parents and teachers, it may be stated that no pains have been spared in selecting the most approved readings. Fresh translations have also been attempted when it has been thought that the true meaning of the Greek has not been brought out by our authorized version, or where it has been deemed well to use simpler expressions.

THE

LIFE AND TEACHING OF JESUS CHRIST.

CHAPTER I.

IN those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judæa, saying, Repent ye for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Now John himself had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judæa, and all the region round about the Jordan, and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who warned

you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance : and do not fancy you may say to yourselves, We have Abraham for a father: for I say unto you, that God is able out of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now the axe is laid at the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

And the people asked him, saying, What must we do? He answered and said unto them, He that hath two coats, let him give to him that hath none; and he that hath food, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans [i.e. tax-gatherers] to be baptized, and said unto him, Teacher, what must we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And soldiers likewise asked him, saying, And what must we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse falsely; and be content with your wages.

CHAPTER II.

AND it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And after John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel [i.e. the good news] of God, saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the [gospel] good news.

And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going thence, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. And he called them: and they immediately left the boat and their father, and followed him.

And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of weakness among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria. And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and Decapolis, and Jerusalem, and Judæa, and beyond the Jordan.

CHAPTER III.

AND seeing the multitudes, he went up the mountain and when he was seated, his disciples came unto him: and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall