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The Bible Story

Chapter 42: Purity
By Newton Marshall Hall
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About This Book

The volume serves as a practical guide to using a multi-volume retelling of biblical narratives, offering concise methods for parents and teachers to present stories, encourage memorization, foster character development, and relate biblical life to its historical land and artistic heritage. It supplies discussion questions, lesson plans for different age groups, geography and literary connections, and classroom suggestions, along with a pronouncing dictionary and an index to the set. Emphasis is on making reading accessible, integrating the Bible with literature and daily living, and adapting lessons to varied occasions and temperaments.

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Talking about Pictures

What painter of Madonnas was called the "peasant painter of Spain"? 30 G.B.
There are four Madonnas by this artist in "The Golden Book" 30 G.B., 348 G.B., 436 G.B., 450 G.B.
Which two most resemble each other?

How do even these two differ?

Which is thought to be the most beautiful of all?

Which is your favorite? Why?
Find the one painted without the child.
Did you notice two little seraphs that are in almost the same position on pages 436 G.B. and 450 G.B.?
In which of the pictures do you think the painter has shown the most loving mother?

Describe some other children's pictures painted by this great man.336 G.B., 480 G.B.
Who is generally considered the greatest of all painters?220 G.B.
Name the most famous Madonna in the world. 220 G.B.

(Notice how lines drawn from the head of the Madonna to the heads of the two supporting figures and across their base make a triangle. This balance gives strength to the picture and makes it more pleasing to look at. One reason why art critics say this picture is "without one false note" is its perfect balance. Remember that this regularity and balance of composition mean repose in a picture while a combination of slanting lines and lessening figures suggests motion. (See 38 T.J.) If slanting lines suggest motion, perpendicular ones show rest, as seen in the figure of Ruth (44 T.J.). These perpendicular lines are very much used by the great artists; for instance, look at pages 262 S.A., 372 S.A., 382 S.A., 390 S.A.)

Raphael painted many pictures besides Madonnas. One of his most famous pictures is on page 366 L.J. There are two other Madonnas by this same artist in "The Golden Book" (pages 356 G.B., 444 G.B.). Describe them and learn their names.

What do you think is interesting about the Madonna picture by Carlo Dolci on page 340 G.B.?

Where does the light come from in the Madonna picture on page 396 G.B.?

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Note another very much like Dolci's (page 400 G.B.): Can you explain this light?

In the picture on page 414 G.B. notice how glad every one is that the Christ Child has come: Why do you think the artist made them look so happy?

Which of the Madonnas on pages 364 G.B., 392 G.B., 418 G.B., 432 G.B., 470 G.B. do you like best, and why?

Find on page 42 G.B. one of the most popular modern Madonnas. This is something like the Madonna on 450 G.B.but it is not considered so good. What do you think is the difference between the two?

What does the Bible call the three men represented as looking at the baby in the Madonna picture on page 408 G.B.?

What is unusual about the picture by Bouguereau on page 332 G.B.?

Describe the picture by the same artist on page 426 G.B..

In what way is the picture on page 332 G.B. like the one by Murillo on page 450 G.B.?

How is the picture on page 404 G.B. like the Adoration of the Angels on page 426 G.B.?

There are many pictures of the face of Jesus in "The Golden Book" that are worth studying and comparing. Turn, one after another, to the pictures on pages 74 G.B., 104 G.B., 288 G.B., 308 G.B.; look at each of the faces, and say which you like best, and why.

Name a very great French artist who was a painter of landscapes. 38 G.B.
What sort of subject did Sir Joshua Reynolds choose for many of his paintings? In what country did he live? 46 G.B., 374 G.B., 382 G.B.

(A group of men in England called the Pre-Raphaelites were fond of painting pictures that tell a story. One of the most famous of these, an allegorical picture, is given on page 466 G.B. It is interesting to trace out its meaning. See how many prominent features of this picture you can pick out. Notice the three lights: the moonlight, symbol of earth's dimness; the lantern light, symbol of the searching light of conscience; the light around the Master's head, symbol of the light of love. One of the Master's hands is bound by the light of conscience, but the other is free to knock at the door of the heart of man. The brambles and vines of neglect and sin have grown over the door and it has no latch. It can be opened only from within.)

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What woman is ranked among the most famous animal painters of the world? 378 G.B.
Of what form of art was Thorwaldsen a master? Notice how this form can tell a story 48 H.T.
Who painted the famous frieze of the Prophets in the Boston Public Library? 89 H.T.
What prophets are represented in each of the four sections? 262 S.A., 372 S.A., 382 S.A., 390 S.A.
Tell the history of the great statue of David by Michael Angelo. 384 H.T.

