The Bible Marksman

PREFACE

THE following course in Bible-marking was pursued, during its first appearance in The Christian Endeavor World, by more than three thou- sand registered "Bible Marksmen." Among these were many busy pastors, some of whom could find time for this work only by rising in the small hours of the morning. Many others were earnest Sunday-school teachers, whose classes were enthusiastic over this practical method of gaining familiarity with the Book of Books. The superintendents of Junior Christian Endeavor societies found the course well within the under- standing of their young charges. In fact, the ages of those following the course ranged, so far as is known, from five to eighty-six.

Mothers marked Bibles for their sons to use when they should be able to read. Classes were formed in homes. Other classes, led by pastors, were formed in Christian Endeavor societies. The Y. M. C. A., the Epworth League, and other organizations, found it useful to some of their members. The plan was utilized in family prayers. Some enthusiasts copied the entire course for others that could not take the paper. One missionary even proposes to translate the course into Chinese!

Moreover, Marksmen reported themselves from many distant regions of the earth-from South Africa, Canada, Japan. Mexico, Turkey, England, Jamaica, Cuba, China, New Zealand, and even a class of twenty-two in Palestine, nearly all of whom did their marking in Arabic Bibles.

Since the course has met with such a reception, it has been thought likely that many may wish to have it in permanent form, more especially as, so far as the author knows, no system of Bible- marking, at the same time simple and comprehensive, has ever before been printed.

It is believed that familiarity with this method will give great facility not only in marking the Bible, but in using it after it is marked. Fifteen minutes will easily suffice to accomplish the work here laid down for any day, and is not that small fraction of time well bestowed if it will acquaint us with a great Bible truth, and place it where our hands can readily find it if our memory at any time proves treacherous? Amos R. Wells

Boston.