4. Finally, there was the =preparation of a religion=. The Gospel of Christ was not a new religion; it was the new development of an old religion. As we study the Old Testament we see that each epoch stands upon a higher religious plane. There is an enlargement of spiritual vision between Abraham and Moses; between Moses and David; between David and Isaiah; between Isaiah and John the Baptist. Pharisee and Sadducee each held a share of the truth which embraced the best thought of both sects. The work of many scribes prepared the way for the coming of the Lord, and just when revelation was brought up to the highest level, when a race was trained to apprehend and proclaim it, when a language had been created and diffused to express it, when the world was united in one great brotherhood of states, ready to receive it--then, in the fullness of times, the Christ was manifested, who is over all, God blessed forever. Blackboard Outline. =I. Four Per.= 1. Per. per. 1.) Sec. tem. 2.) Q. Es. del. 3.) Ez. ref. 4.) Sep. Sam. 5.) Com. O. T. can. 2. Gk. per. 1.) Rei. Alex. 2.) Eg. sup. 3.) Syr. sup. 3. Macc. per. 1.) Rev. Mat. 2.) Jud. Macc. 3.) Macc. dyn. 4.) Ri. sec. 4. Rom. per. 1.) Her. Cr. 2.) Her. tem. 3.) Tetr. =II. Prep. Gosp.= 1. Pol. prep. 2. Prep. lan. 3. Prep. rac. 4. Prep. rel. QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW. With what history is that of the Jews interwoven during this period? What was the political condition of the Jews at this time? What are the four periods of this history? Who were the rulers of the Jews during the first period? What building was erected after the return from captivity? What great deliverance was effected by a woman? What great reforms were effected by a scribe? What title has been given to him? What were the events connected with the separation of the Samaritans? Who were the prophets of the restoration? By whom was the Old Testament canon arranged? What brought on the Greek period? What events of Jewish history were connected with Alexander the Great? Under what people did the Jews fall afterward? What were the events of the Egyptian rule? What is the Septuagint? How was its translation regarded by the Jews of Palestine? In what kingdom, after Egypt, did Judea fall? How was it governed by its new masters? Who instituted a great persecution? What was the effect of this persecution? Who led the Jews in revolt? What great hero arose at this time? What line of rulers arose in his family? What was the growth of the Jewish state at this time? What sects of the Jews arose? How did Judea fall under the Roman power? Whom did the Romans establish as king? What were his dominions? What building did he erect? How was his kingdom divided after his death? What finally became of Judea? Subjects for Special Papers.