Well, now I have got at the meaning of the text, I am going to try and illustrate it in the simplest way I can. As soon as I had got the real translation, it made me think of something that happens at Christmas time. Every child knows that before he goes to bed he hangs up his stocking; and though he has been doing nothing, but has just been sound asleep, he finds that loving hands and hearts have been busy while he slept. And children, if they think about it, must know this, that it is not Santa Claus that comes down the chimney, but every boy knows these things come from his father. And why do fathers and mothers give things to their little children while they are sound asleep? Because they love them so much. Why are Christmas presents given to little children while they are asleep? I am not at all sure that people know why they do it. One thing is to give them a surprise in the morning. The pleasantness of a present is that you do nothing for it-it is because you had not the least idea what was to happen, and that is why, when they give a toy or a book, parents put it there in the night, and the children know it is altogether their father's or mother's doing. Everything good, one might almost say, is given like that. I wonder if children ever think what they would do without father or mother. You put on your clothes, you have a good dinner and tea, and go to bed. Where does it all come from? Just fancy one of you little girls going into a city to earn your living; how you would have to walk till your feet ached, and you would be ill-used by people that didn't like you. Just think of that. You don't think about it; it's just as if you were sound asleep all the time. Everything your parents give you, they give while you are asleep.

It is thus with a number of the best things that a father or a mother gives; all the securing of respect and obedience-no child can understand the good of that. I know of old men and women who spoke with reverence and thankfulness of their parents, and it was not the presents they gave them, but the habits of obedience they taught, that they felt most grateful to them for. As you get older you get afterwards to see what a wreck you would have made of your life if you had not been taught to deny yourself; and all that fathers and mothers are giving to you, children, and it is just as if you were asleep.

I have told you this about fathers and mothers that you may understand about God.

Jesus Christ spoke a parable in which He said the same thing as is said in this psalm. He said a man goes out and sows the seed, and then goes to bed and sleeps, and rises next morning, and goes on sleeping and waking and doing nothing more. What happens? The seed sprouts and springs up, the sun warms it, the showers nourish it, the grains of corn come, and then in the autumn the man finds the field full of golden grain. Who filled that man's barn with corn? Why, it was God. The man did nothing to it; he put the seed into the ground, nothing more; and so when he looked at his barn he could say-God gave it while I was asleep. The man sleeping-not working. God gives all to His beloved while they are asleep.

I think if we thought a little more, in a more rational fashion, we should see how utterly profitless our labours would be if that great God did not help us. God is the chief partner in your business, you ought to think, and you should almost put His name down in your books as a partner in the concern. The Bible means it truly. God has a right to the biggest part in your profit, because He earned it. Take a farm, take the farmer's work, and take God's work, and estimate both. Which does the largest share?

I

It is not only our food and our houses God gives us when we are asleep, but the better things He gives us too. When I was not thinking of it many of the sweetest friendships that have made life better and brighter have come to me-they were not sought for. Where men give themselves to be guided by God the best things come to them. didn't plan them; they were dropped into my life somehow. When people are converted it is constantly most unexpectedly. Let me tell a pretty story that I have read in a book. A tiny little girl was given to a man, and he did not want or expect her, but she led him to God. The man was a weaver, and poor. He lived among a number of friends, and at his chapel there was a great deal of money lost belonging to the chapel. They could not bring the theft home to any one, but this man was suspected. He grew so miserable he went wandering away to a village a great distance off, and lived there all alone, and never spoke to any one. His heart had been hardened like a stone, his life was so miserable and wretched, and he grew ill. Then he became a miser; his whole heart was wrapped up in gold; every

On the lines of President Harper's Institute in America, and at Dr. Harper's suggestion, Correspondence Classes have been established in this country for the study of the original languages of the Old and New Testaments. The movement is at present under the guidance of Dr. Maclaren of Manchester, and Professor J. T. Marshall, M.A., with whom other scholars and professors are associated.

The need for such classes may not be so great in this country as in America, but it is great enough and deeply enough felt, by men who have entered the ministry as well as others, to give such classes a wide and sincere welcome. We have been asked to co-operate, and have willingly accepted the invitation. It may be found possible in future to bring the Guild and these classes more closely together. Meantime their purposes are distinct. The Guild seeks to encourage the study of Scripture, whether in the original or in the English translation, as members find it convenient-these classes aim to promote a knowledge of the original itself. One step in the direction of co-operation may, however, be taken at once. We shall not promise an examination in June of the portions chosen for the Guild, but shall consider if these examinations may take its place.

The Correspondence Classes will be conducted in the following way :—

The student must first decide which course of study in Hebrew or in Greek, or in both, he intends to begin with. Four courses have been arranged for in Hebrew, and two in Greek. The first course in Hebrew comprises the study of

Grammar and of Genesis i.-iii. The second includes the critical study of Genesis iv.-viii., and selected passages of 1 Samuel, Ruth, and Jonah. The third covers Exodus i.-xxiv., and includes questions in archæology and exegesis. The fourth aims at the thorough mastery of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

The books required for all the courses are Harper's Introductory Hebrew Method and Manual (D. Nutt, 6s.), and Harper's Elements of Hebrew (D. Nutt, 7s. 6d.).

