CHAPTER XXX. SELECTION OF TEXTS-FOR BIBLE TRAINING LESSONS. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, AND FRIDAY MORNING OF EACH WEEK. To be read from the Bible, and afterwards pictured out as daily training lessons -the narrative and precept being sufficient generally for one exercise. Each narrative is taken alternately from the Old and New Testaments, as numbered, 1, 2, 3, etc. NARRATIVE.* 1. The creation.-God formed man of the dust of the ground, in a holy and happy state; Gen. i. 26, 27. 2. Jesus was born in a stable, and laid in a manger; Luke ii. 1-7. 3. The fall of man-Adam and Eve hiding themselves; Gen. iii. 8. 4. The star in the east, and the shepherds come to Bethlehem to worship the child Jesus; Matt. ii. 1-6. PRECEPT, ETC. 1. All are of the dust, and all turn to dust again; Eccl. iii. 28. 2. Jesus had no permanent dwelling on earth-foxes have holes, etc.; Luke ix. 57, 58. 3. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good; Prov. xv. 3. But Jonah went to Tarshish to flee from the presence of the Lord; Jonah i. 3. 4. Take heed to the word of prophecy, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise, etc.; 2 Pet. i. 16-21. A great proportion of the narrative during the FIRST STAGE must be stated to the pupils simply and familiarly, as a mother would, who never distracts her children with more, at first, than the great outlines. These outlines, however, must be clearly given, and those points in particular on which the lesson hinges, must be fully pic tured out, so as to enable the infant (in knowledge), of whatever age, to deduce the lesson without being told. We have already stated that the substance of former lessons is made available to the one in hand, thus progressively and almost imperceptibly erecting a stable fabric in the mind of the child on which to form habits of memory and reflection. All children possess, in an eminent degree, the power of observing actions and objects. It lies with the parent or trainer to direct the exercise of this power. After this mode, then, at the end even of the fifteenth lesson, the child has been made acquainted with the creation of man as a holy and happy being, talking with God his Creator as a man would do to his friend; that he is of the dust, and that he must return to the dust again. Why? Because he fell from the holy and happy state in which he was created, by disobeying God-by taking his own way-fear entered his breast, and he hid himself among the trees of the garden, imagining that God did not see him there, or at least forgetting that God is everywhere present. Jonah, participating in the same sinful nature of our first parents, and alike forgetting God, tried to flee from his presence when he was commanded to go and preach to the Ninevites. Next, the promise of a Saviour, who was to be born of a woman-that he actually was born as promised-Abraham's faith in that promise before it was fulfilled, which made him glad ;' in other words, it was gospel or glad news to him, and is so to all who, like him, believe in that promise. Subsequently, the effects of sin in Cain killing his brother Abel-the whole world becoming wicked, and destroyed by a flood, etc. etc. NARRATIVE. 5. The seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the serpent; Gen. iii. 15. 6. Joseph fleeth into Egypt with Jesus and Mary his mother; Matt. ii. 11-23. 7. Cain killed his brother Abel; Gen. iv. 8-12. 8. John the Baptist preacheth repentance, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand; Matt. iii. 1-4. 9. The sons of God married wivesdaughters of wicked men; Gen. vi. 2. 10. Jesus, at twelve years of age, in the temple with the doctors; Luke ii. 40-50. 11. God threatens to destroy the world by a flood in consequence of its great wickedness; Gen vi. 3-8. 12. Jesus worked with, and was subject to his parents-apply the subject; Luke ii. 51, 52. 13. Noah built an ark for the saving of his house, and the preservation of every living creature; Gen. vi. 14-22. 14. Jesus baptised by John, his relative and forerunner; Matt. iii. 13-17. 15. God destroyed all flesh that dwelt upon the earth by a flood; Gen vii. 16. Jesus tempted by Satan in the wilderness forty days and forty nights; Matt. iv. 1-11. 