Captivating Bible Stories

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

WRITTEN IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE

BEGINNING AT THE CREATION OF THE WORLD IT TAKES THE READER THROUGH THE BIBLE IN FIFTY-TWO LESSONS, EACH LESSON COMPRISING THREE READINGS FOR EACH SABBATH OF THE YEAR, WHILE A SERIES OF QUESTIONS WITH EACH READING HELP TO IMPRESS UPON THE YOUNG MIND THE TRUTHS OF THE HOLY BIBLE.

DESIGNED TO

PROMOTE GREATER INTEREST IN THE SACRED SCRIPTURES

AND A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR TEACHINGS

INCLUDING

ALL THE IMPORTANT HISTORICAL EVENTS DESCRIBED IN THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS

By CHARLOTTE M. YONGE

The Noted Author and Missionaries' Friend

EMBELLISHED WITH MORE THAN 200 SUPERB ENGRAVINGS BY JULIUS SCHNORR VON KAROLSFELD OF SCENES DESCRIBED IN THE BIBLE

ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS IN THE YEAR 1913, BY

GEO. W. BERTRON

THE OFFICE OF THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS, AT WASHINGTON, D. C., U. S. A.

The Illustrations in this work being from original drawings and protected by copyright, their reproduction in any form is unlawful, and notice is hereby given that persons guilty of infringing the copyright thereof will be prosecuted.

PREFACE.

THE great number of Bible story books that have been published show how many attempts have been made to supply the want which has long been felt of a work containing a carefully written story of the Scripture narrative for young people.

In this great work which is written in simple language, the captivating story of the Bible is told in a style that will cause it to be read over and over again, and the thrilling truths and beautiful lessons it contains will never be forgotten.

It takes the reader through the Bible in fifty-two lessons, each lesson comprising three readings for each Sabbath of the year, while a series of questions following each reading, help to impress upon the young mind the truths of the Holy Scripture.

The work begins with the marvellous Story of the Creation, describing the beauties of the Garden of Eden, and the awful disaster of the flood; it relates the thrilling scenes in the life of Abraham and the other Patriarchs, and furnishes a great panorama of the wonderful events in the dawn of history.

AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SERPENT IN THE WILDERNESS

This is followed by the delightful story of Joseph, who was sold by his envious brethren and hurried away to Egypt, where he was adopted into the king's family, and finally made ruler over that country. The lessons of his life should be read by every boy and girl in the land. He was one of the noblest characters spoken of in the Bible.

Next, we have a glimpse of Moses in his little life-boat, found and cared for by a Royal Princess. We see him growing to the fullness of manhood, becoming leader of his people, and finally breaking their chains and bringing them out of captivity. He stands at the burning bush; he opens a fountain in a rock; he goes up among the clouds of Sinai and receives the tables of the law. This part of the Bible story is full of instruction.

Then grand old Joshua comes forth upon the scene, and the reader follows him through his stormy conflicts and brilliant triumphs. Here, too, is a graphic description of the magnificent achievements of Gideon, telling what wonders he wrought and what valor he displayed. Who has not been fascinated by the delightful story of Ruth? This humble but charming woman was an ancestor of our Lord Jesus and all are interested in the story of her life.

EVEN SO MUST THE SON OF MAN BE LIFTED UP

Every young person follows eagerly the thrilling account of King Saul and King David. We see the strong, misguided yet mighty Saul, and also the ruddy shepherd boy whose swift sling slew a giant. Then comes Solomon in all his glory, and along in this part of the Old Testament Story we see that grand man of the desert, Elijah, and follow him through his startling experiences until, in a chariot of fire, he is borne away through the clouds to heaven. We also read of that young patriot Nehemiah, who left the splendors of a palace to rebuild the shattered walls of Jerusalem. He accomplished wonders, teaching the great lessons of devotion and energy.

The Bible is a rich store-house of instruction and entertainment. How captivating is the story of Queen Esther. She presents a striking example of those great crises in which the scale has been turned by the power and influence of woman. Other narratives come in thick succession. The young are always interested in the story of Daniel. Why should they not be? His strong and beautiful character has a peculiar charm, and there are few names in history that shine so resplendently. Let his brilliant record be studied by all, whether old or young.

How eagerly young people read the charming story of Bethlehem—the story of the angelic choir; of the wondering shepherds who heard the heavenly anthem of Peace and Good-Will; of the Holy Child laid in the humble manger; of the burning star that lighted the wise men of the East to the feet of the infant Prophet, Priest and King; and the thrilling incidents connected with His life. It would not be possible for human pen to depict more vividly those majestic events, at once awful and fascinating, which form the closing chapter of our Lord's life upon earth.

We venture, in conclusion, to hope this volume will be the means, with God's blessing, of endearing to many young hearts "the sweet story of old," making them to love from childhood that book which in after years will truly be a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their path.

ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

Adam and Eve Driven out of the Garden of Eden23

After the Banishment from Eden24

Sacrifice of Cain and Abel25

Return of the Dove with the Olive Branch27

Noah and His Family Leaving the Ark30

Noah's Sacrifice After the Flood30

Abram Sees the Promised Land32

Melchizedek Blessing Abram33

Abraham Entertains Three Angels35

Lot and His Family Fleeing from Sodom37

Abraham Offering Isaac as a Sacrifice39

Abraham's Servant Meeting Rebekah at the Well40

Rebekah Sees Isaac Coming to Meet Her40

Isaac Blessing Jacob44

Jacob's Vision of Angels46

Jacob Meeting Rachel48

Laban Hiring Jacob48

Jacob's Departure for Canaan49

Jacob and the Angel50

The Meeting of Jacob and Esau50

Joseph Sold by His Brethren52

Pouring Out a Drink Offering56

Joseph Interpreting Pharaoh's Dream58

Joseph Proclaimed Ruler Over Egypt60

Joseph Makes Himself Known to His Brethren61

Joseph Meeting His Father62

Leather Bottles63

Pharaoh's Daughter Finding Moses65

The Israelites Made to Work Hard in Egypt67

Aaron's Rod Changed to a Serpent68

The Plague of Locusts71

The Feast of the Passover74

Death of the First-born of Egypt76

Egyptian Judgment Scene77

Pharaoh's Host Destroyed in the Red Sea79

Aaron and Hur Holding Up the Hands of Moses82

Korah and His Associates Swallowed Up83

Aaron's Rod that Budded85

The Holy Place86

Moses Bringing Water From the Rock88

The Brazen Serpent89

Priest—High-Priest—Levite91

Balaam Met by the Angel of the Lord94

High-priest With Sin Offering98

The Ten Commandments100

Moses Receiving the Tables of the Law101

Moses Destroys the Tables of the Law103

Ancient Musical Instruments105

Moses Bringing the New Tables of the Law107

The Spies Returning From Canaan109

Table of Shew Bread—Ark—Golden Candlestick110

Moses Giving His Charge to Joshua112

Moses Viewing the Promised Land113

The Death of Moses113

Carrying the Ark Over Jordan117

The Walls of Jericho118

The Angel Appearing to Joshua119

Falling of the Walls of Jericho120

Joshua Capturing the City of Ai121

Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still121

Dividing the Land Among the Tribes122

South-east View of the Tabernacle123

Sisera Slain by Jael125

Gideon's Offering Burnt by Fire From the Rock127

Gideon's Victory Over the Midianites128

Jephthah Meeting His Daughter129

Samson Slaying a Lion129

Young Samuel Brought to Eli130

Hannah's Prayer131

God Tells Samuel of Destruction of Eli's House134

The Death of Eli136

Samuel Anointing Saul138

Ancient Shoes140

Ruth and Naomi141

Ruth Gleaning in the Field of Boaz142

Saul Tearing the Robe of Samuel144

David Anointed by Samuel145

David Slaying Goliath148

Saul Casting His Javelin at David149

The Parting of David and Jonathan150

David and Abigail150

The Death of Saul153

David Anointed King Over Israel153

David Mourns the Death of His Child155

Shimei Casting Stones at David156

The Death of Absalom158

David's Three Mighty Men160

Solomon Anointed King163

Solomon in All His Glory164

The Judgment of Solomon166

The Building of Solomon's Temple167

The Queen of Sheba Visiting Solomon170

Idolatry of Solomon171

Revolt of the Tribes172

Elijah Fed by the Ravens177

The Widow's Son Restored to Life178

Elijah Slaying the Prophets of Baal181

The Death of King Ahab186

Elijah Taken Up Into Heaven187

The Shunamite's Son Restored189

Jezebel Eaten by Dogs197

A City Captured and the Inhabitants Led Away Captive200

Rabshakeh Before Sennacherib202

The Angel Slaying the Assyrians204

The Book of the Law Found206

An Assyrian King207

Jerusalem Besieged and People Taken Captive209

Ashtoreth210

The Lord Commands Jeremiah212

Two Pages of an Ancient Scroll of Scriptures214

Jeremiah Mourning Over Jerusalem224

The Breastplate227

Ezekiel's Vision229

Daniel Interpreting the Writing on the Wall238

Return of the Jews from Captivity241

Building of the New Temple243

The Jewish Captives Conducted Before Darius245

Daniel in the Lion's Den246

Babylonian Brick247

Queen Esther Crowned250

Triumph of Mordecai251

Nehemiah Armeth the Laborers252

A Solemn Fast and Repentance of the People254

The Angel Appears Unto Zacharias256

The Angel Appears Unto Mary256

The Prophecy of Elizabeth and of Mary257

The Birth of John258

The Angel Announcing the Birth of Jesus259

The Birth of Jesus260

The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed by the Shepherds261

The Visit of the Wise Men264

Joseph Commanded to Flee into Egypt265

The Flight into Egypt266

Killing the Male Children Under Two Years Old267

Jesus Teaching in the Temple268

John the Baptist Preaching in the Wilderness271

The Baptism of Jesus272

The Temptation of Jesus273

Behold the Lamb of God276

Jesus Calling His Disciples277

The Miracle in Cana278

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus279

Jesus and the Woman of Samaria280

