in the Old Testament the Christian world is discerning a new heritage,
the beauty and value of which is still only half suspected even by
intelligent people. This fact is so significant and yet so little
recognized that one feels impelled to go out and proclaim it on the
housetops. The Old Testament can never be properly presented from the
pulpit or in the class-room while the attitude of preacher and teacher
is apathetic and the motive a sense of duty rather than an intelligent
acquaintance with its real character and genuine admiration and
enthusiasm for its vital truths. The irresistible fascination which has
drawn many of the most brilliant scholars into the Old Testament field
is a proof that it has lost nothing, of its power and attractiveness.
Already the circle of those who have rediscovered the Old Testament is
rapidly broadening. Observation and experience confirm the conviction
that all that is lacking to make that devotion universal is a right
attitude toward it and an intelligent familiarity with its real origin,
contents, and teachings. The sooner this is realized the sooner some of
the most difficult problems of the Church, of the Sunday-school, and of
popular religious education will be solved.

As the repository of a great and varied literature, as a record of
many of the most important events in human history, and as a concrete
revelation of God's character and will through the life and experiences
of a race and the hearts of inspired men, the Old Testament has a vital
message marvellously adapted to the intellectual, moral, social, and
spiritual needs of to-day and supremely fitted to appeal to the thought
and imagination of the present age.

This little volume is intended to be simply a very informal introduction
to it. Since of the two Testaments the New is by far the more easily
understood and the better known, it is made the point of departure in