PREFACE 



THE 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 philosox:)hical and scientific 

 relations. In every instance the papers are worthy of being 

 classed as substantial contributions to their particular depart- 

 ment of inquiry and observation. 



Dr. Flournoy's Gunning Prize Essay, on " The Bearing of 

 Archaeological and Historical Kesearch 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 



