PREFACE.

ALMOST every child has read or heard. of Naaman, the captain of the king of Some may have listened to the

Syria. story without thinking why GOD had it written in His holy word. The following pages are intended to shew dear young

children that it was written for their sakes as well as for grown-up people; and it is hoped that they will not only be pleased in reading, but be helped to understand why we are told that Naaman

was a leper, and that, when, in obedience to the Prophet he washed, he was made clean.

May all that read this Book be brought to wash in a far better stream than that of Jordan; may they be taught by the Holy Spirit that "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin," and, coming to that fountain in faith, may they BELIEVE AND BE HEALED.

Ysledon, February 1849.

J. S. A.

THE SYRIAN NOBLE;

OR,

Believe and Be Healed.

CHAPTER I.

"Many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus (or Elisha) the prophet; and none of them was cleansed saving Naaman the Syrian."- Luke iv. 27.

"WHAT is a leper, Uncle?" said a little girl, who had been reading that chapter of the Bible which tells about Naaman the great captain of the King of Syria, the captive maid of Israel, and that man of God the Prophet Elisha.

"I will tell you, Phebe; but not all at once: for I have been thinking that this very chapter will give me enough to talk about to you for many afternoons to come. But when you were told the story of the Good Shepherd,

B

we did not take any notice of your Cousin Walter. This time I mean to admit him into

our party.

"You have often read this story about Naaman, I dare say; but as there is a great difference between only reading and really understanding what we read, I think we may see whether we cannot find out what God means us to learn from this part of His holy word.

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Perhaps, Walter, you can read what St. Paul said about the Bible, when he wrote to Timothy; you will find it in the 3d chapter of the 2d Epistle, from the 14th verse."

W. "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in right