The Bible Story

TRY LINCOLN'S WAY

Do you know Abraham Lincoln's plan of learning English? It was a very simple and direct way of making the Bible English his own. The Bible, we are told, was one of the four or five books which Lincoln read and loved as a boy. He knew it well and to his study of it he owed the simple, strong, and beautiful English which gave his speeches--his address at Gettysburg, the Second Inaugural address, and many others--their high place among the most perfect and enduring of all writings.

This was his plan: He would read a story, or a part of one, very slowly and thoughtfully, oftentimes aloud. When every detail of it was clear in his mind, he would close the book, take pencil and paper and write the story for himself, using as many of the Bible words as he could remember, and trying always to tell the story as well and as completely, and yet in as few words as the Bible.

He tells us his stories were never quite so clear, so brief, and yet so perfect, as those of his model. But he did learn to command its simplicity, its strength, its brevity, and its imagery.

Try Lincoln's way, using the following selections:--

A Cowardly Deed.	91 H.T., 92 H.T., 95 H.T., 96 H.T.
An Old Fable.	333 H.T., 334 H.T.
The Story of the Shepherd Boy Who Became King.	382 H.T., 385 H.T., 386 H.T.
The Passing of David.	451 H.T.
The Wise Men.	41 L.J., 42 L.J.
The First Miracle.	78 L.J.
The Good Samaritan.	88 L.J., 91 L.J.
The Man Let Down through the Roof.	127 L.J., 128 L.J.
The Miracle at Nain.	130 L.J.
The Story of the Sower.	133 L.J.
Learning to Serve.	143 L.J.
The Story of the Lost Sheep.	202 L.J.
The Story of the Prodigal Son.	203 L.J., 204 L.J.

{38}

HISTORY AND THE BIBLE

1. The World in Bible Times

The following great empires of the world held first place during different periods of the history of the Jews. Can you recall Israel's relationship to each of these great powers?	488 T.J.
Babylon
During the time of what Hebrew captive was Babylon in the ascendency?	183 T.J.
Assyria
During what king's reign did the hordes of Assyria, under its greatest king, Sennacherib, descend upon Jerusalem?	299 T.J.
Persia
What great Hebrew statesman was associated with the splendor of the Persian court?	212 T.J.
Greece
In the time of what brave men was the attempt made to force Grecian customs and worship upon Palestine?	418 T.J., 496 T.J.
Rome
During what time did Rome rule over all the lands of Western Asia, including Palestine?	19 L.J.

How did the capture of Babylon by Cyrus, in 538 B.C., affect the Jews?	397 S.A.
What was the effect of the captivity in Babylon upon the Jewish people?	397 S.A.
By what name was the great king Xerxes known in the Bible? What historical estimate of his character is supported by THE BIBLE STORY, and how?	60 T.J., 488 T.J.

{39}

From your knowledge of general history, link up the stories of Daniel, Esther, and Nehemiah in point of time, remembering that:--

(1) Daniel lived for a short time in the court of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire	206 T.J.
(2) Ahasuerus, who was king of Persia in Esther's time, was the well-known Xerxes.	60 T.J.
(3) The incidents of Nehemiah's life began "in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes," king of Persia	214 T.J.
What was the national standing of Egypt during Old Testament times?	492 H.T., 488 T.J.
What custom in the ancient world explains the question: "Is not this the cup from which my lord drinketh, and whereby he indeed divineth?"	118 H.T., 492 H.T.
It is said that no Bible story more faithfully describes the customs of the Ancient Orient than the story of Esther. What do you learn of Eastern court life and the manners and customs of the people from a reading of this story?	60-79 T.J.
What Egyptian superstition led to the custom of embalming?	493 H.T.
By whom was the embalming done and how long is it said to have taken in the case of Jacob?	130 H.T.
From what name is the term "Palestine" derived?	493 H.T.
How did Phoenicia come to have a special influence upon the Jews in the time of Jezebel?	113 T.J., 490 T.J.
A short time before the birth of Jesus, Jerusalem was captured by Pompey and the Jews made tributaries to Rome. Herod the Great was appointed king of Judea. What was the spirit of the Jews under the rule of Herod?	485 L.J., 486 L.J.
What Caesar was in power in Rome when Jesus was born?	443 L.J.
Describe the Roman Provincial Government and Army in the time of Paul.	494 L.J.

