OF MANY WORDS AT THE END OF EACH SECTION. DESIGNED FOR BIBLE CLASSES, FAMILIES, SABBATH AND OTHER SCHOOLS, From the Creation to the death of Asa, king of Judah. BY JOHN STEPHENSON. LONDON: SOLD BY J. MASON, 14, CITY ROAD, AND BY W. C. TURLAY, HOWDEN. --- 1836. 247. PREFACE. THE views of Dr. Watts as to the propriety and utility of an abridgment of the contents of the Bible are thus expressed. "The Bible itself is a very large book, and though it ought to be read, at least many parts of it, by persons of all characters, and conditions, yet the reducing of the several things contained in it, to a short and narrow view by way of abridgment is so exceeding useful, that I had almost called it necessary at least for youth, and for persons who have fewer conveniences and advantages of knowledge." In this opinion many persons concur, which is proved by the encouragement afforded to the publication of a great variety of small works, adapted to render youth more familiar with the scriptures. And this fact is a justification of every judicious effort to spread scriptural knowledge. The books forming the Bible are not placed in historical and chronological order; and the same remark may be made in reference to Dr. Watts' "Short view of the whole Scripture History." The divine origin, inspiration, and truth of the Bible however are not at all affected by the arrangement of its various parts. For in respect of these as Dr. Prideaux justly states, "no variation in the order of the sacred books is of any moment. For in what order soever the books are placed, they are still the word of God, and no change in this respect can make any change in that divine authority which is stamped upon them.” But it may facilitate the acquisition of a clear and connected view of the numerous and extensive subjects recorded in the Bible, to have a comprehensive analysis of them presented in regular and consecutive order. "Chronology consists of two parts. The first treats of the proper measurement of time, and its several divisions; the second of fixing the dates of events recorded in history, and ranging them in the order in which they happened. Without chronology, that is to say, without distinguishing the times of events as clearly as the nature of the case will admit, history would be little better than a heap of confusion destitute of light, order, or beauty." "Geography in a strict sense, signifies the knowledge of the circles of the earthly globe, and the situation of the various parts of the earth. When it is taken in a little larger sense, it includes the knowledge of the seas also; and in the largest sense of all, it extends to the various customs, habits, and governments of nations." It is, says Dr. Watts, of considerable advantage as well as delight for mankind to know a little of the earth on which they dwell. Without this knowledge we cannot read any history with profit. Hence because of their importance, chronology and geography have been designated the two eyes of history. Accordingly in the following pages, the most important facts are recorded in regular order, as they are generally believed to have occurred. And brief geographical notices of the places whose names occur in the history are also given. The succeeding history is chiefly an abridged republication of Dr. Watts' "Short View, &c." to which are now added, Practical Lessons-Questions for Examination-and Explanations of many words. The catechetical form of the original work is now generally disapproved of, because works composed on that plan cannot be read so smoothly and agreeably as if the history were written continuously. Of that form therefore the history in this edition has been divested. And the object to be accomplished, by the catechetical form is much more likely to be realized by the Interrogative System; hence this system has been adopted, by which it is hoped the facts and truths recorded will be impressed on the memory of the learner. The lessons are partly extracted from other works and partly original. The compiler is indebted to the works of Drs. Johnson, Watts, Doddridge, Clarke, Messrs. Wesley, Orton, Watson, Horne, Wood, Martindale, Kett, Blair, and others, which he thus acknowledges once for all. The design of the writer is to facilitate the improvement and edification of Sabbath School Teachers and pious young persons generally, who may not have access to many books. The "Improvements" it is hoped may furnish topics for conversation on which both teachers and parents may advantageously enlarge. The History is arranged in chronological order, generally after the plan of the valuable work of the Rev. Geo. Townsend, entitled, "The Holy Bible, containing the Old and New Testaments: arranged in Historical and Chronological Order, &c." It is suggested with great deference whether, occasionally at least, a section of this work might not be read, and the exercises gone through, with advantage, in connection with family worship, where there are many children and servants, who have few other opportunities of receiving from their parents or masters religious instruction. The work is published in parts with a view to economy in schools, and should this part meet with encouragement another will follow. I. At the commencement of time about four thousand years before Christ, God created the substance of which the heavens and the earth were formed. Gen. i. 1. 2. All things were created by God's powerful word; for he commanded and it was done. Gen. i. 3, 6, 9. Heb. xi. John i. 3. 3. 3. God who could have made all things at once by his command, chose to work by degrees, and spent six days in making the world, and the creatures that are in it. Gen. i. 31. Exod. xx. 11. |
