xii INTRODUCTION 



in a vague way, but which through study he will now 

 learn to observe more carefully; Part III, with the — 

 to him — unknown wonders of Geology; and Part IV, 

 with the history of mankind, in a series of stories 

 which should open his eyes to the vast possibilities 

 in the life of each individual and in the life of the 

 race. In this last section of the book, which describes 

 man's first appearance upon the earth and follows his 

 material progress as well as his mental and spiritual 

 growth, the lessons in Astronomy are included, be- 

 cause the knowledge of that science shows, perhaps 

 more than any of the others, the growth and power 

 of man's mind. 



The lessons in Parts I and II are designed not alone 

 to teach children some important facts, but to show 

 them those facts in such a way as to win respect for 

 the forms of hfe which all human beings, children as 

 well as older people, are accustomed to think of as 

 beneath them. Whatever the child learns to look 

 upon with affectionate interest he will treat with 

 respect. Trees, plants and flowers, as well as insects 

 and animals, will not only receive protection from 

 him but, quite unconsciously perhaps, he wdll take 

 them into his daily life as friends. This friendly feel- 

 ing for nature in her different aspects will broaden 

 and deepen his whole being and help him to become 

 one with God in spirit. 



The story of the formation of the earth and of the 

 coming of life as told in Part III may yield a lifetime 

 of happiness and of religious faith to the student. He 

 will learn with amazement that such familiar forces 

 as the rain and the frost have been used to build the 



