Having intended, first of all to meet the needs of those whose advantages for scripture study have been limited, the information has been put in tabular form, giving only such facts as have been carefully gathered from reliable sources, with but little attempt to show how the conclusions were reached. It is expected that the facts given may be mastered and that an interest may be created which will lead to further study upon the subjects treated. And to this end some of the studies have been made sufficiently complicated for college work and instruction for such work given in suggestions for teachers, leaders and classes. Besides the studies of the books there have been introduced some matters of general interest which have been found helpful as drills for academy pupils, and which will be found interesting and helpful to all classes of students. The general plan is the outgrowth of the experience of a few years of teaching, but the material presented lays little claim to originality. It has been gathered from many sources and may in some cases seem almost like plagiarism, but due acknowledgment is here made for all suggestions coming from any source whatsoever, including Dr. George W. Baines, who read all the material except that on the New Testament. Let it be said also, that in preparing these studies the Author has proceeded upon the basis of a belief in the Bible as the Word of God, a true source of comfort for every condition of heart and a safe guide to all faith and conduct whether of individuals or of nations. It is hoped therefore that those who may study the topics presented will approach the scripture with an open heart, that it may have full power to make them feel the need of God, that they may make its provisions real in their experience and that it may bring to them new and changed lives. If the pastors shall deem it valuable as a book of reference for themselves and to their members who are desirous of pursuing Bible study, or if it shall be found serviceable to any or all of those mentioned in paragraph one of this Preface, the Author will be amply rewarded for the effort made. J. B. TIDWELL. Waco, Texas, August, 1914. * * * * * Table of Contents. Some Introductory Studies. Chapter I. Why We Believe the Bible. Chapter II. The Names of God. Chapter III. The Sacred Officers and Sacred Occasions. Chapter IV. Sacred Institutions of Worship and Seven Great Covenants. Chapter V. The Divisions of the Scriptures. Chapter VI. The Dispensations. Chapter VII. Ages and Periods of Biblical History. Chapter VIII. Some General Matters and Some Biblical Characters. The Bible Book by Book. Chapter I. Genesis. Chapter II. Exodus. Chapter III. Leviticus. Chapter IV. Numbers. Chapter V. Deuteronomy. Chapter VI. Joshua. Chapter VII. Judges and Ruth. Chapter VIII. First and Second Samuel. Chapter IX. First and Second Kings.