2. The Bible in History

Why do you consider "A Morning Prayer" (20 S.A.) appropriate for the use made of it by the English?	497 S.A.
What romantic use was made of "A Morning Prayer" (20 S.A.) by the Huguenots?	497 S.A.
{40}
What men considered "An Evening Prayer" (21 S.A.) a consolation for their last moments, and what can you find in the psalm to justify their preference?	497 S.A.
What interesting uses have been made of Psalm 8 (22 S.A.)?	497 S.A.
To what use were lines 18 and 19 of Psalm 17 (25 S.A.) put?	497 S.A.
What great university has chosen the first two lines of Psalm 27 (40 S.A.) as a motto?	498 S.A.
Pick out the line in Psalm 31 (47 S.A.) which was used by Jesus on the cross and has since been used by many Christian martyrs	498 S.A., 499 S.A.
Name some martyrs who have died with these words on their lips	498 S.A., 499 S.A.
What was the secret of Livingstone's great work in Africa, judging from his constant use of lines nine and ten of Psalm 37 (55 S.A.)?	499 S.A.
What great English ceremony is said to be founded on Psalm 45 (66 S.A.)?	499 S.A.
What terms make this Psalm appropriate for such use?	66 S.A., 499 S.A.
By what great men and for what purposes has Psalm 46 (68 S.A.) been used?	499 S.A., 500 S.A.
On what occasions in English history has Psalm 51 (75 S.A.) been used?	500 S.A.
How was Psalm 68 (86 S.A.) used by the friends of Savonarola at the crisis of his career?	500 S.A.
To what general use has Psalm 68 (86 S.A.) been put?	501 S.A.
What famous early English poem is full of allusions to the Psalms?	502 S.A.
What lines in Psalm 90 (104 S.A.) make its place in the burial service of the church of England especially appropriate?	502 S.A.
Pick out the lines in Psalm 91 (106 S.A.) that were, according to legend, repeated by Pope Alexander as he set his foot on the neck of the kneeling Emperor Barbarossa over whom he had just triumphed.	502 S.A.
Find the line in Psalm 98 (108 S.A.) which was used as a proof of the fixity of the earth by the opposers of the Copernican theory.	502 S.A.
In what way was Psalm 117 (139 S.A.), the shortest Psalm, used at the battle of Worcester?	504 S.A.
{41}
What did Luther say of Psalm 118 (140 S.A.)?	504 S.A.
Name some of the uses that have been made of Psalm 118 (140 S.A.) in celebrating success and triumph.	504 S.A., 505 S.A.
To what use did the missionary, James Harrington, put Psalm 121 (155 S.A.) and what did he name it?	505 S.A.
Find the lines in Psalm 144 (166 S.A., 167 S.A.) that have often been used in England and France as a motto on the face of sundials.	506 S.A.
The moral awakening of the world in our day is, it is said, due in no small degree to the rediscovery of the prophets of Israel. Isaiah is the specialist on the great social problem of the city, its sins, its volatile and vibrant life, its opulence, and its pride. The principles which Isaiah applied to the evils of his day are the principles of our age and of all times. From a study of the messages of Isaiah what can you say of his stand on this question?	264-296 S.A.

{42}

LIVING WITH THE BIBLE

The Bible is a mirror "in which each man sees the motions of his own soul. Many of the Psalms express in exquisite words the kinship which every thoughtful human heart craves to find with a supreme, unchanging, loving God, who will be to him a protector, guardian, and friend." Many of the Bible passages give utterance to the ordinary experiences and the familiar thoughts of men.

Readers will get more help from the Bible if they know where to look for just what they need. Following is an index to many of the great passages in THE BIBLE STORY, arranged under names suggestive of their purpose.

A Morning Song of Good Hope.	20 S.A.
Evening after Business.	21 S.A.
Verses about Home Safety.	24 S.A.
On Going Forth to Something Hard.	32 S.A.
At a Time of Despondency.	40 S.A., 61 S.A.
On Enduring Gossip.	47 S.A., 77 S.A.
A Song of Good Experience.	52 S.A.
A Song of Happy Service.	54 S.A.
Fret Not.	55 S.A.
A Cheerful Heart on a Dark Day.	57 S.A.
On the Wedding of a Kingly Son.	66 S.A.
God our Rock and our Brook.	68 S.A.
The Time when I Conquered.	69 S.A.
After Church.	70 S.A.
When I am Sorry.	75 S.A.
God is my Home.	79 S.A.
On a Bright Spring Day.	80 S.A.
When Trouble is Over.	82 S.A.
In Sudden Trouble.	87 S.A.
In a Storm at Sea.	90 S.A., 108 S.A.
Going to Church.	95 S.A.
Making Good Resolutions.	98 S.A.
In a Happy Old Age.	104 S.A.
The Young Eagle under his Father's Wings.	106 S.A.
{43}
In His Beautiful World.	111 S.A., 112 S.A., 120 S.A.
The Doxology.	116 S.A.
Our Unchangeable God.	117 S.A.
Our Father.	118 S.A.
For Travelers, Toilers, the Sick Sailors, Strangers.	130 S.A.
After Illness.	37 S.A.
After a Great Victory.	140 S.A.
A Pilgrim Song.	156 S.A.
The Sower's Faith.	157 S.A.
Waiting in Darkness.	158 S.A.
The Loving Brothers.	159 S.A.
The Song of Cain.	164 S.A.
The Te Deum.	168 S.A.
The Nature Lover.	187 S.A., 222 S.A., 236 S.A., 238 S.A.
The Helpful Woman.	256 S.A.
A Trumpet Song of Good Cheer.	284 S.A.
The Best of Good News.	286 S.A.
The Man of Sorrows.	288 S.A.
Happy Days are Coming.	290 S.A., 291 S.A., 293 S.A.
Each of us May be Helpful.	415 S.A.
Forgiveness.	422 S.A.
Love Abides.	425 S.A., 436 S.A.
The Glory of Strength.	438 S.A., 443 S.A., 447 S.A.
The Hope of Immortality.	449 S.A., 490 S.A.
Heaven on Earth.	476 S.A.
Jesus Rewards Us.	487 S.A.

