PREFACE. THE HE papers and discussions comprised in this volume-the 45th of the series--cover a wide range of investigation and thought. If topics that are specifically Biblical in their bearing predominate, it is not to the exclusion of singularly attractive subjects that have philosophical and scientific relations. In every instance the papers are worthy of being classed as substantial contributions to their particular department of inquiry and observation. Dr. Flournoy's Gunning Prize Essay, on "The Bearing of Archæological and Historical Research upon the New Testament" is a valuable and distinctive feature of the present volume; and the same may be said of Mr. Sutton's Annual Address" From Suez to Sinai," which throws vivid and welcome light upon a great Biblical episode. Thanks are tendered to the writers of the papers, also to those supporters of the Institute who contributed to the discussions, either by spoken or written communications. For the purposes of the volume the papers and discussions have had the benefit of careful revision and correction; and it is believed that, in a high degree, they will serve the constructive purposes of the Institute. In response to special demands, several of the papers have been given an independent circulation; while the Gunning Prize Essay has been translated into other languages, and thus has been used for the confirmation of Christian people in distant lands. Since January last, 5 new Members and 22 new Associates have been received; and the deepening interest which has been 260953 noted in recent years has been well sustained. With the valued co-operation of Members and Associates, the Council trust that the Institute will continue to advance, and thus prove instrumental in strengthening the cause of God and Truth throughout the wide area of its influence. During the year the Institute has been deprived of a number of valued supporters through death. Among those whose help is thus lost, are: The Earl Nelson, the Ven. Archdeacon Kaye, Mr. R. Bruce Foote, Mr. S. Joshua Cooper, Member of Council, and Mr. F. S. Bishop, Member of Council and Secretary. The last-named died suddenly in July last, after long years of practical interest in the work of the Institute and three years of unremitting labour as Secretary. He was a man of strong faith, abounding in good works; and the Institute is at the present time exerting an enlarged influence as the outcome of his work-wherein sound judgment and patient application were combined in the cheerful discharge of the known will of God. I responded without hesitation to the call of the Committee to edit the present volume, relying upon the co-operation of the Assistant Secretary, Mr. A. E. Montague, which has made my work comparatively light. J. W. THIRTLE, Member of Council. THE FACT OF PREDICTION. BY THE REV. JOHN URQUHART REV. E. SEELEY, MR. DAVID HOWARD, V.P., REV. W. H. HECHLER, DR. HEYWOOD SMITH, MR. E. WALTER MAUNDER, MR. J. GRAHAM, MR. C. S. CAMPBELL, PROFESSOR H. LANGHORNE ORCHARD. VISION, IN SACRED AND OTHER HISTORY. BY THE REV. J. H. POMPEII LIFE IN THE FIRST CENTURY, A.D. BY MR. E. J. |