THE first and principal object of these lessons on the book of Luke is to lead to a familiarity with the gospel narrative; to bring the simple story within the reach of the students' minds, so that they can "think through the book." To be able to know where any given miracle or instruction of Christ is recorded, and to turn to it without hesitation, and to be able to state from memory the main details of it, is no mean attainment; and this should certainly be gained by the study of these lessons. This done, the student has always with him a never-failing store of doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.
No effort is made in this study to produce what is known as a "harmony of the Gospels," i. e., to fit the record, chronologically, with those in the other Gospels. Such a thing cannot be done with any satisfaction until the student is familiar with the contents and the order of each one of the Gospels; then he can construct a "harmony" for himself. In these lessons, however, when an event recorded by Luke is also recorded with other particulars by another evangelist, the attention of the student is called to that other record, so that a fuller knowledge of the matter under consideration may be gained.
It may not be amiss to state that this study does not profess to be an exposition of the book of Luke; it is not an attempt to explain all that is in the book. Indeed, it is not an attempt to explain any of the book, but only to set some of it forth in bold relief. It is simply what is stated in the title, a study, and a foundation for future study. It is an attempt to assist the members of Sabbath schools, and others, also, to obtain such a familiarity with the contents of this portion of the Scriptures that they may study it for themselves, and that having studied it they may retain the results of their study.