RB23. a 19520

BRITISH

LIBRARY

PREFACE.

O the many Compilations published for the use of Schools,

it seemed expedient that a Selection should be added from the BIBLE. And with respect to the propriety of selecting, where all is prefumed to be excellent, it will not furely be denied by the judicious and impartial, that some parts of Holy Scripture are better adapted than others, to the perusal of readers in the puerile age.

It appears that the practice of initiating young people in reading by the New and Old Testament, which was once univerfal, is rather on the decline; and one reason of it may be, a disapprobation of reading them, WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION, at a time when the understanding is immature.

But while the New and Old Testament have lost ground in Schools, many trifling and uninteresting Books have fupplied their place; books which impress ideas but feebly, and which, if they are remembered, furnish the mind with little more than lumber. Even histories of Jesus Christ and of the Bible, conveyed in the language of a poor writer, tend to debafe fubjects, which, in the facred text, appear with an air of native majesty.

It is desirable that the more important matter of Holy Writ should make an early impression, and be remembered for life; and it is therefore right to let it be read, as in the days of our forefathers, during the course of early education, when all that is received is likely to be long retained. A fample once relished by the learner, may invite him in due time to feast upon the whole.

Such ideas on the subject suggested the expediency of the following selection. In beginning it, the Editor was glad to

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lean

lean on authority. He therefore adopted in the New Tefta-
ment the Chapters particularly recommended by Dr. An-
thony Blackwall, the celebrated author of the Sacred Claf-
fics, who, from his peculiar studies, may be supposed well
prepared to direct such a choice.

His words on the subject of his selection, which is here
followed in the First Part, are these :

" In this collection you will find the Book of God,
" written by the Evangelifts and Apostles, comprised in

a most admirable and comprehenfive Epitome †."

In the Second Part, which consists of Extracts from the
Old Testament, the Editor has endeavoured to select, accord-
ing to his own judgment, the most entertaining and improving
passages and books; and if he has in any respect erred, be
hopes the rectitude of his intention will fecure pardon.

In the Third Part he has inserted most of those beautiful
and moral books of Apocrypha, the Wisdom of Solomon, and
Ecclefiafticus.

As the great objections to the Editions of Bibles, usually intro-
duced into Schools are, a small Letter and a crowded Page,
regard has been paid in this Selection to the external circum-
ftances of a good Type and a pleasing appearance of both Page
and Paper. These are of consequence to the young learner,
as they leffen the tedium of reading, by easing the eye.

Sincerely hoping that this Publication may contribute fome-
thing, as an elementary book, to the promotion of religious
knowledge and rational piety in the most docile age, it is
respectfully offered to the fuperintendants of education.

+ Vid. Blackwall's Introduction to the Claffics, pag. 132, 133.

SACRED

OR

PASSAGES from SCRIPTURE, SELECTED FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS.

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BOOKI.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT.

From the Gospel according to St. MATTHEW.

ful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall fee God.

9. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are perfecuted for righteoufnefs' fake: for their's is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and perfecute you, and shall say all manner of evil againft you falsely for my fake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for

5 Bleffed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. thallin are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall so perfecuted they the probe filled. phets which were before

7 Blessed are the merci- you.

B

13 Ye

13 Ye are the falt of the ness shall exceed the righte

earth: but if the falt have loft his favour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light un-cause, shall be in danger of