Who was Michael Angelo?

Murillo, great painter of Madonnas, also painted other pictures. Can you tell the story of the two pictures on 64 H.T., 246 H.T.?

An interesting picture is given on page 38 H.T. Can you tell where this family is going and why?

You can tell a story of Jesus from the pictures in the volume, "The Life of Jesus." Follow those in the order suggested and see how much you can tell about Jesus' life from pages 16 L.J., 40 L.J., 48 L.J., 52 L.J., 56 L.J., 76 L.J., 114 L.J., 232 L.J., 236 L.J., 274 L.J., 312 L.J..

The pictures of Jesus that we see most often were painted by Hofmann. This artist has painted a great many pictures of Jesus and several are given in the volume, "The Life of Jesus," on pages 84 L.J., 164 L.J., 210 L.J., 266 L.J.. Would you know from looking at them that these pictures were all painted by the same man? Why?

Leonardo da Vinci was one of the greatest of Italian painters. What is his most famous picture? 252 L.J.

Can you explain who the men are, represented in this picture (252 L.J.), and what they are all talking about? Do you know why Jesus' face is so sad? Look on page 256 L.J. for a larger picture of the face of Jesus. This is a study made by Da Vinci for his great painting, "The Last Supper," and is called "The Unfinished Christ." It is said of this picture: "Never had such a vision of the face come to mortal before. Never has it been approached in beauty or power by any painter since."

The following is an interesting observation test as well as a help in fixing the beautiful stories in mind. Turn to the picture on page 254 G.B. Ask the child to examine it closely for a few minutes and then tell you in detail what he sees in the picture. Some children will see many things, others will need suggestions to help them in bringing out {25} the interesting points of characters and setting. After the picture is well in mind turn to page 251 G.B. and read the story of Palm Sunday, letting the child fit his observations to the story.

Other pictures and stories that may be used in the same way are:--

Pictures. 16 L.J., 388 G.B.
Story.245 G.B.

Picture.458 G.B.
Story.49 L.J.

Picture.112 G.B.
Story.110 G.B.

Picture.236 G.B.
Story.188 L.J.

Pictures. 290 L.J., 300 L.J.
Story.265 G.B.

Picture.188 G.B.
Story.214 G.B.

Picture.366 L.J.
Story.469 L.J.

Picture.Frontispiece H.T.
Story.177 G.B.

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QUESTIONS TO ASK LITTLE CHILDREN

If possible, set a regular time for reading "The Golden Book" with the child, taking it page by page. Use these questions to recall the previous lesson before going on to a new story.

