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THE SCHOOL

AND

CHILDREN'S BIBLE.

B

THE SCHOOL

AND

CHILDREN'S BIBLE.

PREPARED UNDER THE SUPERINTENDANCE

OF THE

REV. WILLIAM ROGERS, M.A.,

PREBENDARY OF ST. PAUL'S, CHAPLAIN-IN-ORDINARY TO THE QUEEN, AND
RECTOR OF ST. BOTOLPH, BISHOPSGATE.

LONDON:

LONGMAN, GREEN & Co.

1873.

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INTRODUCTION.

THE intention of this volume is to present the Bible in a form which shall be shorter, and at the same time better adapted for the use of children or young persons. Except in the Psalms (which are taken from the Prayer-book) the language of the Authorized Version has been retained throughout. The Editor has occasionally added a few words of explanation where they were required to complete the connection. These are enclosed in brackets. But in general, he has sought to attain his object by omissions only.

The Psalms and the three first Gospels have been arranged according to their subjects, and the Prophets according to their dates. This has been done with the view of throwing a fresh light on their meaning, and to assist the memory. The place of the Epistle of St. James has also been slightly altered. With these exceptions, the order as well as the language of Scripture has been preserved.

Few persons will maintain that all Scripture is equally adapted for daily use in families or schools. Without entering on disputed topics, we must acknowledge that the books of Leviticus or of Canticles are not so nearly connected with the Christian life as the prophecies of Isaiah or the discourses of our Lord. The mere length of Scripture prevents our having an equally familiar acquaintance with every part of it. For this reason selections have always been used in churches; nor is the employment of them open to any suspicion of irreverence. The present work may be regarded as a "New Lectionary," arranged on a somewhat different plan. In the school again the teacher, instead of reading through the whole of the Bible, selects what is most suitable for the instruction or comprehension of the young. The arrangement of such portions of Scripture in a single volume appeared to be a desideratum which has not hitherto been supplied.

The Editor has not attempted in every case to preserve the continuity of the narrative. His first aim has been to exhibit, without theological bias, the moral and spiritual teaching of the Old and New Testament. He has also desired to retain everywhere what was familiar or characteristic in them. He feels the responsibility of the task which he has undertaken, but he also feels that such a re-arrangement and adaptation of Scripture will tend to an increased and more intelligent knowledge of the sacred volume.

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