17. One language in the world-building of Babel, and confusion of tongues; Gen. xi. 1-10. 18. Nathaniel believeth Jesus to be the Son of God, by his having been seen of him when not present; John i. 43-51. 19. Abraham called to leave his country and his kindred; Gen. xii. 1-9. 20. Jesus asketh a drink from the woman of Samaria at Jacob's well, and afterwards said, The water that I will give, shall be in thee a well of water springing up unto everlasting life; John iv. 7-15. 21. Abraham and Lot part; Gen. xiii. 1.13. 22. Jesus blesseth little children, and saith, Of such is the kingdom of God; Mark x. 12-16. 23. Abraham sought to save Sodom from destruction; Gen. xviii. 23-33. 24. Christ chose twelve disciples, whom he ordained apostles; Mark iii. 13-21. 25. Lot's wife turned into a pillar of salt; Gen. xix. 15-26. 26. Jesus loved the amiable young man, but the young man loved his wealth more than he loved the authority of Christ; Mark x. 17-22. 21. The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water; therefore leave off contention before it be meddled with; Prov. xvii. 14. In honour preferring one another; Rom. xii. 10. 22. Those that seek me early shall find me; Prov. ix. 17. 23. The Lord heareth the prayer of the righteous; Prov. xv. 29. Ye are the salt of the earth; Matt. v. 13. 24. It is ordained that they who preach the gospel, have a right to live of the gospel; 1 Cor. ix. 9-14. 25. He that putteth his hand to the plough and looketh back, is not fit, etc.; Luke ix. 62. 26. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a man who trusts in riches to enter the kingdom of God; Mark x. 24, 25. NARRATIVE. 27. Abraham offereth up his son Isaac; Gen. xxii. 1-19. 28. Jesus cureth two blind men; Matt. ix. 27-31. 29. Isaac's industry and piety; Gen. xxvi. 17-25. 30. Jesus cureth a man's withered hand; Mark iii. 1-6. 31. God's promise to Jacob in the vision of the ladder; Gen. xxviii. 10-22. 32. Jesus raiseth from the dead the son of the widow at Nain; Luke viii. 11-18. 33. Joseph's dreams; Gen. xxxvii. 1-14. 34. Jesus cured many of their infirmities, plagues, evil spirits, etc.; Luke vii. 20-22. 35. Joseph cast into a pit by his brethren, and sold to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver; Gen. xxxvii. 17-30. 36. Jesus frequently retired to pray, and having many to pray for, he sometimes prayed long; Luke vi. 12. 37. Joseph's brethren dip his coat in the blood of a kid, to deceive his father; Gen. xxxvii. 29-36. 38. Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John, on a mountain, presumed to be Mount Tabor, and at night; Matt. xvii. 1-9. 39. Joseph advanced in Egypt by king Pharaoh; Gen. xli. 14-45. 40. Jesus wept at the grave of Lazarus; John xi. 35. 41. Joseph's brethren treated as spies; Gen. xlii. 1-20. 42. The old and new characters of Zaccheus ; Luke xix. 1-10. 43. Joseph's brethren said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, etc.; Gen. xlii. 21-29. 44. Jesus wept when he beheld the city of Jerusalem doomed to destruction for the wickedness of its people; Luke xix. 34-44. 45. Joseph's brethren bring him presents, and bow themselves to the earth before him; Gen. xliii. 26-34. 46. Christ commanded the wind and the waves to cease, and instantly there was a calm; Mark iv. 35-41. 47. Joseph maketh himself known to his brethren; Gen. xlv. 1-19. 48. Jesus rideth into Jerusalem amidst the hosannahs of the multitude; Mark xi. 1-11. 49. The children of Israel oppressed in Egypt; Exod. v. 5-20. PRECEPT, ETC. 27. God spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all; Rom. viii. 32. 28. The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind; Psal. cxlvi. 5-10. 29. Be diligent in business and fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Rom. xii. 11, 30. If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither would they be persuaded though one rose from the dead; Luke xvi. 29-31. 31. In all thy ways acknowledge God, and he shall direct thy paths; Prov. iii. 6. 32. Jesus saith, I am the resurrection and the life; John xi. 20-27. 33. The Lord usually revealed himself to his prophets in visions and dreams; Num. xii. 6-8. 34. He is the same yesterday, and today, and for ever; Heb. xiii. 3. 35. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver; Matt. xxvii. 