Ca Read the Bible through in a Year.

Read three chapters daily, and five on the Sabbath; that is, two chapters in the Old Testament, and one daily in Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Solomon's Song, and the New Testament-three on the Sabbath.

The Old Testament, without these four books, contains two chapters a-day for the year; and the New Testament, with the four books, has one chapter a-day, and three for Sabbath days, less eight chapters.

Read Psalm 119 as eleven chapters, of two divisions each, and connect the short Psalms, 117 and 131, with the next, and 133 and 134 together-thus adding eight chapters to complete the year. February 29, in leap year, is left out, so as not to derange the list.

Scripture Explanations.

Armor. The armor of a Roman warrior will illustrate Eph. vi. 14-17.

Ablution. For the eastern manner of washing the hands, see 2 Kings iii. 11. Attitudes of Adoration.-1 Chron. xxix. 20.

Books. The ancient books were made of papyrus, or Egyptian reed, and afterwards of parchment. They were rolled up like mercers' silk on a roll of wood, Isa. viii. 1; Jer. xxxvi. 2.

Bottles of Leather. These were the wine-bottles, old and rent, mentioned Josh. ix. 4, and Matt. ix. 17.

Civic Crowns. These are often alluded to in Scripture. They were generally made of olive, pine, laurel, apple or parsley, and were bestowed on the victors in the games, 1 Cor. ix. 25, &c.

Gates.-The eastern gates of cities were usually places of great resort; here justice was administered, &c., Ruth iv. 11; 2 Sam. xv. 2, &c. Grave-clothes.-Were folds of linen wrapped round the body.

Handmill.-Matt. xxiv. 41. The handmill was about two feet in diameter, and half a foot thick. The upper stone moved round by a handle of wood. It is common for two women to work the mill, pushing the handle round alternately.

Horns of the Altar.-These were the projecting corners of the altars, to which the victims are supposed to have been tied at the time of sacrifice, Exod. xxvii. 2; 1 Kings ii. 28.

House-top. This in the east was used for walking, sleeping, and making proclamation, Matt. x. 27; Luke v. 19; xii. 3; xvii. 31.

Hyke, or Garment.-An Arab Hyke, or outward garment, explains many passages where garments are mentioned-these being loose, and easily thrown off, still leaving the person with close clothing. The more modern dresses of the east still retain a loose outer garment, Mark xi. 7, &c. The Arab's Hyke forms his bed as well as his day-clothing.

Jackals. These were the foxes generally mentioned, Psa. lxiii. 10; Judg. xv. 4; Cant. ii. 15.

Locusts-An insect about two inches and a half long; visits parts of the east in myriads, and is most destructive to vegetation, Exod. x. 4; Joel i. 4; Matt. iii. 4, &c.

Palm-tree.-A valuable tree, used for many purposes, and bearing much precious fruit, Psa. xcii. 12. Its branches were symbols of joy and triumph, Rev. vii. 9. Phylactery.-Matt. xxiii. 5. Phylacteries were strips of parchment on which were written sentences of the law; they were bound on the left arm. Sandals.-Soles bound to the feet, Mark vi. 9.

Slingers.-The ancient sling needs little description. The Benjamites used it with skill it was whirled round several times, and then the stone or bullet went with tremendous force to distances of from 400 to 600 feet, Judges xx. 16; 1 Sam. xvii. 49.

Tents, or Tabernacles.-The habitations of people of the early ages, and the now wandering tribes of Arabia, Heb. xi. 9.

Teraphim. These are often called images in Scripture; Nebuchadnezzar consulted his Teraphim, Ezek. xxi. 21.

Tombs in Idumea.-Tombs in the east were commonly cut out of the rocks, of which there are still many remains.

Treading Corn.-This was done by oxen driven round the threshing-floor, Deut. XXV. 4. &c.

Vail.-The vail is a kind of hood, scarf, or mantle, worn by eastern females to conceal their faces.

War-chariot.-War-chariots were generally distinguished by hooks or scythes attached to the axles, Joshua xvii. 16, &c.

Water-wheel. This was one method of watering with the foot, the wheel being turned both by foot and hand, Deut. xi. 10.

Wrestling.-Eph. vi. 12. The wrestlers were noted men in the Olympic games.