Captivating Bible stories for the young...

Front matter

TO FIND THE TREASURES OF THIS BOOK, PLEASE STEP WITHIN AND TAKE A LOOK.

CAPTIVATING

IBLE STORIES

Preface

Ill*

THERE is one Book that never grows old. Its charming stories are always fresh, and are read with eager delight by old and young. These captivating narratives are all brought together in this beautiful volume.

The work begins with the marvellous Story of the Creation, pictures the beauties of the Garden of Eden, and the awful disaster of the flood ; relates the thrilling scenes in the life of Abraham and the other Patriarchs, and furnishes a great panorama of the wonderful events in the earliest history.

This is followed by the delightful story of Joseph, who was sold by his envious brethren, hurried away to Egypt, adopted into the king's family, and finally made ruler of the country. The lessons of his life should be read by every boy and girl in the land. He was one of the noblest characters of which we have any record.

Next, we have a glimpse of Moses in his little life-boat, found and

mothi :ed by a Royal Princess. We see him growing to the fullness

nhood, becoming leader of his people, and finally breaking their

ns and bringing them into liberty. He stands at the burning

tshj he opens a fountain in a rock ; he goes up among the clouds of Sinai and receives the tables of the law. This part of the Bible story is full of instruction.

Then grand old Joshua comes forth upon the scene, and the reader follows him through his stormy conflicts and brilliant triumphs. Here, too, are graphic descriptions of the magnificent achievements of Gideon and Samson, telling v/hat wonders they wrought and what valor they displayed. Who has not been fascinated by the delightful story of Ruth ? This humble but charming woman was an ancestor of Christ, and all are interested in the story of her life.

Every young person follows eagerly the thrilling account of King

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Saul and King David. We see the strong, misguided yet mighty Saul, and also the ruddy shepherd boy whose swift sling slew a giant. Then comes Solomon in all his glory, and along in this part of the Old Testament Story we see that grand man of the desert, Elijah, and follow him through his startling experiences until, in a chariot of fire, he is borne away through the cloven heaven. We also read of that young patriot Nehemiah, who left the splendors of a palace to rebuild the shattered walls of Jerusalem. He accomplished wonders, teaching the great lesson of devotion and energy.

The Bible is a rich store-house of instruction and entertainment. How captivating is the story of Queen Esther. She presents a striking example of those great crises in which the scale has been turned by the power and influence of woman. Other narratives come in thick succession. The young are always interested in the story of Daniel. Why should they not be ? His strong and beautiful character has a peculiar charm, and there are few names in history that shine so resplendently. Let his brilliant record be studied by all, whether old or young.

How eagerly the world reads the charming story of Bethlehem — the story of the angelic choir ; of the wondering shepherds who heard the heavenly anthem of Peace and Good- Will ; of the Holy Child laid in the humble manger ; of the burning star that lighted the wise men of the East to the feet of the infant Prophet, Priest and King ; and the thrilling incidents connected with His life. It would not be possible for human pen to depict more vividly those majestic events, at once awful and fascinating, which form the closing part of Christ's life upon earth.

These are followed by a full account of the Lives of the Apostles, especially that of Paul, the great Apostle, whose influence was felt by nearly all the nations of the earth contemporary with himself, and will be felt until time shall be no more.

CHRIST DISPUTING WITH THE DOCTORS.

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THE TEMPTATION ON THE MOUNT.