wonder:- — (3/) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER "The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men." And they named the apostles after some of the gods they worshiped. Barnabas they called Jupiter, and Paul Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the heathen priests brought oxen to sacrifice to them. But the apostles rent their clothes, and told them that they were only men and not gods. And still they had hard work to keep the priests from worshiping them and offering them sacrifices as they did to their heathen gods. But how soon these people turned! Some wicked Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and stirred up the people, so that they turned upon Paul and stoned him. And, sup- posing he was dead, they dragged him out of the city and left him. But God had not left him. "As the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and came into the city." The next day Paul and Barnabas resumed their journey to carry the gospel to other cities and countries. And thus it was wherever they went. At first the people would gladly receive the gospel. But Satan would soon stir up the people so that they would not listen to the truth, but would persecute the apostles and drive them away. Each time Paul suffered persecution, he must have re- membered how he had persecuted the believers in Jesus. This experience helped him to be patient and very gentle with those who persecuted him. HPWRECM ©F FAUIL feOR about twenty-five years Paul traveled in many countries, preaching Jesus Christ. Finally he de- cided to again visit Jerusalem. He brought with him large gifts from the churches which he had raised up among the Gentiles. These gifts were to aid the poor, and help spread the gospel in Judea. One day; as Paul was in the temple, some wicked Jews from Asia saw him. They remembered how he had preached Jesus in their country. They were filled with anger, and cried out: — "Men of Israel, help! This is the man that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place." This was false, but it stirred up the Jews, "and all the city was moved, and the people ran together." Then they rushed upon Paul, drew him out of the temple, and "went about to kill him." But the uproar was so great that it attracted the attention of the captain of the Roman guard who* sent soldiers and took him away from them. Paul was kept in prison for more than two years, and then was sent by sea to Rome to be judged by Nero, who was the Caesar at that time. But it was late in the season when they sailed, and they met with many storms. When they came on their voyage to Fair Haven, Paul advised them to stay there till the winter was past. He told them there would be great damage if they went on. But the owner of the ship wanted to go thirty-four miles further, to Phenice, where the harbor was better. So, when a soft wind blew from the south, they sailed away into danger. In a short time a terrible storm arose, which lasted for (89) 9 o NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER fourteen days. All lost hope but Paul. An angel appeared to him in the night and told him not to be afraid, for he and all who were with him would be saved from death, but they would be shipwrecked on an island. There were two hundred and sevent}'-six people on the ship, and they had eaten little for fourteen days. Then Paul "took bread, and gave thanks to God," and they all ate and were strengthen It was not . long till the ship ran aground and was broken in pieces by the waves. Those who could, swam to shore. "And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship," all reached the laud in safety. But Paul had another danger to meet. A great fire was NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 91 made, and as he was bringing an armfnl of wood, a poison- ous snake, called a viper, fastened itself npon his hand. The people of the island knew that Paul was a prisoner. So when they saw the " venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has es- caped the sea, }^et vengeance suffer- eth not to live." They expected to see Paul swell or fall down dead. But when they saw no harm come to him "they changed their minds, and said that he was a god." After this Paul healed many on the island who were sick. When spring- time came, Paul was taken, still a prisoner, to Rome. Here he lived a long time, and preached Jesus Christ to the people, and raised up a large church. Paul was set at liberty for a time, and visited many of the churches, but was finally brought back and put to death b}^ the Roman Emperor. Painting by T/tornhill, from -English Bible of 1810. £ \ J^zs&; ON PAT l^JffpOHN was that disciple "whom Jesus loved." He W||f was kind and gentle, yet firm for the cause and ipk i work of God. It was he who wrote the gospel Jjsk I © of John, and the three epistles of