vi 



PREFACE. 



whom had borne a noble part in encouraging investigations in the 

 interests of Truth. It is with regret, moreover, that we record the 

 death, quite recently, of Eev. J. Iverach Munro, author of a paper 

 in the present volume ; also of Rev. Professor J. Hope Moulton, 

 who contributed to volume XL VII a learned essay on "The 

 Zoroastrian Conception of a Future Life." The last-named died on 

 his way home from India, from the efJects of exposure, following 

 upon the sinking of his ship through attack by an enemy submarine. 



In days when serious people are much occupied with thoughts of 

 Divine Providence — realizing on the one hand that God is righteous 

 and prayer-hearing, and on the other hand that He visits retributive 

 justice upon those who oppose His will — the Institute should receive 

 a large accession of new supporters. 



Moreover, as we look forward to the new times foreshadowed by 

 the very practical watchword "Reconstruction," how can we help 

 but cherish, and seek to conserve, to the utmost of our power, the 

 things that are essential to faith, and make for stability of character, 

 alike with the individual and the nation 1 Such things are the vital 

 concern of the Victoria Institute, and it is the care of the Council 

 to see them represented in due proportion and order in each annual 

 programme. 



In War-time, as in other times, the aim of the Institute is to 

 trace the Hand of God in the world, and to vindicate His ways 

 among men. 



James W. Thirtle, Editor. 