Making the Child Think

Who gives you "every good gift"? 32 G.B.
Tell something about the beautiful grass and flowers 35 G.B., 36 G.B.
To whom do you say your prayers? 40 G.B.
What shines in the sky when you sleep? (See picture in front of G.B.) 43 G.B.
What do you know about one great star? 245 G.B.
What shines down on the flowers and the birds and the little children when they waken? 44 G.B.
How do you thank the Father in heaven for his goodness? 47 G.B.
Who is glad when the rain falls?48 G.B.
How does God help the seeds to grow into flowers? 51 G.B.
What beautiful things does God bring to us in the summer? 52 G.B.
Tell some good and beautiful things which you thank God for in the autumn. 55 G.B.
Why do you like the cool winter days? How does God keep the flowers warm? The animals? 59 G.B.
What can you do beside the big ocean? 63 G.B.
Why do the beautiful hills and mountains make you think of God? 68 G.B.
Tell some things you can do to make the Father in heaven glad. 81 G.B.
How many things can you do that God wants done? 82 G.B.
Why do you thank God every day? 85 G.B.
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Why did Jesus' friends love him? 86 G.B.
Did Jesus have any home? 89 G.B.
To whose home did Jesus love to go? (Look at picture, page 260 G.B., also page 218 L.J.) 90 G.B.
What did Jesus do when the people came to see him? (Look at pictures on pages 114 L.J. and 132 L.J.) 93 G.B.
Tell a little story about the Sea of Galilee. (Look at picture, page 108 G.B..) 94 G.B.
When Jesus was a boy, how many things did he do that you do? (Read page 73 G.B. and look at picture on page 56 L.J.) 97 G.B.
Do you know why Jesus was called the Great Physician? (Look at pictures pages 104 G.B. and 200 G.B..) 98 G.B.
Why do you like to talk to your Father in heaven? (Look at the picture on page 192 T.J. and see how people in the East sometimes prayed.) 101 G.B.
Tell how a good father is like the Father in heaven. 105 G.B.
What did Jesus say about birds and flowers? 106 G.B.
Did you know that there are good trees and bad trees? Tell what Jesus said about them. (Look at pictures pages 460 H.T. and 102 H.T.) 109 G.B.
How was Jesus very kind to Jairus, whose little girl was sick? 110 G.B.
What baby was hid in a basket and afterward grew up to be a great man? (Look at page 140 H.T., for one of the wonders of the country where this baby was born. Look on page 90 H.T. and see how a great artist represents him as a man.) 117 G.B.
Tell how the churches in the Bible lands were different from our churches. Where did they get the songs they sang? 121 G.B.
Can you tell one of the stories that Jesus told? 126 G.B.
How many of the important things that Jesus taught the people can you remember? 130 G.B.
What was the name of the little boy who came when he was called? How was his mother unselfish? What do you think made him a great man? (Look at picture, page 45 .)132 G.B.
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Tell about the shepherd life that made David a strong, brave boy. How did he use his strength and bravery when his country needed him? (Look at pictures, pages 384 H.T. and 388 H.T.) 139 G.B.
What did David do for the great King Saul and how did Saul treat David in return? (Look on page 404 H.T. and see the place where David hid from Saul.) 151 G.B.
How did Jonathan show his friendship for David? 156 G.B.
Tell what three brave soldiers did to show their friendship for David. 163 G.B.
Tell the name of a wicked son of David and what happened to him. 167 G.B.
Who was called the "wisest king," and what was the greatest thing he ever did? (Look at picture on page 454 H.T.) 170 G.B.
Tell the name and the story of the little boy who was put in a pit by his brothers. (Look at picture on page 94 H.T. to see how the little boy traveled to Egypt.) 177 G.B.
How did this little slave boy become a great ruler in Egypt? 181 G.B.
Tell how, as a great ruler, he did a kind thing to the brothers who had been unkind to him. (See picture in front of H.T.) 185 G.B.
Tell about the woman who did a good deed to the prophet Elijah and how she was richly rewarded. 193 G.B.
When Jesus refused to be king in Palestine and told the people that he was king over a greater kingdom than they had, what did he mean? By what stories did Jesus explain what he meant? 201 G.B.
Tell what the little captive girl did to bring health to the great general Naaman. (Look at picture, page 150 T.J.) 205 G.B.
Tell all you know about the Jordan river. (Look at pictures, pages 284 H.T. and 340 H.T.) 224 G.B.
What is the strangest lake in the world? Why would you dislike to live near it? (Look at picture on page 228 G.B., also on page 34 H.T.) 226 G.B.

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PART II

CHARACTER AND LIVING

For Growth in Knowledge and Character

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"Written in the East, these characters live forever in the West; written in one province, they pervade the world; penned in rude times, they are prized more and more as civilization advances; product of antiquity, they come home to the bosoms of the folk of modern days."

--Robert Louis Stevenson.

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CHARACTER AND LIVING

MAKE THE BIBLE HEROES YOUR FRIENDS

We ever demand a person for an ideal instead of a principle. By living a year with a masterful character one would gain more than from a dozen years of moral precept. President King of Oberlin College says, "Character is not taught, but caught."

Since character is contagious, mere teaching of the bare and unadorned moral principle is almost always vain. But a hero personifies virtue, commands admiration, becomes an ideal.

This explains the power of stories in creating character. The heroes of the Bible fire us with enthusiasm we could never feel for impersonal virtue. To make them our friends is to be influenced by the noblest associates.

When Jesus wished to build up character in His disciples He told them a story, or parable, to supply their lack.

The method meets the need of mankind to-day as well as in Jesus' time. The Bible has a wonderful story for forming every single trait of character. Its heroes illuminate virtue by their heroic deeds. We see the man, admire his deeds, then his motives, and then his character. Unconsciously, but none the less surely, we catch his spirit and share the quality of his soul.

