A few words will suffice to explain the purpose and plan of the present volume, which has been specially written to meet the wants of the ordinary Bible reader. The Bible is the inspired record of God’s gradual revelation of Himself, His Nature, Character, and Will,—a revelation made in the first instance to a people who were chosen to be the guardians of this treasure and to communicate it in due time to the rest of mankind,—a revelation consummated in the Person, Life, and Work of Jesus