Child's Story of the Bible

by Mary A. (Mary Artemisia) Lathbury

"Child's Story of the Bible" by Mary A. Lathbury is a children's book that presents the biblical narratives in a simplified, approachable manner, likely written in the late 19th century. This work offers retellings of the major stories from both the Old and New Testaments, aiming to introduce children to these foundational tales of faith and morals. The stories span from the creation of the world to the life of Jesus, providing a narrative that is meant to instill spiritual values and understanding in young readers. The opening of the book introduces a preface addressed to mothers, emphasizing the importance of teaching children through stories from the Bible. It establishes that the author intends to provide a tool for mothers to share meaningful narratives from their own backgrounds, reinforcing their roles as primary educators in their children’s spiritual lives. Lathbury outlines her mission to present these biblical tales in a manner that retains the essence and integrity of the scriptures, while making them accessible and memorable for children. The narration begins with the creation story, detailing how God created the world in six days and formed Adam and Eve, followed by the introduction of sin into their lives through temptation. This sets the tone for a series of moral and spiritual lessons woven throughout the subsequent chapters.