ns beginning, origin, or creation. The leading thought,
therefore, is creation and we should study it with a view to finding
out everything, the beginning of which is recorded in it. Certainly we
have the record of: (1) The beginning of the world which God created.
(2) The beginning of man as the creature of God. (3) The beginning of
sin, which entered the world through the disobedience of man. (4) The
beginning of redemption, seen alike in the promises and types of the
book and in the chosen family. (5) The beginning of condemnation, seen
in the destruction and punishment of individuals, cities and the
world.

The Purpose. The chief purpose of the book is to write a religious
history, showing how, after man had fallen into sin, God began to give
him a religion and to unfold to him a plan of salvation. In doing this
God is revealed as Creator, Preserver, Law-Giver, Judge and Merciful
Sovereign.

The Importance of Genesis to Science. While the book does not attempt
to explain many matters which are left to investigation, it does set
out several facts which indicate the general plan of the universe and
furnish a basis for scientific research. Among the more important
things indicated are that: (1) There was a beginning of things. (2)
Things did not come by chance. (3) There is a Creator who continues to
take interest in and control the universe. (4) There was orderly
progress in creation from the less and more simple to the greater and
more complex. (5) Everything else was brought into existence for man
who is the crowning work of creation.

The Religious Importance of the Book. The germ of all truth which is
unfolded in the scripture is found in Genesis and to know well this
book is to know God's plan for the blessing of man. Above all we learn
about the nature and work of God.

Analysis.

Note. In an ordinary academy class I would not tax the students with
the memory of more than the general divisions indicated by the Roman
notation, I, etc. But, in this, and all other outlines, drill the
class till these divisions, with the scripture included, are known
perfectly. I would also try to fix some event mentioned in each
section.

I. Creation, Chs. 1-2.

1. Creation in general, Ch. 1.

2. Creation of man in particular, Ch. 2.

II. Fall. Ch. 3.

1 Temptation, 1-5.

2. Fall, 6-8.

3. Lord's appearance, 9-13.

4. Curse, 14-21. 5. Exclusion from the garden, 22-24.

III. Flood, Chs. 4-9.
1.