BOOKS BEARING ON HOLY SCRIPTURE.
These are needed for various classes of readers. The highest and best are those who need to study the Scriptures devotionally. Works for these hardly come within the scope of a parish library—nor do the Commentaries, such as the Speaker’s or the Cottage Commentary of the S.P.C.K., although in an ideal school these ought always to be accessible by the teachers. What is here to be provided is a set of books that will illustrate the intellectual side of the Bible, and may in the first place instruct the teachers, and in the next make it plain to the young minds that there is infinite interest in the study of Holy Scripture even after they have left school, a fact which they are too slow to believe. Conversations can be read with drawing-room classes or Bible classes with advantage, leaving the pupils to look out references and make observations. There are innumerable varieties of Bible stories, but there is no use in mentioning these. It is much better to teach the narrative of the Patriarchs direct from the Book itself, reading it to the children till they can read with perfect ease, and then reading with them. Later, Dr. Maclear’s two ‘Class Books of the Old and New Testaments,’ 4s. 6d. and 5s. 6d. (Macmillan), are useful in disentangling the narrative and explaining the chronology; and for those who find a difficulty in selecting passages, and passing over those chapters, verses, or phrases to which it is not well to direct children’s attention, C. M. Yonge’s ‘Scripture Readings’ (Macmillan) may be an assistance, as they are chronologically arranged, and harmonised with portions of the Prophetical writings. Five series, 1s. 6d. each, without comment; 4s. 6d. with comment.
The books that follow begin with the easiest, and fittest to lend to a thoughtful child, especially to a little invalid.
281. Parables of Our Lord. By the late Earl of Derby. (S.P.C.K.) 1s. 6d.
These are conversations on the Parables in rather set language, but with good applications.
282. Walks from Eden. By Susan and Anna Warner. (Nisbet) 2s. 6d.
283. The House of Israel. By Susan and Anna Warner. (Nisbet) 2s. 6d.
284. The Kingdom of Judah. By Susan and Anna Warner. (Nisbet) 2s. 6d.
285. The Broken Walls. By Susan and Anna Warner. (Nisbet) 2s. 6d.
286. The Star out of Jacob. By Susan and Anna Warner. (Nisbet) 2s. 6d.
These American books are admirable in their way, bringing in Eastern research, historical inquiry, and lights from science in a conversational, but always reverent manner. They do not go into the types or spiritual lessons, but are thoroughly sound and excellent for reading with fairly intelligent young people. I used ‘The Kingdom of Judah’ with great success with a pupil-teacher.
287. The Chosen People. By C. M. Yonge. (W. Smith) 1s.
This is more of a lesson book, being a compendium of sacred and Church history.
288. The Prophet Daniel Explained. By Prof. Gaussen (W. Smith) 5s.
A translation of very easy lectures on Daniel, given by the celebrated Professor Gaussen to a class of children at Geneva.
For students beyond childhood:—
289. The World’s Birthday. By Prof. Gaussen. (Nelson) 2s. 6d.
Science consulted in dealing with the first chapter of Genesis. Useful in preparing lessons or in argument to those who stumble at the Mosaic record.
290. The Nations Around. By Annie Keary. (Macmillan) 4s. 6d.
Beginning from Ur of the Chaldees, and going through the contemporary Egyptian history, then the Phœnician, and on to the Babylonian and Assyrian.
291. The Tabernacle: its Priests and Services. By Brown. (Oliphant, Edinburgh) 2s. 6d.
An excellent explanation of the ritual in the wilderness.
292. The Child Samuel. By Dean Goulburn. (Rivingtons) 5s.
Lessons from the youth of Samuel adapted to choir boys.
293. David’s Life as seen in the Psalms. (Hodder) 3s. 6d.
A worthy and very interesting book.
294. The History of the Kingdom of Judah. By F. M. Wilbraham. (Masters) 1s. 6d.
This is one of the best books to explain the contemporary royal lines of Judah and Israel.
295. The World before the Flood, etc. By Dr. Edersheim. (R.T.S.) 2s. 6d.
296. The Exodus and Wanderings in the Wilderness. By Dr. Edersheim. (R.T.S.) 2s. 6d.
297. Israel under Joshua and the Judges. By Dr. Edersheim. (R.T.S.) 2s. 6d.
298. Israel under Samuel, Saul, and David. By Dr. Edersheim. (R.T.S.) 2s. 6d.
299. Israel and Judah from Solomon to Ahab. By Dr. Edersheim. (R.T.S.) 2s. 6d.
300. Israel and Judah from Ahab to the Decline of the two Kingdoms. By Dr. Edersheim. (R.T.S.) 2s. 6d.
301. Israel and Judah from Joash to Zedekiah. By Dr. Edersheim. (R.T.S.) 3s.
The set of seven volumes can be had bound in four, price 16s.
