Companion characters: a series of studies in Bible biography ...

Front matter

Shelf-B.S.57 1

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A SERIES OF STUDIES

Preface

This volume owes its existence to the author’s belief that there was yet an unoccupied field in Scripture Biography, the character of which is sufficiently defined in the title. The inspired writers so frequently portray human characters in pairs, that this feature of the general subject has seemed worthy of all the emphasis laid upon it in this series of studies. It will be seen that these lectures were originally written for the pulpit ; and this fact will account for the general structure of the discourses, and the treatment of the various topics. Four-fifths of the characters here studied are from the Old Testament; while of this larger portion one-half are from the books of Moses. It is the writer’s hope and belief that this fact will not, even in this day of destructive criticism, make their examination any less interesting or instructive to the great majority of readers.

These lectures were first written during the busiest period of a busy pastorate. After ten years they have been entirely re-written and prepared for the press during a season of providential retirement and comparative vi

Preface.

leisure, while awaiting, in beautiful Santa Barbara, the returning health of a beloved invalid.

In the hope that what is here written may help, guide, and comfort the reader, the writer commends his book to the Divine favor. If it shall be found honoring God, and edifying His people, it will have accomplished the highest ambition of

THE AUTHOR.

Martha and Mary, .

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