3-5. 36. Jesus taught his disciples to pray; Matt. vi. 9-13. 37. Beware of hypocrisy, for there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; neither hid, etc.; Luke xii. 1-5. 38. Paul, while journeying to Damascus, beheld a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, and a voice spake to him, saying, I am Jesus, etc.; Acts ix. 1-9, and xxvi. 12. 39. All things work together for good to them that love God; Rom. viii. 28. 40. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep; Rom. xii. 15. 41. Be sure your sin will find you out; Num. xxxii. 23. 42. Owe no man anything but love; Rom. xii. 8. 43. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, etc.; James v. 16. 44. In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, etc.; Heb. ii. 16-18. 45. God putteth down one and setteth another up; Psal. lxxv. 7. 46. All power is given unto Jesus, in heaven and in earth; Matt. xxviii. 18. 47. Render not evil for evil; 1 Thes. v. 15. If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; Rom. xii. 20. 48. A murderer is preferred to our Saviour, and the multitude cry out, Crucify him; Mark xv. 12-20. 49. Envy not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; Prov. iii. 31. NARRATIVE. 50. Jesus desired to finish the work of him that sent him; John iv. 31-38. 51. Moses laid by the river's brink in an ark of bulrushes; Exod. ii. 3. 52. Jesus said, What if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? John vi. 62. 53. The death of Christ, and his body laid in the tomb by Joseph of Arimathea; Luke xxiii. 54. The passover; Exod. xii. 1-13. 55. Christ riseth from the dead on the third day, being the first day of the week; Matt. xxviii. 1-15. 56. Pharaoh and his army drowned in the Red Sea; Exod. xiv. 5-31. 57. Jesus desireth Peter to feed his lambs and his sheep; John xxi. 14-17. 58. Israelites protected by a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night; Exod. xiv. 19-21. 59. Moses' hand was held up in prayer, while Israel fought with Amalek; Exod. xvii. 8-16. 60. The day of Pentecost; Acts ii. 1-15. 61. Moses receiveth the Ten Commandments, written on two tables of stone, from God on Mount Sinai; Exod. XX. 62. Peter and John cure a lame man; Acts iii. 1-12. 63. Aaron maketh a golden calf; Exod. xxxii. 1-9. 64. Awful death of Ananias and Sapphira; Acts v. 1-11. 65. The report of the spies-The murmuring of the Israelites-The Lord declareth that all of twenty years, and upwards, shall die in the wilderness; Num. Σίν. 66. Stephen, the first martyr, stoned to death; Acts vii. 54-60. 67. A man, contrary to the law, found gathering sticks on the Sabbath-day; Num. xv. 32-36. 68. Saul's Journey to Damascus, to persecute the Christians, and his conversion; Acts ix. 1-22. 69. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram swallowed up in consequence of their "rebellion; Num. xvi. 26-33. 70. Peter restoreth Dorcas to life; Acts ix. 36-43. 71. Aaron and the priests first make a sacrifice for themselves, and then for the people; Lev. xvi. 1-11. 72. Herod putteth James to death, and imprisons Peter, whom the Lord delivers; Acts xii. 1-17. PRECEPT, ETC. 50. Jesus, having received the vinegar, said, It is finished, and bowed his head, and gave up the ghost; John xix. 28-30. 51. When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up ; Psal. xxvii. 10. 52. Jesus ascended up into heaven: Luke xxiv. 50-53. 53. Thou shalt not suffer thy Holy One to see corruption; Acts xiii. 35. 54. Christ, our passover, was sacrificed for us; 1 Cor. v. 7. 55. At the last trump, we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye; 1 Cor. xv. 49-55. 56. Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not go unpunished; Prov. xi. 21. 57. He shall gather the lambs in his arms, etc.; Isa. xl. 11. 58. The Lord is thy helper, the Lord is thy shade, etc.; Psal. cxxi. 5. 59. Pray without ceasing; 1 Thes. v. 17. Be instant in prayer; Rom. xii. 12. 60. Another Comforter, who abideth for ever; John xiv. 16. 61. Jesus said, I am not come to destroy the law, but to fulfil; Matt. v. 17. 62. No man can do these miracles except God be with him; John iii. 2. 63. Children, keep yourselves from idols; 1 John v. 21. 