302. Sketches of Jewish Life. By Dr. Edersheim. (R.T.S.) 5s.
303. The Temple, its Ministry and Services. By Dr. Edersheim. (R.T.S.) 5s.
Very valuable for comprehension of the narrative.
304. Elisha the Prophet. By Dr. Edersheim. (R.T.S.) 2s. 6d.
305. Heroes of Hebrew History. By Bishop Samuel Wilberforce. (Strahan) 5s.
Eloquent and stirring pictures of the lives of the great men of Israel, especially Elijah and Elisha.
306. Simple Readings on the Minor Prophets. By M. C. Hyett. (Masters) 3s.
Useful to read with the Prophets.
307. Judæa and her Rulers. By M. Bramston. (S.P.C.K.) 3s. 6d.
308. Wars of the Jews. By A.L.O.E. (Nelson) 1s. 6d.
Jewish history from the return from the captivity.
309. Daniel—Statesman and Prophet. By the Rev. H. T. Robjohns. (R.T.S.) 3s. 6d.
A bridge over the gulf between Nehemiah and St. Matthew.
310. Judas Maccabæus. By Capt. C. R. Conder, R.E. (Marcus Ward) 2s. 6d.
A brilliant, soldierly description of that great man and of the scenes of his exploits.
311. Eldad the Pilgrim. (S.P.C.K.) 2s. 6d.
In the form of a tale, showing the condition of Judæa under Hyrcanus.
312. Ephrem and Helah. (Hodder) 5s.
A not ill executed tale of Israel in Egypt. The description of the water turned into blood is particularly effective.
313. The Gospel Story. (Hodges) 6s.
The best harmonising narrative for popular use.
314. The Gospel of the Childhood. By Dean Goulburn. (Rivingtons) 5s.
315. The Acts of the Deacons. By Dean Goulburn. (Rivingtons) 5s.
So excellent that it is much to be wished they were cheaper.
316. St. Paul. By Conybeare and Howson. Abridged. (Longmans) 7s. 6d.
317. The Fall of Jerusalem. (Nelson) 1s. 6d.
Well told and illustrated.
318. The Story of Salvation. By Mrs. J. Mercier. (Rivingtons)
Admirable in many respects, though not perfect. It is well calculated to teach how Holy Scripture may be studied.
Nothing has been said here of the Psalms. Books on them are rather devotional reading than fit for libraries. The most compendious in giving information is an American book,
319. The Treasury of the Psalms. Compiled by the Rev. G. Huntington and the Rev. H. Metcalf. (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) 7s. 6d.
It ought to be widely known.
Next best for the purpose is:—
320. A Plain Commentary on the Psalms. (Parker) 2 vols. 10s. 6d.
321. Eastern Manners and Customs. (Nelson) 1s. 6d.
Useful for teachers to consult when preparing a lesson.
MODERN RESEARCH INTO MONUMENTS.
Here only the small popular books are mentioned. The great original authorities are too large and too expensive.
322. Assyria. (S.P.C.K.) 2s.
323. Babylonia. (S.P.C.K.) 2s.
324. Egypt. (S.P.C.K.) 2s.
325. Greek Cities. (S.P.C.K.) 2s.
326. Persia. (S.P.C.K.) 2s.
327. Sinai. (S.P.C.K.) 2s.
Full of most useful information, but for somewhat advanced students.
328. Mount Sinai and Petra. (Nelson) 2s.
329. Nineveh and its History. 1s. 6d.
Both of these speak to the eye by good illustrations.
330. Babylonian Life and History. By E. A. W. Budge, M.A. (R.T.S.) 3s.
331. Recent Discoveries on the Temple Hill. By the Rev. J. King, M.A. (R.T.S.) 2s. 6d.
Lively and easy narrations of the experiences of a residence in Jerusalem at the time of the chief discoveries, and easier than those above mentioned.
332. A Year in Palestine. By Mrs. Finn. (Nisbet)
333. A Second Year in Palestine. By Mrs. Finn. (Nisbet)
334. Jerusalem and its Environs. (Nelson) 1s. 6d.
Language rather difficult, but numerous excellent illustrations.
