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THE SCRIPTURE GUIDE: A Familiar Introduction to the Study of the Bible
James W. Alexander
"The great end of all religious teaching would be attained, if men could be brought to read the Bible aright. No books, therefore, are unimportant, which point to the Holy Scriptures. Such is the present attempt, which is expressly dedicated to the YOUNG. It is intended for excitement as well as instruction; not only to communicate information and explain difficulties, but to offer inducements for the study of the Bible." - from the author's Preface
"This fascinating book by a superb theologian and pastor provides a wealth of information about the Bible and serves as an able introductory guide to Bible study as well as an effective evangelistic tool. The directions given in the last chapters on how to read the Bible are themselves worth the price of the book." - Dr. Joel R. Beeke
James W. Alexander (1804-1859) was the oldest son of Archibald Alexander. In addition to being a brilliant lecturer and preacher in college, seminary and the local church, Alexander labored to write books that would speak to the hearts and minds of the simple. He wrote numerous volumes for The American Sunday School Union that were unusually popular with all ages and all classes of people. THIS MAY BE HIS BEST CONTRIBUTION TO THAT DISTINGUISHED MINISTRY.
Written in the form of a story, Alexander has two young boys spend the Christmas holiday with their elderly Uncle Austin, who has earned the nickname "The Bible Man." Follow these young fellows as they enjoy their vacation by learning life-changing lessons from the Holy Scriptures. The final three chapters set forth 30 Directions for Studying the Bible. These are worth the price of the book!
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Additional Information
• Biographical Sketch of Author
• Author's Original Preface
| Author's Original Preface |
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The great end of all religious teaching would be attained, if men could be brought to read the Bible aright. No books, therefore, are unimportant, which point to the Holy Scriptures. Such is the present attempt, which is expressly dedicated to the YOUNG. It is intended for excitement as well as instruction; not only to communicate information and explain difficulties, but to offer inducements for the study of the Bible.
When a copy of our English Bible is placed in the hand of an inquiring, but uninstructed young person, there naturally arise a number of interesting questions. Is this the work one, or of many hands? Is it an original work, or a version? At what times and in what tongue was it written? Into what languages has it been translated? What is the history of our common version? How am I to interpret the division into books, chapters, and verses; the numerous marginal notes; and the peculiarities of typography? How may it be studied to the best advantage? These are inquiries which even children of inquisitive minds are prompt to make; and which even intelligent teachers are sometimes at a loss to satisfy. It is such questions that the following work professes to answer.
There are numerous works on these subjects addressed to the learned; but they are beyond the reach of common readers. There are also many treatises which direct to the proper study of the sacred text. But it is believed, that there is not in our language any book which presents at one view exactly the field which is here exhibited. In justification of this remark, the reader is requested to examine the contents of the chapters from the sixth to the eleventh, inclusively.
The form of the work may seem to demand some explanation. It is by no means a fictitious composition, or a mere book of amusement. Yet, as some of the matters treated, however important, are in themselves somewhat dry, the author has spared no pains to render it attractive and even entertaining. The dialogue offered an occasion for constant change of subject, and for the suggestion of many questions, which, in any other method of composition, would have been an interruption to the discourse.
The subject is by no means exhausted. Among the important topics which could not be fully treated within our narrow limits, are such as the following: An analysis of each book of Scripture; a key to Scripture difficulties, and especially to the prophetical writings; a catalogue of such books as are useful aids to the Bible student; and a history of the distribution of the Scriptures by Bible Societies. These may be treated in a subsequent volume.
It is the earnest desire and prayer of the author, that these pages may be made the means of promoting the interests of true religion, by inducing some, at least, to read the best of books with increased profit and delight.
James W. Alexander, 1838