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JESUS' CHARACTER-BUILDING STORIES

Do you know which parable teaches:--

True neighborliness?88 L.J.
Spreading of truth?106 L.J.
Consistent and false profession?117 L.J.
Hearers divided into classes?133 L.J.
The spread of Christianity?134 L.J.
The law of growth in religion?134 L.J.
Gratitude for pardon?170 L.J.
The duty of forgiveness?186 L.J.
Joy over penitence?202 L.J.
Fatherly love?203 L.J.
Faithfulness to trust?204 L.J.
That the Divine call is universal?207 L.J.
Concerning worldly-mindedness?212 L.J.
The rejection of Jesus by the Jews?238 L.J.
The use of advantages?244 L.J.
That love is the test of life?246 L.J.

When Jesus told the parable of the Sower, he first told the story and then because some of the people did not understand, he went back over it, giving full explanation. Read the story of the Sower (133 L.J.), noting Jesus' method of explanation, and then read the parables suggested below and follow the reading with your own explanation of them.

The Story of the Faithful Servant.244 L.J.
The Story of the Foolish Rich Man.212 L.J.
The Story of the Lost Money.202 L.J.
The House Built on the Rock.117 L.J.
The House Built on the Sand.118 L.J.
The Story of the Mustard Seed.134 L.J.

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FOUNDATION STONES

To what chapter would you turn in your Bible to find how you can best serve other people? Can you turn instantly to the Bible's finest teachings of charity, of purity, or of faith?

The Bible is the mine for the Builder of Character, the storehouse of Foundation Stones. And yet--can you always go to it and bring back just the stone you are needing for the Building?

Few can. But many desire to do so. Above all, parents wish to make the Bible a power in forming the characters of their children.

Building character consists of seizing opportunities. You cannot often wait to search out these Bible teachings. They should be at hand for the opportune time when they can be used to correct, or guide, or inspire.

Suppose a child is disobedient; suppose he is given to falsehood, or is selfish. "What part of the Bible," you ask, "will be of most help in overcoming his fault?" And, "How can I be sure of finding the part desired at just the time it should be used?"

To answer these and many other such practical questions, the teachings of the Bible are here classified so that you may instantly choose the one you need and apply it at the time the need arises.

Charity

88 L.J.,The Good Samaritan.
110 L.J.,It is a Sin to Think Evil of Others.
169 L.J.,Conflict about the Treatment of Sinful People.
207 L.J.,The Story of the Men Who Made Excuses.
243 L.J.,The Poor Widow.
246 L.J.,The Judgment of the King.

Courage

386 H.T.,David and Goliath.
430 H.T.,How a Brave Prophet Rebuked a King.
183 T.J.,Daniel.
339 L.J.,The First Martyr.
396 L.J.,The Macedonian Cry.
469 L.J.,The Shipwreck.
447 S.A.,The Christian Warrior.

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Courtesy and Kindness

22 H.T.,Abram and Lot.
438 H.T.,A Knightly Deed.
169 L.J.,Conflict about the Treatment of Sinful People.
221 L.J.,Zacchaeus, the Publican.
428 S.A.,An Unruly Tongue.
429 S.A.,The Peaceable Spirit.

Faith

41 H.T.,The Testing of Abraham.
92 L.J.,Jesus and the King's Officer.
115 L.J.,Trust God, and He will Take Care of You.
121 L.J.,The Roman Soldier's Faith.
180 L.J.,The Transfiguration.
297 L.J.,The Resurrection.
301 L.J.,On the Way to Emmaus.
305 L.J.,Doubting Thomas.
310 L.J.,The Ascension.
20 S.A.,A Morning Prayer.
21 S.A.,An Evening Prayer.
68 S.A.,God is Our Refuge.
106 S.A.,The Lord is Our Refuge.
179 S.A.,Job.

Faithfulness

69 H.T.,Jacob and Rachael.
35 T.J.,Ruth.
133 L.J.,The Story of the Sower.
270 L.J.,How Peter Denied His Lord.
179 S.A.,Job.

Forgiveness

76 H.T.,Jacob Fears the Wrath of Esau.
91 H.T.,Joseph.
406 H.T.,David an Outlaw.
411 H.T.,Saul's Pursuit of David.
185 L.J.,Teaching the Disciples.
202 L.J.,Stories of the Divine Forgiveness.

Honesty and Truthfulness

201 H.T.,The Giving of the Commandments.
106 L.J.,The New Way of Right Living.
110 L.J.,It is a Sin to Think Evil of Others.
116 L.J.,God Wants Deeds, not Words.
335 L.J.,Ananias and Sapphira.
39 S.A.,I have Walked in Thy Truth.

