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EXPLANATIONS. beginning-or, commencement of the existing order of the phenomena of the universe. created the original word denotes either the production of matter or the moulding of it into form. the heaven-the celestial bodies. earth-the Hebrew eretz, is doubtless the origin of our word earth. It is derived from a word which denotes the running together of small pieces or broken fragments. without form-destitute of shape, unconnected.

or

void-empty, confused, and desolate. darkness-the root of this word indicates keeping back, impeding action motion; darkness is unfavourable to vegetation. deep-a turbid mass, probably encompassing the solid parts of the earth. light-that wonderful fluid, which, in contrast with darkness, is ever active throughout nature. The Hebrew word comes from a root which signifies to flow. the firmament-the expanse of air by which the earth is surrounded. divided, &c.-gathered them into ca

pacious channels or beds. sun-"the greater light," the great diffuser of itself, as the term sun denotes. moon-"the lesser light," the white illuminated orb. stars—literally, other sources of light'; luminaries or orbs of light. in his own image-that is, intelligent, holy, having dominion, and capable of the highest attainments.

very good-mature and perfect. rested-not from weariness, but because

the works of creation were completed. blessed, &c.-the word implies a continued source of happiness, which the sabbath is; "holy of the LORD, honourable." not good, &c.-because man was intended for a social being. a help meet a fit associate; one suited to him in form, intellect, and feeling.

put, &c.-as in a school of instruction and moral discipline. dress...keep it, &c.-not only to prune, &c. as a gardener, but to till as a husbandman, and thus clothe it with beauty and riches.

Adam-means, he who bears the likeness of his Creator. The serpent, &c.-the great enemy of man assumed the form of this animal, and by his seduction of our first parents, he

brought sin and death into the world. Eve-signifies 'living,' the origin of the name implies the vigour or force of life. redeem-rescue, by paying a ransom.

QUESTIONS.

Who created the heaven and the earth? In what state was the earth at first? Explain the terms without form, and void.

What do you understand by the deep? Narrate to me the creative acts of God on the six successive days of creation. What is light?

What does the firmament mean? Whither were the waters removed? When was man made? What may we understand by the phrase in his own image? What does very good imply? Why did God rest, and when? How did God show his fatherly care for the man whom he had created? Give me some particulars of the supposed situation of Eden? Where were the man and woman then placed, and for what purpose? Was the man left alone there? What prohibition was laid upon man? Who first violated this prohibition? Tell me what followed upon this. What ray of hope did God shed upon man's fallen condition? Relate the evils to which was man sentenced? What blessing was included in this sentence? The blessing of labour.

PRECEPTIVE LESSONS.

Here we are taught the first great principle of all religion, the existence of God, and that his attributes are Almighty Power, Wisdom, and Goodness. Though there were no human witnesses that God created the heaven and the earth, it is only the fool who has said in his heart," There is no God." We learn too, that God made man upright, endowed him with physical and mental superiority, and gave him the high distinction of an immortal existence. The divine institutions of the sabbath, and of marriage, and the limitation of one wife to one man; the probationary state of man on earth; his guilt, its consequences, his original destiny to labour; and the way of deliverance from eternal death, are all briefly alluded to in this lesson.

NOTES RESPECTING THE REFERENCES.

explained.

The word or phrase in the lesson which is preceded by a dot is

The name of every Place explained in the Geographical Notes, is preceded by two dots.

A Number in small type, following a word, is to indicate that such word is explained in the lesson to which the number refers.

A similar small Number, after the name of a Place, refers to the lesson in which the Geographical Note occurs.

By these references much repetition is prevented, and practically as many explanations are added to the book as there are number references.

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PREFACE.

The Series of Manuals to "The Book of Bible History" may require a few words to introduce them to those teachers who have been in the habit of using the Class Books in Day and Sunday Schools, and to others who may adopt them independently of the Class Books.

The LESSONS are those of the Book of Bible History, the very few alterations introduced being chiefly verbal. The principle of Graduation is carried out in the Explanatory Notes, which will be found to increase in difficulty in each succeeding Gradation. The Notes, however, are not generally on the same subjects for each Gradation, but are varied so as to extend over the subject matter of the three Gradations.

The EXPLANATIONs are not confined to the mere meaning of words; they elucidate phrases, idioms, facts, customs, laws, ceremonies, prophecies, and doctrines; those of Gradation I., are very simple, those of Gradation III., convey that kind of information which is required for advanced pupils, while those of Gradation II., are of an intermediate character.

The QUESTIONS have the same practical tendency; the capabilities of pupils in different stages of advancement having been carefully studied.

The GEOGRAPHICAL NOTES in Gradation I., are chiefly designed for the Teacher's attention, that he may readily point out the localities on a map. In Gradation II., and III., such Notes are intended to form a part of the pupils' exercise.

The CONTEMPORARY CHARACTERS in Gradation III., will give scope to the exercises of the advanced pupils, and open to them an important additional subject of study.

The PRECEPTIVE LESSONS constitute the practical instructions to be derived from the subject. They are drawn up in language suitable for each degree of advancement.

The MAPS and the CHRONOLOGICAL TABLES give that completeness to the work which is so beneficial to advanced pupils, while they greatly enhance its value as a School-book."

various sources, including the best commentators on the Bible History. Some are given verbatim, others have been simplified. To have placed the extracts within inverted commas, or to have given the authorities, would have encumbered the pages without any adequate advantage. is therefore hoped, that this general acknowledgement of the benefits derived from the labours of others will be sufficient.

It

The three Series of Explanations and Preceptive Lessons are designed for the elucidation and illustration of the truths of our holy religion from the Historical Facts of the Bible; the doctrines to be believed, the moral and social duties to be performed, and the sins to be avoided. We cannot, in learning the Facts of the Bible, refuse to draw lessons from them any more than we can reject the instruction which a simple parable, a fable, or an event of common-life conveys; the lessons we thus draw from the Bible History are the Doctrines on which our faith is founded.

The conciseness observable throughout the Series is intentional. In the LESSONS, the pupil has the advantage of a short narrative, rather than a long one. In the EXPLANATIONS and PRECEPTIVE LESSONS, the teacher is furnished with Hints, which he may expand at pleasure. By this condensation of language, much more matter is brought within the compass of a page, than could have been given had the several portions been written with greater fullness and freedom. Those teachers who regard the whole as "Notes of Lessons" will easily amplify each portion as they teach it. Care however should be taken not to overload any subject. At the same time, the Manuals are not intended for those experienced teachers who have devoted their time and thoughts continuously through years to the laborious work of instruction, but for the increasing class of domestic teachers, including mothers and governesses-for the pupil-teachers, -now becoming so numerous in our public schools,-and for the patient and self-denying body of Sunday School Teachers, to whom teaching is only an occasional occupation.

To THESE CLASSES OF TEACHERS, MORE ESPECIALLY, THE MANUALS OF BIBLE HISTORY ARE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.

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MANUAL

OF

BIBLE HISTORY.

PERIOD I.

FROM THE CREATION TO THE DELUGE.

B.C. 4004-B.C. 2348.

1656 years.

Containing the History of the World before the Flood;The Creation-The Fall of Man-The first Promise of the Saviour The progress of Sin-and The Destruction of Mankind (except Noah and his family) by the Deluge.

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