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INTRODUCTION

Ways This Book May Be Used

Story-tellers may use it at all times.

Mothers may read it aloud at bedtime or on
Sunday afternoons.

Teachers may read it to pupils, or use it in class
work.

Sunday-School teachers may use it with begin-
ners as an Old Testament History.
Children may read it with pleasure and look up
the stories referred to in their Bibles.

HESE stories are selected from the King James Version of the Old Testament, the powerful English and forceful imagery of which have moulded the style and thought of generations of English-speaking men and women. In editing the stories, a few words unsuitable for children have been omitted, and others expressing the same meanings inserted. Where an occasional passage of the Authorized Version was not clear, correction has been made, following either the English and American Revised Versions, or that of Isaac Leeser.

The stories are not meant to take the place of the Bible, but to lead to the wider reading of

both Old and New Testaments. References are given after some stories so that the children may look them up in their Bibles. Every child should own its Bible in an attractive edition. A list of editions suitable for children, with prices and publishers' addresses, is given on page 483 of this book.

The arrangement forms an outline of Old Testament history, and the stories selected emphasize the providence of God Almighty, his justice and mercy, his punishment of evildoers, and his loving care of those who are obedient to his will, and desire to serve Him. At the end of the volume is a brief anthology of verses showing the two main threads that bind together the Holy Scriptures, Old and New, the gathering of "the scattered Nation" and the coming of the Messiah.

The ceremonial law, and other parts unintelligible to children, have been omitted, and references have been made to some of the Psalms and other prophetic books, so that the children may look them up in their Bibles. Care has been taken to select stories having story-telling qualities and themes frequently referred to in literature and art. Without a knowledge of these a man or woman is not well-educated. A few selections have been added that explain the stories.

It is impossible to estimate the value of the

Bible in the education of children, or to sound the depths of its spiritual, moral, and literary influences. Most impressive is the evidence given by such men as Lord Bryce, J. R. Green, Ruskin, Carlyle, Daniel Webster, Lincoln, Sir Walter Scott, Wesley, and Luther. The opinions of these men, as well as those of other eminent persons, as to the educational value of the Bible in the training of children in the home, school, and church, may be found on pages 469-479 of this volume. The reader's attention is especially directed to Lord Bryce's warning to America, on page 476.

SUGGESTIONS FOR STORY-TELLERS

Before telling a Bible story, the story-teller should read it over several times, until she has made its language, style, and plot her own. Then she may retell it as nearly as possible in Bible manner, keeping the story objective, and avoiding all moralizing, clogging detail, and sentimental descriptions. The force of the Bible stories lies not only in their spiritual and moral significance, but in the simple vigor of their recital and in the sincerity of language and fact.

After the story is over, the children will be delighted to hear of the wonderful discoveries made lately in Assyria, Egypt, and Arabia, and of the finding and deciphering of inscriptions.