THE BOOK OF BIBLE HISTORY: BY CHARLES BAKER, Head-Master of the Yorkshire Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, Author of "The Book of Bible Characters," "Bible Geography," GRADATION III.-Second Edition. LONDON: VARTY & OWEN, EDUCATIONAL DEPOSITORY, 31, STRAND; PREFACE. A few years ago, the author of this series of books published a TABULAR VIEW OF THE OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY, comprising the dates, events, places, and references to the Bible; and also a series of BIBLE EXERCISES, with detailed references, by which the elder pupils of a school might refer to the Bible for answers to the questions. A Bible History in Lessons was required, suitable for less advanced pupils; this was published some time after, together with the same Lessons in a bold type for large classes. The object proposed in the present books is to supply a Graduated Series of Reading Lessons, according to the ORDER OF EVENTS recorded in the Old Testament. Three Gradations have accordingly been prepared, which will afford, with the Exercises above referred to, Four Gradations for children of different ages in the same family, or for four different classes in Schools. The important principle of GRADUATION in children's reading books. is constantly receiving new adherents. For the least advanced pupils a mere outline of the subject, drawn up in short sentences, is all that is necessary; the same subject amplified-comprising additional particulars -and embodied in longer sentences, is prepared for children a little more advanced; while more extended details, and new information, in addition to what has already been communicated, and in language less simple, supply the kind of lessons requisite for pupils whose minds are more developed. Certain mechanical aids are also advantageous, such as pictures for the less advanced pupils, and large type for imperfect readers. This principle is not new in education. Every one engaged in teaching adopts it, but generally without method. A short History, a short Grammar, or other work, is first presented to a child's attention, and followed by works on the same subjects more and more advanced-till in mature age, the largest works, and the fullest details are required to satisfy the mind thus gradually prepared. But while the general principle has been followed, the absence of method has impaired its success. The marked feature in this series of books is, that each gradation prepares for the following one-that there is no fact mentioned in the first gradation that is omitted in the second-no fact given in the second that is not to be found in the third gradation. Thus those children who go through the whole series repeat in the second, in a new form, with additional knowledge, all they learned in the first, and so on through the higher gradations. By this method of graduation every class in a school is provided with suitable lessons; and if they are studied simultaneously, the final examination of all by the master is simplified, in consequence of all having been engaged in the same subject. Thus in large schools every monitor's diligence is tested, and every pupil's progress is ascertained. To enable the reader to judge of the adaptation of the whole series, an example from each gradation is given. FIRST GRADATION. LESSON 15. The Exaltation of Joseph. God blessed Joseph. He was brought out of prison to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh, the king. Joseph stored up much corn in Egypt, &c. SECOND GRADATION. LESSON 15. The Exaltation of Joseph. God was with Joseph in prison, and blessed him. Joseph was released from prison to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The king's dreams were to show him that there would be seven years of great plenty in Egypt; and then seven years of grievous famine. Pharaoh made Joseph governor over all Egypt. During the years of plenty Joseph stored up much corn. Joseph had two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, &c. V LESSON 15. THIRD GRADATION. GENESIS xl-xlvii. 26. The Exaltation of Joseph. God was with Joseph, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker were in prison also, each of whom had a dream which Joseph interpreted. After some time Joseph was released from prison to interpret the dreams of the king. The king's dreams were to show him, that there would be seven years of great plenty in Egypt: and then seven years of grievous famine. And Joseph said, "Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt." And officers to "gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine." Pharaoh acknowledged the wisdom of Joseph and made him governor over all Egypt; he also gave him to wife Asenath daughter of Potipherah, the priest of On. Joseph had two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. During the years of plenty the earth brought forth by handfuls, and Joseph stored up much corn; and in the years of famine people from many lands came to Egypt to buy corn, &c. &c. On-a city of Egypt near to the land of Goshen, noted for its idolatry. Heliopolis, one of its names, means 'the city of the Sun,' and Bethshemesh, another name of the city, means the house or temple of the Sun.' It was the daughter of the priest of On whom Pharaoh gave in marriage to Joseph. This work must not be judged of, as a BIBLE HISTORY, from the very brief lessons of the first and second gradations. The third gradation, though necessarily condensed, affords the fairest criterion; and its lessons frequently admit of the adoption of the phraseology of the Bible. Á teacher will not fail to observe that the first gradation is a bare out |