LITTLE need be said by way of introduction to the “Yearly Bible Calendar.”
Its Design
It is intended to help the children of God into a systematic reading of the Holy Scriptures, so that nothing be left unread of that which is given as a light to our feet; for often unlooked-for help will be found in very unexpected quarters. Many are too prone to confine their reading to favorite portions, and hence to do dishonor to the entire Word, of which we are told that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine” —to teach us the mind of God, “for reproof” —to warn and rebuke us when we have gone wrong, “for correction” —to put us back again into the strait path when it has been missed, “for instruction” —that is, for training and discipline— “in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” “The man of God” can therefore not dispense with any portion of God's Word without loss to himself and hindrance to his usefulness.
The Bible must be read consecutively and regularly, and for this a habit early acquired in the divine life is of great importance. It will be found everywhere full of Christ to the patient seeker, who is ever expecting to find Him; and every history and prophecy, every type and shadow, will become a lattice through which the Beloved will reveal Himself to the soul that is waiting for Him.
The Arrangement
The Old Testament has been divided into two parts, the portion from each of which can be read each day, for those able to do so; while those with little time at their disposal can read one part each year. The New Testament is carried through the whole year, and each daily portion contains only an average of about twenty-five verses, and should be read by every Christian, so as to secure the reading of the New Testament once a year. The most uneducated could soon accomplish this, and it is much to be feared there are very many Christians who, from want of system and purpose, never accomplish it.
One advantage in the shortness of these portions is, that it gives time for deeper and fuller meditation, enabling the reader to connect what he is reading with other parts of the Bible, thus comparing spiritual things with spiritual, and drawing out of God's treasures things new and old.
The Order of the Books
The Old Testament, Part I, embraces the Pentateuch and the historical books, in the order in which they stand in our Bible.
The Old Testament, Part II, contains the five didactic books; viz., Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon; and all the prophetic books. These are placed in their chronological order, a matter often of much importance. The prophets divide themselves into three divisions: first, the prophets of the Assyrian period; secondly, those of the Babylonian era; and, thirdly, those of the Persian period subsequent to the restoration of Judah.
In regard to Jeremiah a special notice is needed. It will be observed, by a comparison of the dates given in the book, that the chapters following the twentieth are not in chronological order. How this disarrangement arose, we know not; but as the means of rectification are found in the chapters themselves, there is no difficulty in readjusting them. This has been done, and great light is thrown on many parts of the history in consequence.
In the New Testament, the Four Gospels are separated from one another, so that the fife of our Lord may be more continually before the mind during the year. Matthew is followed by the Acts of the Apostles, connecting together the coming of the King, His rejection, and the calling out of His Church. The Gospel of Mark (Peter's son in the faith) is named the “Petrine Gospel,” and the Jewish epistles—that is, those of Peter, James and Jude—are placed after it. Luke's Gospel, named the “Pauline Gospel,” is followed by the epistles of Paul, arranged in chronological order. And, lastly, the Gospel of John is connected with the other writings of the same apostle. Thus the whole is divided into four parts.