human
Girls, said Viola,
gpt
Have you seen the Bible before today?
human
I seed one onct, when I went to a camp meetin' near Honey Crick. A man read out of a book he called de Bible, and then he talked and talked a long, long time.
gpt
The Bible tells us a lot about many good men and women. Perhaps you have heard of some of these. Who was Moses?
human
Was he nigger Mose's dad?
gpt
No, he lived many years ago, and was a great leader of the Hebrew people. Did you ever hear of David?
human
He was a mighty king of the Jews, and also a man who wrote many beautiful songs. One of his songs millions of children know. It begins: 'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.' Have any of you ever heard it?
gpt
Let us turn to it, the twenty-third psalm, and we shall read it together.
human
I want you children to learn this psalm by heart and each one say it to me next Sunday. Will you do it?
gpt
The Bible is divided into two parts. Can any one tell me what they are?
human
Yes'm, de front an' de back.
gpt
They are called the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament tells of God's dealings with his chosen people the Hebrews (or Jews). It also points to the coming of God's Son into the world.
human
The New Testament tells how God's Son Jesus Christ came upon earth to be the Friend of little children and all people; how he lived a good life, always helping those around him; how wicked men at last put him to death, and his friends buried him. But the grave could not hold him, and on the third day he arose from it, and soon went up to heaven. The day of his birth is called Christmas. Have you heard of it?
gpt
Yes, teacher, we have all heard something about Christmas.
human
Well, well learn more about it, for it is a sweet story, and next Christmas the mission school will have a fine time, with songs, and pieces to speak, and giving of presents. I hope my girls will take part in this glad time.