OF THE BIBLE BY ROBERT ALLEN ARMSTRONG, L.H.D. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY NATHAN C. SCHAEFFER, LL.D. NEW YORK THOMAS Y. CROWELL COMPANY PUBLISHERS PREFACE It is the object of this book to aid those who would. like to master a book of the Bible as they master a secular classic, to get at its great message and at the same time enjoy its wonderful literature. The author will attempt to give this aid by showing the value, significance, and beauty of Bible literature; by furnishing materials out of which the student may construct the proper setting, atmosphere and background for his reading; by presenting and explaining a fruitful method of study; and by giving many type-studies to illustrate the application of this method. It will be observed that the word Bible is used in these pages as if all of the sixty-six books were included in the studies; but the fact is that the illustrative typestudies are all taken from the Old Testament. Most of the Bible quotations are from the Authorized Version because it is real English literature; but other versions have been used when the meaning of particular lines and passages could be made clearer. A large part of the material of the chapters of the book has been accumulated in the form of lectures given in a course of study which has been offered for a number of years at West Virginia University. Special thanks are due to my colleagues, Professor Simeon C. Smith, Dr. L. D. Arnett, and Professor David Dale Johnson, who have given the author valuable advice and have kindly read the manuscript. R. A. A. Morgantown, W. Va., January 1, 1916. |