A few words introducing this, the first volume of this magazine in its enlarged form, may not be out of place.
The nucleus of this periodical, as has been stated already in its pages, is “the Bible Students’ Class.” This consists of a band of voluntary laborers in the “gold mines” of God’s word, who seek to bring out of them month by month fresh treasures for the interest and spiritual profit of all who read the magazine. It is, we believe, entirely a novel feature, that the interest of a Bible magazine should center round the work of a voluntary band of its own Christian subscribers. We desire to preserve the quality of this work at a high standard, and would earnestly invite still further co-operation from any Bible Student who is prepared to give from four to six hours’ work each month for the purpose.
A word or two as to the remaining contents will suffice. The Bible Queries take up a great part of the present volume. To render any truth they contain available for ready research, a copious index has been prepared, showing at a glance where each query can be found. The whole volume has been thus fully indexed in order that it may serve rather as a work for reference and study than be merely used for present perusal.
The notes on Eastern Manners and Customs are nearly all new, and published here for the first time.
We need not speak of the written articles, which we trust may be the means of awakening in many hearts a deeper interest in Divine truth, and a truer insight into the “ God inspired’ (θεοπευστος 2 Timothy 3:1616All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16)) character of the Word of God.
Our chief delight is that the character of the present volume has enabled us very largely to allow the Bible to be its own spokesman, and very wonderful indeed have been the fresh revelations the Word itself has given us of the beauties and glories of Christ, of the privileges and responsibilities of the Christian’s life, and other matters, all dear to the heart in which God’s word is “hid.”
We commend this little effort to spread the truth to Him who is the Truth, and pray that if anything has slipped into its pages contrary to “sound doctrine,” it may in no way be used by the enemy, but that, on the contrary, the Master may use whatever speaks to the heart of Himself, and of His things for His own glory, through the lips and lives of our readers.