Lady Mary Ross addresses her young readers directly in the preface, explaining that this fourth volume treats the New Testament differently from her earlier Old Testament books. She aims to sketch the earthly life of Christ and draw attention to important points, while acknowledging that the Gospels' language is so clear that details are better read from Scripture itself. The work is structured as a series of chapters, each focusing on a specific event or teaching, from John the Baptist's birth through the Resurrection and beyond. Ross also includes a sketch of Jewish history after the New Testament period, extending the narrative beyond the Gospels.

A Grandmother's Narrative Voice

The author adopts a conversational, explanatory tone throughout, as if speaking directly to a child. For example, when describing Saul's escape from Damascus, she writes: 'the disciples of course knew that the Lord could work a miracle, to save one who was chosen to be a preacher of the Gospel; but they also knew that it is the duty of man in all cases, to take proper means for his own safety.' This blend of theological reflection and practical advice is characteristic. Ross frequently inserts clarifying asides, such as explaining that 'he assayed (or attempted) to join himself to the disciples.' These parenthetical definitions suggest she expected her young audience to encounter unfamiliar vocabulary.

Historical Digressions as Teaching Tools

Ross embeds historical context into the biblical narrative, often pausing to explain political and geographical details. In the account of Saul's conversion, she devotes several paragraphs to the war between Aretas and Herod Antipas, the role of the Roman governor Vitellius, and the capture of Damascus. She notes that 'people living in one city, knew very little of what was going on in others at a distance,' using this to explain why the apostles in Jerusalem were unaware of Saul's conversion. These digressions serve to make the biblical story more plausible and to teach history alongside scripture.

Selective Emphasis on Key Episodes

The table of contents reveals a deliberate selection of episodes: from the birth of John the Baptist to the unbelief of Thomas, with later chapters covering Paul's ministry and the Jewish war. Ross does not attempt to cover every Gospel event; she omits many parables and miracles, focusing instead on the life of Christ and the early church. In the preface, she states it was 'impossible to dwell particularly upon the details of every Miracle, Parable, and Conversation.' This selectivity allows her to maintain a clear narrative thread while keeping the book's length manageable for young readers.

The Sketch of Jewish History

The subtitle promises 'a Sketch of the Subsequent History of the Jews,' and the later excerpts show Ross fulfilling this promise. She traces events from the destruction of Jerusalem to later dispersions, integrating them with the New Testament story. This extension beyond the Gospels gives the book a broader historical scope than a simple harmony of the Gospels. Ross's treatment of Jewish history is factual and sympathetic, avoiding polemic. She presents the Jewish people's experiences as part of God's providential plan, consistent with her overall theological framework.

Readers approaching this book should expect a patient, explanatory style that moves through the New Testament chronologically, with frequent pauses for historical background. The grandmotherly persona is consistent, but the content is substantive, drawing on biblical scholarship of the period. The sketch of Jewish history provides a unique closing section not found in most Gospel harmonies. This edition is best read alongside a Bible, as Ross repeatedly directs her audience to consult the scriptural text itself.