THE BIBLICAL TREASURY: A COLLECTION OF Scripture Illustrations, FOR THE USE OF SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND BIBLE STUDENTS. VOL. VI. LONDON: SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION, 56, OLD BAILEY, E.C. PREFACE. THE poet Collins is reported to have said, when dying, "I have but one book, but that is the best." The Bible, as the one book, is the great Sunday school text-book; and we gratefully yield to that glorious volume the preeminence which is its due. First the Bible, and then such works as illustrate, enforce, and apply its sacred truths. While the sacred volume abounds with simple and interesting narratives, it also describes remote and ancient scenes, and is full of allusions to distant and different customs. This, instead of detracting from its interest, stimulates inquiry, and opens a rich field of illustration and explanation to the religious teacher. This peculiarity of the sacred Word suggests the remark, that if we would do our pupils good, and win them to Christ-if we would hold their attention or keep them in our classes,—we must be ready to meet their active, inquisitive minds, with real instruction and fresh illustration. We must understand what we teach, and have some skill in illuminating and applying truth. We must have actual knowledge to impart; and this knowledge we must work for. Reading is scarcely to be regarded as one of a teacher's luxuries; it is rather one of the necessities of his office—an auxiliary to secure the high object at which he aims. |