How to Read the Bible (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1897. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... as history. Still, it is most valuable for the grand lessons it sets forth on the martyr's faithfulness and on God's care for His servants in their hour of greatest danger. 3. Esther.--This, too, is not history, though it may be founded on a true tradition. It is a sort of historical novel, and it is not without value for the light it throws on the condition of the Jews during the later part of the Persian period. While the Jews have prized it as the pledge of their triumph over their oppressors, and sometimes made an unholy use of it in feeding the spirit of revenge, Christians have seen in the book, which never once names the name of God, a picture of providence implying in every line of it that God is protecting His people. For commentaries on the various books of the Old Testament, see Cassell's "Commentary for Schools," "The Cambridge Bible," and "The Expositor's Bible." H. THE NEW TESTAMENT. Misapprehensions about the Old Testament are unfortunate, but misapprehensions about the New Testament may be little less than disastrous. The earlier revelation is of value as a preparation for Christian truth; the later revelation is itself the setting forth of that truth. Happily, this more important study is not beset with the same difficulties that hamper the student of the Old Testament. The most common mistakes made in reading the Hebrew Scriptures arise from the habit of importing into them a Christian meaning. Occupying the Christian standpoint, we are inclined to view everything therefrom, so that we cannot let the ancient writings speak for themselves. But when we reach the New Testament we find ourselves at home; here the Christian view is natural and right, and Christian ideas of the very essence of the subject. Even in itself, quite apart from th...