In Greek, the first course comprises a knowledge of the Grammar and the study of John i.-iv. The text-book is Harper and Weidner's Introductory New Testament Greek Method (D. Nutt, 7s. 6d.). The second course includes the critical study of John v.-xxi., and the First Epistle of John.

Having chosen his course, the student will send his name and fee (21s. for each of Courses I. and II., and 25s. for each of the others) to Professor J. T. Marshall, M.A., Fallowfield, Manchester. His name will be enrolled, and he will receive the first sheet of printed questions, which will be his best guide to the nature of the study required. When he is in a position to answer these questions, he will send them to Professor Marshall. They will be corrected and explained by their proper examiner, and returned as speedily as possible, accompanied by another sheet of questions. There are forty such question sheets in each course.

Those are the main points, and will suffice for the present. With hearty recommendation, we refer our biblical students to Professor Marshall for his prospectus and advice.

Israel as well as their life, and even to pass beyond them to other lands and other peoples, wherever they touched upon the nation of Israel. Accordingly the expression "Biblical Archæology" is used in a wide, somewhat indefinite, but quite intelligible sense, to include all literature that describes the people of Israel or their country, or any of the nations or countries with whom the Israelites came in contact, or from whom their life may receive illustration.

Books in Biblical Archæology, using the expression in this latter sense, have recently come in upon us like a flood. For travel and discovery and the criticism of the Old Testament have met together, though it cannot be said that they have kissed each other, and it has become a somewhat urgent necessity to make a discrimination among the literature which their most interesting meeting has called forth.

Two of the more recent books seek to cover the whole field. One of them has been briefly noticed already (RECENT EXPLORATIONS IN BIBLE LANDS. By the Rev. Thomas Nicol, B.D. Edinburgh: Young. Crown 8vo, pp. 76. 1892. Is.). A better book for holding up one's first steps in Biblical Archæology could not be desired. It is as clear in its style as it is trustworthy in its statement; and it covers its ground within a hundred pages without haste or confusion. The other volume (BURIED CITIES AND BIBLE COUNTRIES. By George St. Clair, F.G.S. Kegan Paul. Crown 8vo, pp. 378. 1891. 5s.) has a narrower sweep, but it enters into much greater detail. Though less terse in expression, it is not less trustworthy in statement. There are more traces of personal enthusiasm in the subject, for Mr. Nicol found no space for the personal element. Then Mr. St. Clair's volume contains some exceedingly useful illustrations and several good maps; and it is itself something of a guide to the literature of the subject, since each chapter ends with a brief list of "Authorities and Sources."

Two other volumes should be mentioned in this place. The first is one of the earliest of the "By-paths of Bible Knowledge" series (FRESH LIGHT FROM THE ANCIENT MONUMENTS. By A. H. Sayce, LL.D. Religious Tract Society. Crown 8vo, pp. 160. Seventh edition. 1892. 3S.). Though getting old (for a year or two makes a book old in this striding subject) it is a true book, and can never be out of date. The second is the very latest in the same series, and it is written by the same author (THE RACES OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. Pp. 180. 1891. 35.). The subject is new; much of the book is pioneer work; but it is the work of a strong arm, and it is enriched with fine reproductions of Mr. Flinders Petrie's excellent photographs.

EGYPT.

We have had our beginner's book for the whole subject for Egypt, in particular, it is Budge's DWELLERS ON THE NILE (R. T. S. Crown 8vo, pp. 206. Third edition. 1891. 3s.). It is another of the "By-paths." We were glad to see it recommended the other day in this very aspect by an evidently high authority in the Athenæum. But it is a student's book.

The reader's book is the volume on Ancient Egypt in the "Story of the Nations" series (ANCIENT EGYPT. By George Rawlinson, M.A. Fisher Unwin. Crown 8vo, pp. xxi, 408. 1890. 5s.). Professor Rawlinson's book is written to be read. And with comfort it may indeed be read, for this is Professor Rawlinson's great gift. And perhaps the ordinary beginner will know as much at the end of it as when he has studied Mr. Wallis Budge. They are both well and pleasantly illustrated.

But the history of Egypt is not found in either of those pleasant books. It is found in Brugsch's EGYPT UNDER THE PHARAOHS (John Murray. 8vo, pp. xxviii, 469. New edition. 1891. 18s.). Old Brugsch in its two bulky volumes was our most thoroughgoing history of Egypt, and new Brugsch in one volume is better than the old. Where some of the old book has gone we know, for there were surmises and speculations which more digging has proved mistaken. But we cannot account for it all in that way, and we owe a debt of gratitude for the self-restraint that has pruned away the garrulity and left the history. It is an altogether delightful volume, well written, well printed, well bound. And again we say, it is the history of Egypt.