Hope

79 L.J.,At the Passover.
61 S.A.,A Song in Time of Trouble.
63 S.A.,In the Day of Adversity.
79 S.A.,The Rock that is Higher than I.
91 S.A.,Give Ear, O Shepherd of Israel.
158 S.A.,De Profundis.
278 S.A.,The Coming Messiah.
284 S.A.,Comfort Ye My People.
288 S.A.,The Triumph of the Man of Sorrows.
293 S.A.,Arise, Shine.
449 S.A.,The Hope of Immortality.

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Humility

143 T.J.,How a Great Soldier was Healed of Leprosy.
105 L.J.,The Beatitudes.
110 L.J.,It is a Sin to Think Evil of Others.
111 L.J.,The Right Way to Do Good Deeds and the Right Way to Pray.
185 L.J.,Teaching the Disciples.
188 L.J.,Jesus and Little Children.
207 L.J.,The Story of the Men Who Made Excuses.

Love

396 H.T.,The Jealousy of Saul.
35 T.J.,Ruth.
74 L.J.,The First Disciples.
110 L.J.,The Right Way to Love Your Enemies.
149 L.J.,Jesus and John the Baptist.
200 L.J.,The Good Shepherd and the Sheep.
215 L.J.,The Raising of Lazarus from the Dead.
240 L.J.,The Greatest of All Commandments.
248 L.J.,The Last Supper.
159 S.A.,Brotherhood.
425 S.A.,The Greatest Thing in the World.
435 S.A.,The Gospel of Love and Sonship.

Obedience

338 H.T.,Samuel.
370 H.T.,Saul.
19 T.J.,A Story of Disobedience.

Patience

109 L.J.,It is a Sin to Get Angry.
55 S.A.,Wait Patiently.
179 S.A.,Job.

Patriotism

137 H.T.,Moses.
319 H.T.,Gideon.
60 T.J.,Esther.
212 T.J.,Nehemiah.

Purity

202 H.T.,The Commandments.
105 L.J.,The Beatitudes.
143 S.A.,The Songs of the Pure in Heart.
256 S.A.,Praise of the Wise and Virtuous Woman.
426 S.A.,Temptation.

Reverence

470 H.T.,The Dedication of the Temple.
15 T.J.,The Story of Creation.
41 L.J.,The Wise Men.
111 L.J.,The Right Way to Pray.
237 L.J.,In the Temple.
30 S.A.,Song of the Earth and Sky.
42 S.A.,The Glory of the Lord.
113 S.A.,The Lord Reigneth.
120 S.A.,God the Creator.
245 S.A.,Remember also Thy Creator.

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Service

91 H.T.,Joseph.
113 T.J.,Elijah and Elisha.
78 L.J.,The First Miracle.
92 L.J.,Jesus and the King's Officer.
121 L.J.,The Roman Soldier's Faith.
125 L.J.,Days of Service.
130 L.J.,The Miracle at Nain.
136 L.J.,The Tempest.
141 L.J.,The Little Girl Who Died.
143 L.J.,Learning to Serve.
144 L.J.,The Feeding of the Multitude.
167 L.J.,The Enemies of Jesus.
197 L.J.,At the Feast of the Dedication.
229 L.J.,The Supper at Bethany.
244 L.J.,The Story of the Faithful Servant.
376 L.J.,The First Missionary Journeys.
396 L.J.,The Macedonian Cry.

Sympathy

141 L.J.,The Little Girl Who Died.
144 L.J.,The Feeding of the Multitude.
215 L.J.,The Raising of Lazarus from the Dead.

Thankfulness and Cheerfulness

22 S.A.,A Little Lower than God.
26 S.A.,A Song of Deliverance.
35 S.A.,The Good Shepherd.
40 S.A.,The Lord is My Salvation.
45 S.A.,Weeping may Endure for a Night, but Joy Cometh in the Morning.
85 S.A.,Let the Peoples Praise Thee.
116 S.A.,Thanksgiving and Praise.
118 S.A.,Our Father.
170 S.A.,Songs of Praise.
277 S.A.,God is My Salvation.
286 S.A.,Awake, O Zion.
290 S.A.,Beautiful Zion.
291 S.A.,Ho, Every One that Thirsteth.

Unselfishness

91 H.T.,Joseph.
143 T.J.,How a Great Soldier was Healed of Leprosy.
70 L.J.,The Temptation in the Wilderness.
115 L.J.,The Golden Rule and the Right Way to be Rich.
211 L.J.,The Rich Young Man;
258 L.J.,Jesus is the True Vine.
261 L.J.,Jesus Prays for His Disciples.
346 L.J.,Simon the Sorcerer.