Not only from Israel's experience come many words of comfort and cheer but also from the lives of early saints, from the Catholic Newman, the reformer Luther, the non-conformist Watts, the American bishop Brooks, and others. They are helpful because they are rich with life. Scattered through these pages they will be to many, from their associations, "like withered flowers that make the pages sweet."

Thankfulness.	75 G.B.
Alone with God.	78 G.B.
God is Our Light.	233 G.B., 238 G.B.
Jesus and Our Children.	235 G.B., 237 G.B.
The Value of a Single Day.	239 G.B.
What even Children can Do.	240 G.B.
God our Burden Bearer.	241 G.B.
God our Shepherd.	29 G.B., 310 G.B., 314 G.B.
{44}
Do not be Anxious.	304 G.B.
Contentment.	383 G.B.
God is never Discouraged.	402 G.B.
The Best Christmas Giving.	412 G.B.
God Knows it All.	429 G.B.
God was in all my Past.	442 G.B.
More Stately Mansions.	477 G.B.
Jesus Calls Us.	101 L.J.
Buried with the Kiss of God.	274 H.T.

{45}

QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT

Do not use these questions simply to "Mark Time." Let their message to you be--"Forward March." Interrogation, not statement, stirs the mind. The questions are framed to draw out the reader's knowledge and provoke discussion that will bring to light interesting points without consuming too much time.

Try the questions in this way: Select one of the following stories and read it. After the reading, ask the questions that bear on the story. By means of the subtitles and page numbers the desired questions may be readily found in the pages that follow. The whole family may join in this test and it will be doubly interesting if conducted as a game, such as the old-fashioned "spell-down."

Other stories than those here suggested may be chosen and used in the same way. Select from the titles any part of the Bible that you may wish for any particular reason,--its bearing on the Bible School lesson perhaps, its seasonal interest, or personal message,--you can find the text by means of the page reference. So using these questions you can make definite strides in knowledge of the Bible.

Joseph in Egypt.	96-108 H.T.
Gideon.	319-331 H.T.
David and Goliath.	386-394 H.T.
The Story of the Flood.	24-31 T.J.
Esther.	60-79 T.J.
Samson.	172-182 T.J.
Daniel.	183-190 T.J.
Boyhood of Jesus.	49-53 L.J.
The Feeding of the Multitude.	144-148 L.J.
The Rich Young Man.	211 L.J., 212 L.J.
The Raising of Lazarus from the Dead.	215-220 L.J.

{46}

HERO TALES

Abraham

What leaders in Hebrew history held a place similar to that of Sheik Ilderim in the story "Ben Hur"?	19 H.T.
Who tented with his flocks on the upland pastures of Palestine, and became the father of a great nation?	21 H.T., 487 H.T.
Into what land, later known as Palestine, did Abram come?	21 H.T.
After making the journey to the new land with Abram, why did Lot not stay with him?	22 H.T.
In what way was Abram unselfish toward Lot?	22 H.T.
How did Lot show that he was not so kind and generous as Abram?	22-25 H.T.
In what words did God promise Abram that he was to be the father of a great nation?	25 H.T.
What part did Abram take in the battle of the five kings against the four and why?	25-27 H.T.
What pay did Abram take for his service in this campaign?	26 H.T.
How did God tell Abram that his own children were to be heirs to the land of Canaan?	27 H.T.
Who was Ishmael?	28 H.T.
How was Abram's name changed to mean "father of a multitude"?	29 H.T.
How did God answer Abraham's plea for Sodom?	31 H.T., 32 H.T.
What became of the "cities of the Plain"?	32-36 H.T.
Who was Isaac?	36 H.T.
Why was Hagar driven out?	36-39 H.T.
How was the life of Ishmael saved in the desert?	39 H.T.
What became of Ishmael?	39 H.T.
In what way was Abraham tested?	41 H.T., 42 H.T.
What two ideas of sacrifice did the Hebrews hold and which idea was symbolized in the offering of Isaac?	41 H.T., 491 H.T.
What cave did Abraham buy for a family tomb?	45 H.T., 46 H.T., 491 H.T.