Yet a still more beautiful volume is that which follows. It is the new edition of Professor Piazzi Smyth's OUR INHERITANCE IN THE GREAT PYRAMID (Charles Burnet & Co. 8vo, pp. xx, 452. 1890. 16s.). Into its special subject it is needless now to enter. The book has reached its fifth edition, and the point of it ought to be known to all who will find an interest in it. But this new edition is worthy of the most special commendation. Its twenty-five delicate plates, its 450 pages of clear printing, and its artistic and striking cover, will certainly commend it to all book-lovers; while its subject is here presented in the most accessible form in which we have yet received it.

Many travellers have ascended the Nile as well as Canon Bell (A WINTER ON THE NILE. Hodder & Stoughton. Crown 8vo, pp. xv, 336. Second edition. 1889. 6s.), and they have seen the things he saw, and their wisdom will die with them. But Canon Bell has remembered those who stay at home, and has generously divided the spoil. Much goodly spoil he has divided with them. But he has also made them feel that the joy of the battle is better than all the spoil that is gathered, and it cannot be carried home or shared with another.

The two remaining little books have been already mentioned in these pages. They are Tomkins' LIFE AND TIMES OF JOSEPH, and Flinders Petrie's TEN YEARS' DIGGING IN EGYPT. Both are published by the Religious Tract Society. Both are well illustrated. Both deal with Egypt; and both tell their story with a lover's enthusiasm.

And now, being on the way towards Palestine, this is the fitting place for Sir J. William Dawson's EGYPT AND SYRIA (R. T. S. Crown 8vo, pp. 211. Third edition. 1892. 3s.). It is a geologist's book. In the winter of 1883-84, Sir William Dawson travelled in Egypt and Palestine to examine the less known features of the geology. He had the equally clear intention of using his discoveries to illustrate and confirm the Old and New Testament Scriptures. And this little book is the pleasant result.

Here also may come THE HITTITES, by Professor Sayce (R. T. S Crown 8vo, pp. 150.

Second edition. 1890. 2s. 6d.). Though one of the latest written, and admirably written, it is perhaps the least abiding of all the series to which it belongs. For in this subject no one knows at present what a day may bring forth. One thing only is certain, that we are in the midst of discovery and speculation.

And here also shall come one of the most beautiful books in the present survey. It is a quarto of only 68 pages, and it costs a guinea. Moreover it is not worth a penny to the great majority of those even who find an interest in Biblical Archæology. Its title is BIBLICAL FRAGMENTS FROM MOUNT SINAI; its author, Professor J. Rendel Harris; and it is issued from the Cambridge University Press. Page after page it has nothing Page after page it has nothing but fragments of almost untranslatable Greek. But they are precious fragments, wrought out with long-suffering ability from the MSS. of St.

Catherine's Convent, and now generously edited and generously printed for the few who will buy and cherish them. Yet there are compensations both to Professor Harris and to the Syndics of the University Press in the issue of such a volume as this, for they who do buy will most assuredly cherish.

PALESTINE.

In the "Handbooks for Bible Classes" there is a little book on PALESTINE, by Dr. Archibald Henderson (T. & T. Clark. Crown 8vo, pp. x, 221. 1885. 2s. 6d.). It is the only introduction. to the whole subject yet published. The full title is "Palestine: its Historical Geography, with topographical Index and Maps," and that title sufficiently describes the method and aim of the work. In all these matters Dr. Henderson finds his element, and he cannot but write well and learnedly.

Portions of the land are covered in three little books. First, we have RECENT DISCOVERIES ON THE TEMPLE HILL AT JERUSALEM, by the Rev. J. King, M.A. (R. T. S. Crown 8vo, pp. 192. Fourth edition. 1891. 2s. 6d.). It tells in most interesting detail the fascinating story of the Temple Hill excavations. Then there is Mr. Callan's little volume in the "Primer" series, THE STORY OF JERUSALEM (T. & T. Clark. 12mo, pp. 96. 1891. 6d.), a marvellously complete history of that long-honoured and much-suffering city. And, lastly, Dr. Selah Merill's GALILEE IN THE TIME OF CHRIST, another of the "By-paths" series (R. T. S. Crown 8vo, pp. 144. Third edition. 1891. 2s. 6d.), less entrancing, perhaps, but more reverent than the chapter in Hausrath; a useful and convenient handbook to the study of the Synoptic Gospels.

Of the "Travellers' Tales," four are selected. The most piquant and original is the CRADLE OF CHRISTIANITY, by the Rev. D. M. Ross, M.A. (Hodder & Stoughton. Crown 8vo, pp. xv, 256. 1891. 5s.), which has already had its word of welcome here. More conventional is Canon Bell's GLEANINGS FROM A TOUR IN PALESTINE AND THE

EAST (Hodder & Stoughton. Crown 8vo, pp. xii, 362. Second edition. 1889. 6s.). It is quite an old-fashioned book, with its unpretending woodcuts and scraps of well-known hymns; but it is up to date nevertheless.

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