Hurlbut's Bible Lessons for Boys and Girls

In Short

This book acts as a formal, two-year curriculum designed to lead children through the Bible, from the creation of the world to the missionary journeys of the early church. By dividing students into two distinct age groups—those under nine and those older—it provides a scaffolded approach to scriptural literacy. Through simple storytelling followed by a rigorous system of catechism, it aims to fix the essential narratives of the Old and New Testaments firmly in the memory of the young, providing a foundational religious education.

The Story

The narrative begins at the very start of time, detailing the creation of the heavens and the earth. From the garden of Eden and the first disobedience of Adam and Eve, the account moves swiftly through the lives of the earliest people. It chronicles the growth of the world’s wickedness, the construction of the ark by Noah, and the survival of his family during the great flood. The focus then shifts to the patriarchs, starting with the call of Abram and the promises made to Jacob, whose twelve sons eventually form the tribes of Israel.

The story progresses into the dramatic history of the Israelites. It follows Joseph, who is sold into slavery in Egypt but rises to become a ruler, eventually reuniting with his brothers during a time of famine. Later, the narrative turns to the leadership of Joshua, who leads the people across the Jordan River to conquer Canaan, and the subsequent era of the Judges—fifteen leaders, including Deborah, Gideon, and Samson, who arise to defend the people whenever they fall into moral decay.

The arc continues through the rise of the monarchy, beginning with the reign of Saul and moving to the greatness of David, whose reign is marked by both triumph and personal failure. Solomon follows, building the temple, but the kingdom eventually fractures. The narrative covers the warnings of prophets, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the exile of the people to Babylon, where figures like Daniel remain faithful in the face of fire and lions.

The second half of the book transitions to the New Testament, starting with the announcement of the birth of Jesus. It chronicles his life, his ministry in Galilee, his miracles, and his teachings, often delivered through parables. The narrative follows his journey to Jerusalem, his arrest, his death on the cross, and his resurrection. The final section documents the birth of the early church, following the apostles as they receive power on the Day of Pentecost. It concludes with the missionary travels of Paul, who carries the message of the gospel through Europe, faces imprisonment, and eventually travels as a prisoner to Rome, spreading the faith to the wider world.

How It Unfolds

The creation and the early world The narrative establishes the foundations of existence and the earliest conflicts between human choice and divine direction. These chapters highlight the transition from the first family to the survivors of the great flood.

The rise of Israel The focus shifts to the formation of a distinct people through the lineage of the patriarchs. The story tracks the migration of the Israelites from Canaan to Egypt and back again, establishing their identity.

The era of the judges and kings The people struggle to maintain their faith while navigating war and shifting leadership. The narrative details the rise of the monarchy and the difficult balance of power under David and Solomon.

The exile and restoration The moral failing of the nation leads to the fall of the temple and life in a foreign land. The story concludes this section with the return of the people to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of their home.

The life and ministry of Jesus The narrative centers on the arrival and work of a new leader. It tracks his travels, his healing of the blind and sick, and the growing tension with the authorities.

The birth of the church The final section follows the followers of Jesus after his departure. It records their bold preaching, their imprisonments, and the expansion of their message across the Mediterranean.

The People

The book presents a cast of figures defined by their relationship to a divine plan. Adam and Eve represent the beginning of human choice, while Noah serves as the faithful builder amidst a wicked world. Joseph stands out for his resilience in captivity, eventually becoming a provider for his entire family. Joshua acts as the disciplined successor, leading a new generation toward their inheritance.

The Judges, such as Deborah and Samson, reflect a period of instability where individuals are chosen to restore order. David is characterized by his status as a king who achieves greatness but must face the consequences of his own sins, a theme echoed in the trials of his son, Solomon. In the New Testament, Jesus is the central figure, moving with purpose toward his death and resurrection, while his disciples, particularly Peter and John, transition from followers to leaders. Paul emerges as the tireless advocate for the new faith, whose own transformation from an opponent of the church to its most prominent missionary defines the final movement of the book.

In Its Own Voice

Hurlbut emphasizes that his methods were intended to capture the attention of all students, regardless of age:

I noticed even the oldest boys and girls listened to it with interest equal to the youngest.

The book begins with the fundamental theological claim regarding the origin of the universe:

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Regarding the character of David after he acknowledges his wrongdoing, the text summarizes his stature:

He was the greatest and best of all the kings of Israel.

What It's Really About

The central argument is that the Bible is a cohesive, historical narrative that provides a moral and spiritual roadmap for the young. It posits that human history is a sequence of choices—either to follow divine guidance or to succumb to selfishness and idolatry. The recurring theme is the necessity of faith, exemplified by those who remain steadfast despite exile, imprisonment, or the loss of status. The book argues that by memorizing these stories and their corresponding lessons, a child gains the necessary wisdom to navigate the complexities of life with courage and integrity.

Why Read It Today

This book is a fascinating artifact for anyone interested in the history of religious education or the evolution of pedagogical methods. Reading it feels like stepping into a Sunday-school classroom of the early 20th century, where the primary goal was the systematic transmission of traditional knowledge through repetition and recitation. Its structured, rhythmic format—asking a question and providing a concise, authoritative answer—is remarkably efficient, though it reflects the instructional style of its era, which favored direct instruction over open-ended inquiry.

Readers today should be aware that the book assumes a specific, traditional worldview. Its language is simple and direct, yet the pronunciation guides included for biblical names offer a glimpse into the scholarly care taken to ensure students were well-versed in the terminology of the period. While some modern readers might find the lack of context or the rigid, unquestioning nature of the catechism challenging, it remains a compelling example of how previous generations organized and simplified complex theological ideas for the young. For those curious about the roots of biblical literacy or the history of teaching materials, this work provides an authentic, well-preserved window into a past approach to moral and religious instruction.