{47}

Isaac

What kind of man was Isaac?	49 H.T.
By whom and in what way was a wife sought for Isaac?	49-50 H.T.
How was the servant received by Rebekah and Laban?	50-56 H.T.
What did she say as to going to Isaac?	56 H.T.
In receiving Rebekah, how did Isaac prove his native courtesy?	59 H.T.

Jacob

What son of Isaac struggled much between right and wrong, and suffered many things?	60 H.T.
Tell the difference in character between Esau and Jacob.	60 H.T.
What is a birthright?	60 H.T., 491 H.T.
How did Esau sell his birthright?	60 H.T.
What is pottage?	60 H.T., 491 H.T.
What trick did Jacob play upon his father and brother?	61-65 H.T.
What threat of Esau's forced Jacob to leave home?	67 H.T.
Describe Jacob's dream.	67-69 H.T.
What was the meaning of setting up stones for a pillar and pouring oil upon them?	69 H.T., 492 H.T.
What vow did Jacob make at Bethel?	69 H.T.
Where did Jacob go to work?	69 H.T., 70 H.T.
For whom did he work?	70 H.T.
Why did Jacob say he left Laban's home?	72 H.T.
What covenant was made between Jacob and Laban?	75 H.T.
How can you explain the two names given to the heap of stones, "Jegar-sahadutha" and "Galeed"?	75 H.T., 492 H.T.
What does the word "Mizpah" mean?	75 H.T.
In what ways did Jacob plan to appease Esau?	76-80 H.T.
In wrestling with the angel what did Jacob ask of him?	80 H.T.
Describe the generous way in which Esau treated Jacob.	83 H.T., 84 H.T.
How did Jacob keep his former vow made at Bethel?	69 H.T., 87 H.T.
What is the origin of the name "Israel"?	80 H.T., 87 H.T., 88 H.T.

Joseph

What shepherd boy was sold into bondage and became ruler in a great nation?	91 H.T.
{48}
Why did Joseph's brothers hate him?	91 H.T.
What gift did Jacob give Joseph?	91 H.T.
What did Joseph's dreams mean?	91 H.T., 92 H.T.
What conspiracy did Joseph's brothers form against him?	95 H.T.
What did Reuben suggest, and why?	95 H.T.
State Judah's proposition and his two reasons.	95 H.T.
Where was Joseph taken as a slave?	96 H.T.
How did the brothers deceive Jacob as to Joseph?	96 H.T.
When Jacob saw the coat stained with blood, what did he say and what three things did he do?	96 H.T.
Who bought Joseph as a slave?	96 H.T.
What is said of Joseph's business success?	99 H.T.
Why was Joseph put in prison?	99 H.T.
How did Joseph prosper in the prison?	99 H.T.
What was the baker's dream and Joseph's interpretation?	103 H.T.
What four requests did Joseph make of the butler?	103 H.T.
Describe Pharaoh's dream of the fat and lean kine?	104 H.T.
Describe Pharaoh's second dream	104 H.T.
Who suggested Joseph as an interpreter?	104 H.T., 105 H.T.
What was Joseph's interpretation of the dreams?	106 H.T.
Tell how Joseph was made prime minister	107 H.T.
How did Joseph provide for the coming famine?	108 H.T.
What did Joseph name his two sons?	108 H.T.
Why did the sons of Jacob come to Egypt?	111 H.T.
Which one of the brothers was left at home and why?	111 H.T.
Did Joseph know his brothers?	111 H.T.
Did the brothers know him?	111 H.T.
What do you think was Joseph's object in his treatment of his brothers?	112 H.T.
How did the brothers' consciences trouble them?	112 H.T.
What demand did Joseph make of his brothers?	112 H.T.
Tell the story of the brothers' return to Jacob and what did Jacob say to them upon their arrival?	113 H.T., 114 H.T.
On their return to Egypt how did Joseph receive his brothers?	114-117 H.T.
How did Joseph test the brothers?	117-120 H.T.
{49}
What treatment did he finally give them?	120-123 H.T.
What command did God give to Jacob?	123 H.T.
How did Joseph receive his father?	124 H.T.
What did Pharaoh do for Joseph's father?	124 H.T., 125 H.T.
What did Joseph's brothers fear when their father died?	131 H.T.
How did Joseph return good for evil?	132 H.T.