Jesus Heals the Sick of the Palsy280

Jesus Raises the Daughter of Jairus283

Jesus Gives Sight to the Two Blind Men283

Sermon on the Mount284

Jesus Raises the Widow's Son285

Jesus Sleeps During the Storm285

Sending Forth the Twelve Apostles286

Death of John the Baptist287

Jesus Feeding the Five Thousand288

Jesus Supports the Sinking Peter289

The Well or Fountain at Nazareth290

The Transfiguration292

The Good Samaritan293

Jesus and the Sisters of Bethany293

The Return of the Prodigal Son294

The Rich Man and Lazarus the Beggar295

The Pharisee and the Publican297

The Raising of Lazarus297

Mary Anoints the Head of Jesus299

Christ Entering Jerusalem300

Jesus Drives Out the Money-changers302

Jesus Washing His Disciples' Feet304

The Last Supper305

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane306

Judas Betrays Jesus309

Christ Before Caiaphas310

Peter Denying Jesus311

Jesus Crowned with Thorns313

Christ Before Pilate314

The End of Judas Iscariot315

Jesus Falls Under the Cross317

The Crucifixion318

The Burial of Jesus320

As it Began to Dawn321

The Resurrection322

The Women at the Tomb of Jesus322

Mary Magdalene at the Sepulchre323

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene324

Jesus Appears to Two of His Disciples326

Then Said Jesus Unto Them, Be Not Afraid327

Jesus Appears to His Disciples at the Sea of Tiberias329

The Ascension331

Tongues of Fire Resting on the Disciples334

The Child Christ, Mary His Mother and Joseph345

The Sermon on the Mount361

Finding the Lost Sheep376

Return of the Prodigal Son378

Christ Blessing Little Children381

The Wise and Foolish Virgins388

The Crucifixion396

The Miraculous Draught of Fishes399

CONTENTS.

FIRST SUNDAY.

Creation of the World 17

SECOND SUNDAY.

How Sin Began and the Flood Came 22

THIRD SUNDAY.

The Rainbow 29

FOURTH SUNDAY.

Abraham and Lot 36

FIFTH SUNDAY.

Jacob's Journey and Dream 43

SIXTH SUNDAY.

Joseph in Egypt 51

SEVENTH SUNDAY.

Joseph's Brothers 57

EIGHTH SUNDAY.

The Call of Moses 64

NINTH SUNDAY.

The Plagues of Egypt 70

TENTH SUNDAY.

The Passover 75

ELEVENTH SUNDAY.

The Gainsaying of Korah 81

TWELFTH SUNDAY.

Israel in the Wilderness 87

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY.

Balaam and Balak 93

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY.

The Giving of the Law 99

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY.

The Giving of the Law 106

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY.

The Death of Moses 111

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY.

Israel in Battle 116

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY.

The Judges of Israel 124

NINETEENTH SUNDAY.

Samuel 130

TWENTIETH SUNDAY.

King Saul 137

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY.

The Reign of Saul 143

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY.

King David Reigning 152

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY.

Preparing for the Temple 159

TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY.

Solomon in all His Glory 164

TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY.

Solomon's Fall 169

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY.

The Kingdom of Israel 174

TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY.

Elijah and Ahab 180

TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY.

Elijah and Elisha 185

TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY.

Elisha's Miracles 191

THIRTIETH SUNDAY.

The Ruin of Ahab's House 196

THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY.

Hezekiah and Josiah 201

THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY.

Jehoiakim's Cruelty 208

THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY.

Jeremiah's Prophecies 211

THIRTY-FOURTH SUNDAY.

The Taking of Jerusalem 217

THIRTY-FIFTH SUNDAY.

The Fall of Jerusalem 222

THIRTY-SIXTH SUNDAY.

The Jews at Babylon 228

THIRTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY.

Daniel at Babylon 233

THIRTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY.

The Return From Babylon 240

THIRTY-NINTH SUNDAY.

Troubles of the Jews 248

FORTIETH SUNDAY.

The Coming of the Lord 255

FORTY-FIRST SUNDAY.

The Childhood of Our Lord 263

FORTY-SECOND SUNDAY.

The Preparation for the Ministry 270

FORTY-THIRD SUNDAY.

The Calling of the Disciples 275

FORTY-FOURTH SUNDAY.

The Ministry 282

FORTY-FIFTH SUNDAY.

Wonders of Our Lord's Working 291

FORTY-SIXTH SUNDAY.

Going up to Jerusalem 298

FORTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY.

The Evening of the Betrayal 303

FORTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY.

The Trial and Condemnation 308

FORTY-NINTH SUNDAY.

The Crucifixion 316

FIFTIETH SUNDAY.

The Resurrection 321

FIFTY-FIRST SUNDAY.

The Ascension 327

FIFTY-SECOND SUNDAY.

The Waiting Time 333

THE NEW TESTAMENT STORY IN VERSE 337