John. W^Bn^ When he became old he was taken prisoner and sent as an exile to the little island of Pat- mos, because he believed on Jesus and preached about Him to the people. But he was not lonely in his exile. Angels of God were with him, and gave him wonderful visions of the future. John wrote out the things that were shown him in vision, and it is called "The Revelation. " The New Testament books, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, tell of the work of Jesus on earth, and of His sor- row, suffering, and death. The Revelation tells of His work in Heaven with the Father, for the salvation of man. It tells also of the glory of Christ when He shall come to earth again. The Revelation has been called "A panorama of the glory of Christ." Jesus is coming soon, and the Revelation tells us many things we need to know about His second coming. Revela- tion means something revealed, or made plain. In this book God has revealed to us many things which He wants us to study and understand. There is a blessing offered to all who do so. He said: — "Blessed is . he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." Revelation 1:3. To Parents. — To impress the lesson of this chapter upon the minds of the chil- dren, trace out references, read the texts, and explain them. (92) NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER 93 How was the Revelation given? God gave the prophe- cies to Jesus; Jesus gave them to the angel; the angel gave them to John; and John wrote them out for us. See Rev- elation 1:1. Why was the Revelation written? That we might read the prophecies; that the people might hear them; that we might keep the truths that are in them : for the time is near when they will be fulfilled. See verse 3. When Jesus was on earth He said to His disciples, "I will come again." John 14:3. In Revelation 22:10, He says, " Surely I come quick^." Yes, Jesus is coming soon, and He wants us to be ready to receive Him as a dear friend for whom we have been waiting. Jesus told His disciples that a great city was being pre- pared in heaven for all the good of earth. He said: — "In My Father's house [the home of God in heaven] are many mansions. ... I go to prepare a place for you." John 14 : 2. Yes,, the city of the New Jerusalem is being built in heaven. In it are to be lovely homes for the righteous. In Revelation 21, the angel shows this beautiful city to John. The New Jerusalem is square. It is very large, and measures 175 miles on each side, or 700 miles around it. There is a wall around the city. This wall is made of the beautiful jasper, and is more than 200 feet high. The wall has twelve gates — three on each side. The gates are made of pearl. At each gate stands an angel guard. The wall has twelve foundations which are "gar- nished " with (covered by) twelve kinds of beautiful stones. Inside the city the streets are paved with pure gold. The houses are made of gold which is transparent like glass. The glory of God gives light to every part of the city. (94) The angel shows the beautiful city to John. NEW TEvSTAMENT PRIMER 95 There will be no night in the New Jerusalem, for the glory of God will never leave it. In the houses there is no need of a candle, for the golden walls of the houses are like glass, and every room is lighted always with the glory of God. What beautiful homes these must be! Nothing on earth can compare with them. The "pure river of water of life, clear as crystal," runs through the main street of the New Jerusalem. By the side of the river grows the tree of life. The tree must have trunks on both banks of the river, with branches which unite over the river. The tree of life is a wonderful tree. It bears twelve kinds of fruit, and the fruit ripens each month. The fruit of this tree gives eternal life. See Genesis 3:22. The leaves of the tree preserve the health of the redeemed. See Revelation 22:2. This beautiful city will come down from heaven to this earth; (Revelation 21:2). This earth will be made new; (Revelation 21:5; Isaiah 65 117). The New Jerusalem will be the capital city of the New Earth, for the throne of God and Jesus Christ will be in it; (Revelation 22:3). Outside the city the people of God will have their country homes. There they wilt build their houses, plant their vine- yards, and enjoy them forever. See Isaiah 65:21-23. Every Sabbath the saints will come to the New Jerusalem from all parts of the New Earth to worship God. And every month they will come up to eat of the fruit of the tree of life. See Isaiah 66:23. There will be beautiful animals in the New Earth, but they will not kill one another as they do now. ■ In Isaiah 11:6, the prophet says, "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; "AND A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM." (96) DEC 27 W £ 0027261037 A. ■ ■ ■ m ■ M ■ 1 1 ■ i^ZT 1 ur ^^^. 027 261 037 fl