64. All liars shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brim. stone, etc.; Rev. xxi. 8. 65. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it; Heb.iv. 1. 66. Cast thy burden upon the Lord; he shall sustain thee; Psal. lv. 22. 67. Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy; Deut. v. 12-15. 68. Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven; Matt. xviii. 3. 69. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God; Psal. ix. 17. 70. He that giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord; Prov. xix. 17. 71. Christ needed not to sacrifice like the priest, first for his own sin. He offered himself once for all; Heb. ix. 24-26. 72. Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness' sake; Matt. v. 10. NARRATIVE. 73. Moses raised a brazen serpent on a pole, that all who looked at it might be cured of the sting of the fiery serpents; Num. xxi. 3-9. 74. Herod dies, being eaten up of worms; Acts xii. 20-23. 75. Baalam rideth upon an ass with the princes of Moab, and considereth the bribe; Num. xxii. 21-24. 76. Barnabas and Paul set apart, and sent to the Gentiles; Acts xiii. 1-3. 77. Moses views the promised land from the top of Mount Pisgah, and then dies; Deut. xxxiv. 1-8. 78. Paul and Silas in prison, and the jailer's conversion; Acts xvi. 19-34. 79. Joshua leadeth the children of Israel across the river Jordan; Josh. iv. 14-24. 80. The Ephesians cry out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians; Acts xix. 2335. 81. The walls of Jericho fall by the blowing of the ram's horns, and Rahab the harlot saved from destruction, with her father's house; Josh. vi. 12-20. 82. Felix trembled, and said, 'Go thy way for this time,' etc.; Acts xxiv. 2427. 83. Achan hideth the garment, shekels of silver, and wedge of gold in his tent; Josh. vii. 13-26. † 84. Paul appealeth to Cæsar; Acts xxvi. 24-32. 85. Gideon overthroweth the army of Midian; Judges vi. 15-24. 86. Paul is shipwrecked on his way to Rome; Acts xxvii. (The whole.) 87. Ruth (afterwards grandmother to king David) cleaveth to Naomi, her mother-in-law; Ruth i. 14-19. 88. Paul, in the island of Melita, unhurt by a viper which came upon his hand; Acts xxviii. 1-6. 76. Go and teach all nations; Matt. xxviii. 19. 77. While we look not at the things which are seen, but, etc.; 2 Cor. iv. 18. There remaineth a rest to the people of God; Heb. iv. 9. 78. There is no other name under heaven whereby we can be saved; Acts iv. 12. 79. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, etc.; Psal. xxiii. 4. 80. Their idols are silver and gold; mouths have they, but they speak not, etc.; Psal. cxv. 3-8. 81. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, etc.; Heb. xi. 30, 31. 82. Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation; 2 Cor. vi. 2. 83. There is nothing hid that shall not be known; Matt. x. 26. 84. Ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake; Matt. x. 18. 85. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; Eccl. ix. 11. 86. Unless these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved; Acts xxvii. 31. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for, etc.; Phil. ii. 12, 13. 87. Bear ye one another's burdens, etc.; Gal. vi. 2. 88. I give you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions; Luke x. 19. The Hebrew word here rendered harlot also signifies an inn-keeper. † BIBLE GEOGRAPHY. The Journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. This may commence from Pharaoh's giving Jacob's family the land of Goshen to dwell in; see Genesis, chapter xlvii., and carried forward through Exodus, etc. judicious trainer, whether he reads a passage from the Bible to the children, as in schools for infants, or allows the children to read to him, and in the hearing of all the scholars, as in the juvenile and senior departments, will, of course, select for each successive day such passages as their mind can be exercised upon with propriety, and as bear in some measure upon the progress of the journey-causing the children to point out, on the map, the various positions of the Israelites, as the history proceeds-giving also familiar illustrations, to elucidate the different points and particulars of the narrative. Also-the journeyings of Paul-see Acts of the Apostles. |