In the next place the lessons and teachings of the period are suggested.  The author sets forth in tabular form the great teaching found in the Scripture events, both in their value to the Hebrews and in their permanent value to all people and for all times.

In the case of the poetical and prophetic books, suggestions for their study are given in the chapter on the period in which each book and the facts it records occurred.  At the close of each chapter there is given a large number of topics for study and discussion.  For the most part these topics require the searching of the Scripture itself and, if properly followed, will give the student a splendid knowledge of the contents of the Scripture of the period.

This book when completed in our Sunday Schools will, if done under the direction of the author, be given credit in Baylor University as college entrance.  Our Sunday School workers would do well to organize classes of young men and women in the study of this book.  In this way they would not only help these young people in Bible study but would tie them all to our great school at Baylor and make it possible for them to get credit for it when they attend provided they need it to get into the college.  There ought to be hundreds of such classes in Texas.

Every Sunday School teacher and woman worker would do himself or herself a valuable service by securing and studying a copy of this new book.  And it is also to be hoped that many of our women’s societies will adopt it for their Bible study.

Let our pastors buy this book for themselves and bring it to the attention of their people.  For the people of today, as of old, are perishing from a lack of Bible knowledge.  The one unceasing effort that should be constantly and whole heartedly put forth by every Christian leader in every realm is to get the people to read and to know the Holy Scripture.  Dr. Tidwell’s book will greatly help in such effort.

First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas.

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Chapter I.

From The Creation to The Fall.

Gen. Chs. 1-3

Problems Solved.  This simple narrative solves some of the great problems about which philosophers have speculated and before which scientists have stood baffled.  Every child of the human race has asked, “What is the origin of the material world, what is the origin of life, and what is the origin of sin?” In general the philosophers held (and most of what science says concerning these matters is not science but speculative philosophy) that matter was eternal and simply asked how it came to its present state.  One group, the materialists, held that an active principle inherent in the matter working through long ages, brought about the present state of things.  Another group, the pantheists, held that every thing emanated from a common divine substance, working everywhere in nature.  But this brief story lets at rest all this inquiry.  It informs us that matter was not eternal nor did it come into existence by chance, but it was created out of nothing by our eternal God.  The story incidentally sets forth the majesty and glory of God and man’s dependence upon and his obligation to God.  It also explains the origin of sin and of all man’s ills and death.