Ancient Secular History. When history first opens its doors to us outside of the Bible pages we are faced by the chronological conjecture of modern excavators in Egypt, Babylonia and Assyria. The conclusions of these scientists need not alarm us or cause a weakening of our faith, for while they generally unite in announcing a civilization thousands of years before the accepted time of Adam’s birth upon the earth, we may comfort ourselves with the reflection that these same scientists have long refused to accept any Scriptural historical facts until forced to do so in recent times by discoveries in ancient remains. Furthermore, chronology is a study of modern times. The ancient and medieval peoples gave little attention to it. The fragmentary records of ancient times do not enable historians of our time to distinguish contemporary dynasties clearly from consecutive dynasties of kings. Excavations of ancient cities are constantly bringing this condition to light. And hence the chronology of the world is ever drawing nearer to that of the Bible. Mind you, we refer to historical data and not to the conjectures and theories of men. They generally neglect, too, this sacred historical truth that besides God’s being the Father of Adam, He was also his teacher in such things as religion and language. As Enoch wrote, “For a book of remembrance, we have written among us, according to the pattern given by the finer of God; and it is given in our own language” (See Pearl of Great Price). Therefore, our students will accept the data concerning Egypt, Babylon and Assyria with whatsoever mental reservations may be necessary. In this lesson we will consider the ancient descendants of Ham, the second son of Noah.