For instance, one perceives in the Bible record the worst and the best that men have always thought and felt; for him it is full of the universal motives of humanity. He has noticed, too, that in sketching often but the single act of a character, the Book brings the essential man or woman vividly out of the darkness and into the light for all time. As a student of men, we can imagine such a one replying that the Bible is "The Book of Human Nature." Another knows that it has been the inspiration of countless writers, and that its sayings and teachings are woven by the hundreds and thousands through and through the texture of our English masterpieces. A student of books might well say that the Bible is the chief "Source-Book of Our Literature." Still another would say, "The Bible is the beginning of many of our customs. Our common law is largely founded on its laws and many of our institutions are based upon those it sanctions." So a business man, a man of affairs, might very naturally call it, "The Foundation-Book of Christian Civilization." For many the Bible is "The Book of Salvation," pointing the way into the presence of God. Still others draw from it counsel and strength for those who depend upon them for guidance. "God could not be everywhere, so he made mothers." And in their hands the Bible becomes "The Book of Character." The marvel of it is that each of these viewpoints is true. And many others are equally true. For the Bible, like the diamond, reflects its light from many facets. Which one you see depends upon where you stand, upon your point of view. How clear and strong the light for you depends upon how far you have come within the circle of its radiance. {12} Why are Bible Readers so Few? Truly the harvest of Bible enlightenment is plentiful beyond measure; why then are those who reap it for themselves so few? It is because we lack time to understand. Our Bible Schools might solve the problem if only they had time, but one hour a week with the Bible is scarcely an introduction to it, never a fellowship with it. The Book of books is no shallow friend to give up all its treasures upon a superficial acquaintance. Rather it is a friend to be lived with in the home. This book of suggestions is an invitation to you to come farther within the charmed circle of the Bible's light. Its aim is to save your time by helping you to use it to the greatest advantage. However much or little of the Bible light has been coming to you, may this book help to increase, to clarify, to beautify it. If it shall help you to bring more time, the most precious of modern possessions, to the understanding of the Bible, the most precious wisdom of the ages, its purpose will have been abundantly fulfilled. {13} PART I THE CHILD AND THE BIBLE _Answering Mothers' Questions_ {14}