Volume 3 of 3. The Captivity to the Christian Era. Throughout these volumes, the author endeavored to bear in mind three main objects, to-wit. Firstly, the work must be regarded not as a history, but as lectures. This mode of instruction appeared to be specially adapted to the subjects which Stanley treats. Secondly, he wished to present the main characters and events of the sacred narrative in a form as nearly historical as the facts of the case will admit. And thirdly, it was his intention to make these lectures strictly ecclesiastical. The history of the Jewish race, language and antiquities belongs to other departments.