PREFACE The object in making the present collection is to provide matter suitable for reading and recitation in Sabbath-schools and Sunday-schools, at entertainments of Jewish societies, and in the home circle. Incidentally there has been an endeavor to illustrate some phases of Hebrew history and character, and to show the influence for good that the Bible of the Jews has had upon the history and literature of the English-speaking peoples. The difficulties in making selections from the available material have not been few; nor does the compiler expect her judgment to meet with approval from every one. It is believed that nothing altogether devoid of literary merit has been admitted, and it is hoped that the presence of familiar and even hackneyed poems and excerpts will be excused, for their beauty or appropriateness. Philadelphia, November, 1893. I. E. C. C4813 |