HOW TO FIND THINGS IN THE BIBLE.
By Messiah's Herald
EVEN well-informed scholars are puzzled when attempting to find things in the Bible. The young learner does not know whether to look in the Old Testament or the New Testament for Nehemiah. After getting the various books of the Bible separated into the two great divisions, again he is at a loss to determine the order in which they come. Going a step further, he learns the order of the books, but he is all at sea when asked to name the books in which great events are recorded. This haziness of thought remains through a life-time in many minds. Some pastors, superintendents, and teachers are not quite clear where to look for David's history or Elijah's miracles. It will save much time and perplexity if scholars are early taught the great landmarks of Bible history. Begin slowly. Teach only a little at a time. Review frequently. Fix the outlines so that they will stay, and will loom large in the horizon when one turns to the Bible to look for anything. To illustrate, begin with the first five books of Scripture, the Pentateuch. Teach the order of the books—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. Repeat the list often, fifty times if necessary, but do not say it too many times on one occasion, since excess of repetition rather impairs than helps memory. Then fix the great events which are outlined in each book. With what does each begin? and with what end? Genesis begins with the creation, and ends with the death of Joseph. Exodus begins with the birth of Moses, and ends with the setting up of the tabernacle at Sinai. Leviticus gives little history, but details the modes of worship and the ceremonial law established at Sinai. Numbers records the numbering of the people at Sinai, and takes them to the entrance of Canaan. Deuteronomy, the second law, is a rehearsal of God's laws and dealings with Israel in the wilderness. The people were then east of the Jordan, waiting to enter Canaan. Moses is the speaker. Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch end together with the death of Moses. After taking abundant time for this outline, the other historical books may be mapped out in a similar manner, and Bible study will be made easier, pleasanter, and more helpful for a life-time.—Messiah's Herald.