In commencing this series of Bible Histories, our only aim is to place before our young readers, a simple narrative of the most interesting characters mentioned in that Sacred Book; we wish to interest and familiarise their opening minds, with the contents of that blessed volume, and as they grow in stature, so may their minds grow in the knowledge and love of God.

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More than three thousand years ago, when almost all the inhabitants of the earth had left the worship of the living God, and had become worshippers of the sun, moon, and stars, and of various idols, of their own invention; it pleased God, in order to preserve faith in, and love to the Maker, from being totally lost, to appear to Abraham, a Chaldean, a man who was seriously desirous of knowing and doing what was just and right,— to command him to leave his kindred and friends, and go into a distant country. Abraham was at that time seventy-five years of age, and very rich in cattle, in which the chief possessions of those early times consisted. He, without doubt or hesitation, prepared to do as God required him; and, with his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, his father Terah, their families, flocks, and servants, departed from their homes and kindred. Having proceded on their journey about half way to the land of Canaan, Terah, the father of Abraham, died in Haran, he being then very old. Abraham, together with Lot and their families, continued their journey, according to the direction of Him, whom they knew would lead them to a place of rest.

We have already told you that Abraham was rich in cattle, therefore water and pasturage were of the utmost importance; and his servants finding several springs, digged wells, which caused much dispute between the original inhabitants of the land, and the new comers. During this time, Abraham was not free from trouble and vexation.

The riches of himself and Lot increased

so much that the land was not sufficient for their numerous flocks, and disputes arose between their respective herdsmen. Abraham, however, who loved peace, proposed that Lot should take his choice of that part of the land he wished to occupy, and he would be content with the remainder, adding what should be imprest upon the minds of all, "Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, for we be brethren." After this generous offer, Lot acted in a way which we hope none of our young readers will imitate; instead of humbly asking the advice of his uncle, who was older, and possessed much greater experience than himself, he chose what he supposed the best of the land; and as a consequence of his rashness and selfishness, brought himself into much trouble, and the greater danger of his life. He went to reside in Sodom, and a war ensued, in which he was taken prisoner. War is both a dreadful evil, and also a great sin; but it was not considered such in the time of Abraham, who armed his servants and neighbours, and pursued the conquerors; and as he acted from good motives, and, as the will of God, as to the sinfulness of war was not then made known, it pleased God to give him a complete victory; and he received all the goods and persons whom those wicked kings had taken from their homes. Abraham refused any reward from the king of Sodom, for the services he had rendered, but he received what was far better; Melchizedek, the most pious man in the whole world, came to him, and blessed him, in the name of God, saying,

More than three thousand years ago, when almost all the inhabitants of the earth had left the worship of the living God, and had become worshippers of the sun, moon, and stars, and of various idols, of their own invention; it pleased God, in order to preserve faith in, and love to the Maker, from being totally lost, to appear to Abraham, a Chaldean, a man who was seriously desirous of knowing and doing what was just and right,— to command him to leave his kindred and friends, and go into a distant country. Abraham was at that time seventy-five years of age, and very rich in cattle, in which the chief possessions of those early times consisted. He, without doubt or hesitation, prepared to do as God required him; and, with his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, his father Terah, their families, flocks, and servants, departed from their homes and kindred. Having proceded on their journey about half way to the land of Canaan, Terah, the father of Abraham, died in Haran, he being then very old. Abraham, together with Lot and their families, continued their journey, according to the direction of Him, whom they knew would lead them to a place of rest.

We have already told you that Abraham was rich in cattle, therefore water and pasturage were of the utmost importance; and his servants finding several springs, digged wells, which caused much dispute between the original inhabitants of the land, and the new comers. During this time, Abraham was not free from trouble and vexation. The riches of himself and Lot increased