PREFACE. A KNOWLEDGE of the customs and manners of the East is absolutely necessary to a right understanding of the Scriptures. Most persons can recollect, when they were young, how singular and difficult some parts of the Bible appeared, which, from their enlarged information, they now regard as very plain, and even beautiful. It was not possible that a volume of this size could include the whole of those customs to which there are manifold allusions in the Sacred Writings; it however comprehends a great part of the most interesting and instructive, and such as are amply sufficient to prove that the Scriptures are accurate in their representations, and worthy of respect, even where, on a first perusal, the sense does not immediately appear. It is hoped, that the ensuing pages will be permitted to occupy a place among those useful volumes which the young will be allured to read in the hallowed hours between the intervals of public worship on the Lord's Day; and that the instructors of the rising generation will use them in their labours, as conducive to that variety which is so exceedingly agreeable, and even necessary to their enlarged success. The Author will be much gratified if this little Volume should be frequently seen on the book-shelf, by the side of his Scripture Stories, which the public have so kindly received, and to which, indeed, they may be regarded as a suitable supplement. Southampton. At the request of the Publishers, I have looked over this little book, and finding it to be well and pleasingly suited to its purpose, I have made such alterations and corrections as appeared to me calculated to enhance its value, without rendering it a different work. London. JOHN KITTO. |